Public and International Affairs

Public Administration, M.P.A.

The 36-credit Master of Public Administration program is designed to build the knowledge base and skills of people who are playing, or who intend to play, a leadership role in organizations that develop or implement public policy. The curriculum consists of eight required courses and four electives. In the required courses, emphasis is placed on the development of knowledge about public policy and management, as well as analytical problem solving and communication skills. Elective courses can be used by students to focus their knowledge and skill development within one of the following eleven concentrations: public management, policy studies, public and nonprofit finance, nonprofit management, international management, state and local government, environmental science and public policy, human resources management, health policy and administration, administration of justice, and information policy and administration. Alternatively, the electives can be used to extend the breadth of a student's study, with courses drawn from a variety of concentrations or even from other departments and schools within the university.

M.P.A. students at George Mason have the research and cultural resources of the Washington, D.C. area at their disposal. Government agencies representing all levels of government in the U.S. federal system are located close to the campus, as are the National Archives, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institution. Another benefit of George Mason's location for M.P.A. students is the wide range of internship opportunities available in governmental and nonprofit organizations. The M.P.A. program regularly has internship invitations from national, state, and local government organizations, as well as from nonprofit organizations whose principal work is at the local, state, national, or international levels. Many of these internships are paid positions.

M.P.A. courses are delivered at both the Fairfax and Arlington Campuses during the week at 1:30, 4:30, and 7:20 p.m. Classes are also offered during the weekend in an accelerated format, meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays every other weekend for eight weeks. The Arlington Campus is located near a Metro stop, which makes it easily accessible for those who work in Washington, D.C. The Fairfax Campus can be reached by taking a bus from the Metro. Parking is available at both the Fairfax and Arlington Campuses.

Completion of the M.P.A. can lead to a variety of postgraduate opportunities, including the Presidential Management Internship. With more than 750 alumni, the M.P.A. program can also serve as a valuable source for networking and job placement. Additionally, the M.P.A. can serve as a key credential in the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Public Policy, offered by the School of Public Policy at George Mason University.

Application and Admission

Students may start the M.P.A. program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The Admissions Committee considers an application as soon as the file is complete. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. A complete application file consists of the following:

1. The graduate application form

2. Two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended

3. A resume listing work experience and volunteer activity

4. Three letters of recommendation

5. A statement of professional goals

6. Test scores from the GRE, Miller Analogies Test, GMAT, or LSAT

If the applicant's undergraduate GPA is 3.300 or higher, the applicant may petition the Admissions Committee for a waiver of the examination. However, to be considered for financial aid, all applicants must submit a GRE score. Applicants who already have a graduate degree in another field may also petition the Admissions Committee for a waiver of the examination requirement.

An individual with an outstanding academic record and clear interest in public policy research may apply for joint admission to the M.P.A. program and the Ph.D. in Public Policy program. For more information, contact the M.P.A. coordinator at (703) 993-1411.

Transfer of Credits

Students may request transfer credit for graduate courses taken at other accredited universities or colleges, for courses recommended for graduate credit by A.C.E. or for courses taken through Extended Studies at George Mason. Transfer credit is subject to university policies, and must be approved by the M.P.A. program and the dean. Petitions for more than 6 credits taken while enrolled through Extended Studies are strongly discouraged. Students who enroll initially through Extended Studies are advised to submit their application to the M.P.A. program in their first semester of study.

Program Requirements

All students are required to take eight M.P.A. core courses. These courses give students the opportunity to develop a shared knowledge base and a shared set of skills. The courses are focused on the knowledge and skills that are needed by people who want to play a leadership role in organizations that develop and implement public policy.

• PUAD 502 Administration in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
• PUAD 611 Problem Solving and Data Analysis I
• PUAD 612 Problem Solving and Data Analysis II
• PUAD 620 Organization Theory and Management Behavior
• PUAD 640 Public Policy Process
• PUAD 660 Public and Nonprofit Accounting and Finance
• PUAD 680 Managing Information Resources
• PUAD 700 Ethics and Public Administration

Students may take their elective courses within one of the concentrations listed below. Alternatively, with the approval of their advisor, students may create their own concentration, or they may select their elective courses from several concentrations or fields. Students may receive only one concentration.