2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Public Administration, BS/Public Administration, Accelerated MPA


Web: pia.gmu.edu

Highly qualified Mason students doing a BS in public administration may apply to the accelerated master’s degree program. If accepted, students will be able to earn the BS and the MPA after satisfactory completion of 150 credits.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Public and International Affairs.

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog.

Application Requirements


Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission  chapter of this catalog. For information specific to the accelerated MA in public administration, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

Degree Requirements


While undergraduate students, accelerated master’s students complete the two graduate courses indicated on their Accelerated Master’s Program Application with a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in all coursework and in coursework applied to their major. On completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, they submit the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition Form and are admitted to graduate status.

As graduate students, accelerated master’s students have an advanced standing. They must meet all master’s degree requirements except for the two courses (6 credits) they completed as undergraduates. Students must begin their master’s program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree.

Reserve Graduate Credit


Students may take up to 6 additional graduate credits as reserve graduate credit. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree. The ability to take courses for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with the permission of the department. Permission to take a graduate course for reserve graduate credit is normally granted only to Mason seniors within 15 hours of graduation.

To apply these credits to the master’s degree, students must request that the credits be moved from the undergraduate degree to the graduate degree using the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition Form.