Phone: 703-993-1400
Web: pia.gmu.edu
Robinson Professors: Heclo, Paden
Emeritus faculty: Brown, Clark, Early, Gortner, Hart-Nibbrig, Knight, White
Professors: Cioffi-Revilla, Conant, Conlan, Druckman, Dudley (chair), Katz, Posner, Regan, Sockett, Wan, Wilsford
Associate professors: Burt, Hackler, Harbour, Lukacs, Mahler, Mandaville, McDonald, McFerson, Nguyen, Sacco, Snyder, Toepler, Travis
Assistant professors: Balint, Benjamin, Brigety, Dueck, Koblentz, McGlinchey, Miller, Tsvetovat
Term assistant professors: Burroughs, Bushée, Robbins, Walker
Adjuncts: Becelia, Butler, Combs, Day, Dinella, Fant, Froehlich, Ghosh, Hall, Hauss, Heniff, Long, Maslyn, Raffety, Sauer, Shafroth, Shiraev, Stahl, Swanson, Tadie, Taylor, Tibbets, Vance, Willett
Affiliate faculty: Casamayou, Connolly, Edner, Shogan
The Public and International Affairs Department offers all course work designated BIOD, GOVT, and PUAD in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog.
BA-GVIP
In addition to satisfying university-wide general education requirements and requirements for the BA degree in CHSS, students pursuing this degree must complete the course work distributed as follows:
With permission of an advisor, 9 credits of GOVT 480 and 496 may be substituted for government field courses. Only 3 credits of GOVT 480 and 6 credits of GOVT 496 may be substituted for major requirements. GOVT 490 may not be applied to a field requirement or concentration.
Only courses passed with a grade of C (2.00) or better may be used to fulfill major requirements.
With careful planning, some courses required for the major may also fulfill general education requirements or college-level requirements for the BA. See an advisor before registering.
Students may choose to concentrate in one of the four advanced government fields by completing five courses in that field. They must still complete 3 credits in each of the other three fields.
Five courses (15 credits) chosen from GOVT 301–319, 400–419
Five courses (15 credits) chosen from GOVT 320–329, 420–429, 470–472
Five courses (15 credits) chosen from GOVT 330–349, 430–449
Five courses (15 credits) chosen from GOVT 350–369, 450–469
BS-PUAD
In addition to satisfying university-wide general education requirements, students majoring in public administration must complete the following. With careful planning, some courses required for the major may also fulfill university general education requirements. See an advisor before registering.
Only courses passed with a grade of C (2.00) or better may be used to fulfill major requirements (which include GOVT courses, major supporting courses, and Option A or B courses). The following courses can be applied to only one major requirement: IT/STAT250; GOVT 343, 358, and 464.
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in government and international politics, and public administration may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing the 300-level GOVT courses in their major programs.
Qualified students majoring in government and international politics, and public administration may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors from the Department of Public and International Affairs. Those highly qualified students selected for the honors program participate in a two-course sequence, GOVT 491 and 496. To graduate with honors, students must complete these courses with a GPA of at least 3.00.
Students who plan to seek teacher licensure and become K–12 teachers should consult the College of Education and Human Development chapter and attend an information session early in their undergraduate career. For more information, call 703-993-2892, e-mail gseadmit@gmu.edu, or go to gse.gmu.edu.
The department coordinates the interdisciplinary minors in Asia-Pacific studies, global systems, and urban and suburban studies. It participates with the Philosophy Department in the minor in political philosophy. See the Interdisciplinary Minors section in this chapter for descriptions.
For policies governing all minors, see the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog. In accordance with university policy, at least 8 credits must be applied only to the minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student’s major, concentration, or another minor. All courses applied to any minor offered by public and international affairs require a grade of C (2.00) or better.
This minor develops knowledge of the principles, institutions, and behaviors of the American political system.
Students pursuing this minor must complete 18 credits in government distributed as follows:
This minor increases students’ awareness of the regions and current issues of the world on theoretical and practical levels.
Students pursuing this minor must complete 18 credits in government distributed as follows:
This minor focuses on the constitutional foundations, interpretation, processes, and functions of domestic and international law.
Students pursuing this minor must complete 18 credits in government distributed as follows:
This minor introduces students to the theory and process of policy formulation and implementation in the political and governmental arena.
Students pursuing this minor must complete 18 credits in government distributed as follows:
Highly qualified undergraduates may apply to the accelerated master’s degree program and obtain both BA and MA degrees after satisfactory completion of 150 credits. Well-prepared undergraduates are encouraged to apply as they near completion of 90 credits. Admitted students are able to use up to 6 graduate credits in partial fulfillment of requirements for the undergraduate degree. On completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree with satisfactory performance (3.00 in each course, grade of B or better) in graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master’s program. All other master’s degree requirements must be met.
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and submit an application, two letters of recommendation (preferably from professors), and a résumé. The one-page application can be obtained at the graduate admissions desk in the Department of Public and International Affairs.
Highly qualified undergraduates may apply to the accelerated master’s degree program and obtain both BS and MPA degrees after satisfactory completion of 150 credits. Well-prepared undergraduates are encouraged to apply as they near completion of 90 credits. Admitted students are able to use up to 6 graduate credits in partial fulfillment of requirements for the undergraduate degree. On completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree with satisfactory performance (3.00 in each course, grade of B or better) in graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master’s program. All other master’s degree requirements must be met.
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher and submit an application, two letters of recommendation (preferably from professors), and a résumé. The one-page application can be obtained at the graduate admissions desk in the Department of Public and International Affairs.
MS-BIOD
The MS in biodefense provides students with a foundation in the science and technology of biodefense and the opportunity to specialize in the areas of intelligence and threat assessment, nonproliferation, and medical and public health preparedness. Students are able to select a concentration in one of two fields: international security or homeland security.
Students must meet the admission standards and application requirements of the university. See the Graduate Admission Policies section of the catalog. Because of the breadth of the program, students with backgrounds in science or other areas, such as international affairs, political science, law, public policy, and conflict resolution, are encouraged to apply. In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit:
Students must successfully complete 37 credits distributed as follows:
Students may elect to take their elective courses within one of the concentrations listed below.
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from BIOD 620, 621, 622, 705, 706, 709, 722, 725, 760, 761; GOVT 641, 741, 745, 843; PUAD 504, 701, 727
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from BIOD 710, 722, 723, 725, 726, 751, 752, 760, 761, 766, 767; GOVT 510, 706, 755; PUAD 631, 635, 727, 731, 750; PUBP 757, 758; PHIL 642
Students are strongly encouraged to take the core courses as early as possible because they provide the foundation for the rest of the program. The schedule of courses that students plan on taking should be approved in an education plan designed by the students and their advisor during the student’s first semester. Students must receive the permission of their advisor to take courses outside of the Biodefense Program.
To graduate from the MS in Biodefense Program, students must complete a substantial research paper to demonstrate the ability to conduct original, independent research. This goal can be achieved in two ways: a research project or a thesis. The objectives of both the research project and thesis are to serve as a capstone for the student’s graduate education and to demonstrate the student’s research, analytical, and writing skills. Both options require the student to produce a substantial and original contribution to the fields of biodefense or biosecurity on the model of a paper suitable for presentation at a scholarly conference or an article in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal.
PHD-BIOD
The PhD program in biodefense is designed to prepare students to serve as scholars and professionals in the fields of biodefense and biosecurity. The program integrates knowledge of natural and man-made biological threats with the skills to develop and analyze policies and strategies for enhancing biosecurity. Other areas of biodefense including nonproliferation, intelligence and threat assessment, and medical and public health preparedness are integral parts of the program.
Students must meet the admission standards and application requirements of the university. See the Graduate Admission Policies section of the catalog. Because of the breadth of the program, students with backgrounds in science and other areas, such as international affairs, political science, law, public policy, and conflict resolution, are encouraged to apply. In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit:
Students pursuing this degree must successfully complete a minimum of 72 graduate credits distributed as follows:
Once enrolled in 998, a student must maintain continuous registration in 998 or 999 each semester until the dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the University Library.
Students are strongly encouraged to take the core courses as early as possible because they provide the foundation for the rest of the program. The schedule of courses that students plan on taking should be approved in an education plan designed by the students and their advisor during the student’s first semester. Students may take up to 12 credits of courses outside of the Biodefense Program. Students must obtain the permission of their advisor to take such courses. Consult with the graduate program director or coordinator for a list of BIOD electives and approved non-BIOD electives that can be used to fulfill these concentration and distribution requirements. Some electives can be counted for more than one concentration. The same course, however, cannot be used to fulfill requirements in more than one concentration.
Students entering the doctoral program with a master’s degree or other graduate credit may be able to apply up to 30 credits toward PhD requirements. The number of credits that will be accepted will be approved by the director of the Biodefense Program. Students and their advisor will make a recommendation to the director as to how many credits should be accepted and toward which requirements they will be counted. At minimum, the last 42 of the 72 credits for the PhD must be earned in the program. University standards for prior course credits and reduction of credit are described in the Academic Policies/Graduate Policies section of this catalog.
Following completion of all required course work, students are required to take a qualifying exam. On successful completion, the student is advanced to candidacy and may select a dissertation committee. The student must offer a successful public defense of the dissertation proposal before registering for 999 dissertation credits. Students must present the results of the dissertation research to their dissertation committee in a seminar and defend their dissertation to the university community. Successful completion of a dissertation is contingent on approval of the dissertation committee and the dean.
MA-POS
This 36-credit degree program prepares students for advanced work in political science, teaching, and research about government; a career in government and politics; and work in domestic and international nongovernmental organizations. Students may specialize in American government and politics, international relations, or comparative politics. In addition, interdisciplinary opportunities allow students to take up to 9 credits in related fields such as history or public policy.
The program is made up of four core courses in political science, two required seminars in a field of specialization, advanced seminars in the Department of Public and International Affairs, and elective courses in other departments.
The MA degree is the first step in an engaging and stimulating career. Students develop a deeper understanding of political ideas and institutions, more sophisticated research skills, a better grasp of the intricacies of governments abroad, and a deeper knowledge of the complexities of international politics. This degree can lead to a career teaching about government; working with legislative bodies, government agencies, and international organizations; or doing research and writing about politics and government.
Admission is in the fall and spring. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. In addition to university graduate application requirements, applicants to the master’s in political science should submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from recent professors; GRE scores; résumé listing employment and volunteer work; and a statement of interests and career goals. A writing sample is strongly recommended.
Students complete 36 credits distributed as follows:
Up to 9 credits of course work from other departments may be selected to complement the specialization and reflect the ideas, institutions, or processes of contemporary governance. Courses should be approved in an education plan designed by students and their advisor. Students who wish to begin or alter their career in government and politics are encouraged to take a 3-credit internship in their area of interest. Internships can be arranged through the Department of Public and International Affairs.
PHD-POS
The PhD program is designed to prepare students for teaching and conducting research about government, careers in government and politics, and work in domestic and international nongovernmental organizations. The program allows students to combine their academic education with experience in the kinds of complex domestic and international political organizations they are studying. This model for political science education, patterned after the American Political Science Association’s Congressional Fellows Program, is designed to foster scholarship and a firsthand understanding of domestic and international institutions such as think tanks, international bodies, nongovernmental organizations, journals of political opinion, and congressional and executive branch offices.
Applications will be accepted for the fall semester only. In addition to university graduate admissions requirements, applicants should submit three letters of recommendation from faculty members or those who can evaluate the applicant’s academic potential, a statement of purpose of study, GRE scores, and a writing sample such as a full-length research paper. Usually, GRE scores up to five years old may be used.
The degree requires 72 credits of course work divided among core courses, advanced courses in the student’s major and minor fields, supporting courses that can be outside the department, research methods courses, courses in political theory, experiential learning, and dissertation guidance. The program allows students to specialize in one of four major fields: American government and politics, international relations, comparative politics, or public administration.
The course work is distributed as follows:
Altogether, up to 12 credits may be taken in other departments to fulfill minority portions of any of the requirements, including the methodology requirement.
Once enrolled in 998, a student must maintain continuous registration in 998 or 999 each semester until the dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the University Library.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in the statistical, mathematical, and computational techniques used for political science research or in one foreign language at an advanced level of reading and comprehension. Proficiency will be determined by satisfactory course work in methods or exam at the time of the qualifying exam for language proficiency.
The program offers financial assistance on a competitive basis through graduate teaching assistantships. Students on financial assistance must show satisfactory progress in the degree program.
For students entering the program with a master’s or MPA degree, the number of credits required for the doctorate may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits subject to approval of the graduate coordinator and the dean.
For students who have been admitted with a bachelor’s degree, the Faculty Review Committee will review each student’s progress after 30 credits of course work to determine whether the student will be allowed to continue their work toward the PhD. For students entering the program with a master’s degree, this review will occur after 12 credits in this program. If this decision is negative, the student will continue to be eligible for the MA degree.
To advance to candidacy, students must complete all course work required on their approved program of study. Students must also successfully complete and pass two qualifying exams in major fields. In addition, students must have an approved dissertation committee as well as an approved proposal. Evidence of the approved proposal must be on file in the Dean’s Office before a student can advance to candidacy.
MPA-PUAD
This 36-credit program is designed to build the knowledge base and skills of people who are playing or intend to play a leadership role in organizations that develop or implement public policy. In addition, the program is among the first to address implications of the growing reliance of government on a wide range of third parties, including other governments, private contractors, and nonprofits, for public goals and accountability. 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, and third-party governance. Elective courses can be used by students to focus their knowledge and skill development within one of the following 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, administration of justice, emergency management and homeland security, and third-party governance. Alternatively, the electives can be used to extend the breadth of study, with courses drawn from a variety of concentrations or even from other departments and schools within the university.
MPA students at Mason have the research and cultural resources of the Washington, D.C., area at their disposal. Government agencies representing all levels in the U.S. federal system are located close to the campus, as are the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Another benefit is the wide range of internship opportunities available in governmental and nonprofit organizations. The MPA 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.
MPA courses are held at the Fairfax and the Arlington Campuses during the week and on the weekend in an accelerated format.
Students are admitted for fall or spring semesters. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. In addition to the graduate application requirements specified in the Admission chapter of the catalog, students should submit three letters of recommendation; test scores from the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT; a résumé listing work experience and volunteer activity, and a statement of professional goals. Applicants may petition the Admissions Committee by letter to waive the exam if the student has a master’s degree or an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.30 or above from a U.S. institution of higher education. Students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit a GRE score.
Students may transfer credit into the MPA Program from graduate courses taken at other institutions or taken at Mason in nondegree status. Transfer credit is subject to university and college policies and must be approved by the MPA Program director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through nondegree studies should submit their application to the MPA Program in the first semester of study. Only 9 credits taken in nondegree status may be transferred to the degree program.
To receive an MPA, students must successfully complete 36 credits distributed as follows. The required courses are focused on the knowledge and skills needed by people who want to play a leadership role in organizations that develop and implement public policy. Through these courses, students develop a shared knowledge base and skill set.
Students may take their elective courses within one of the concentrations listed below. As an alternative, with the approval of their advisor, students may select their elective courses from several concentrations or fields. Students may declare only one concentration. PUAD 794 Internship and PUAD 796 Directed Reading and Research may be applied to a concentration where content is appropriate and with prior written approval of the MPA director. Other courses may also be applied to a concentration with prior written approval of the director.
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from PUAD 615, 622, 661, 662, 663, 680, 727, 730, 741, 742, 749, 750, 781; GOVT 520, 605, 703
The department offers six graduate certificates. Students must apply for admission to the certificate program and meet the admission standards and application requirements for all graduate students as stated in the Graduate Admissions Policies section.
Students pursuing a certificate must complete five courses (15 credits) distributed as follows:
CERG-ADJ
CERG-AM
CERG-CASR
The Certificate in Critical Analysis and Strategic Responses to Terrorism (CASR) in an interdisciplinary introduction to the phenomenon of modern terrorism and its implications for US domestic and foreign policy. It focuses on multidisciplinary analysis and holistic cross-sectoral approaches to long-term prevention of and response to terrorism.
CERG-EMHS
CERG-NPMG
This certificate is offered in class or online.
CERG-PMG