Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration

Become a Mason Graduate Student

All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog.

You are responsible for submitting all required application materials by the posted deadline. Review your program's Admissions Requirements and Deadlines before you begin your application. You can also visit our Grad Admissions page for helpful hints on how best to prepare your transcripts and other Admissions materials.

Step 1: Complete and submit the online Graduate Admissions application. George Mason University requires all graduate applicants to upload all possible required supplementary materials, such as unofficial transcripts, goals statement and writing sample, at the same time you submit your application. Online applications require a non-refundable $75 application processing fee.

Step 2: Within a few days of submitting your online application, you will receive an email with your Mason G number (G#). This is a tracking number provided to all applicants that allows us to match your supporting documentation to your completed application.

Step 3: Check your application status and requirements checklist in your application portal. Initial processing takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. You can use your application log-in and password to access your information throughout the application process. Graduate Admissions may send updates or notify you of issues with your application through your admissions portal, so it is best to log in periodically to monitor your application status.

Step 4: For newly admitted students, refer to the CHSS New Graduate Student webpage for tips on confirming enrollment, submitting official transcripts, registering for class and more.

The fall graduate degree seeking application opens September 15.

The spring graduate degree seeking application opens April 15.

Program Specific Requirements

College Transcripts Goals Statement GRE Portfolio Recommendation Letters Resume Writing Sample
3

Additional Information

Application to the Certificate Program Only

All students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university are eligible to apply.

Goals Statement (uploaded via online application): This essay demonstrates the applicant's writing ability and the background and credentials that qualify the applicant for certificate study at George Mason University. Applicants should also use this essay to express what they hope to achieve professionally and how the certificate can help achieve that.  The essay should convey that applying to this program has been an informed and thoughtful process. 

Writing Sample: This document should be a formal piece of writing that demonstrates the applicant's ability to write at the graduate level, creating a thesis statement and using scholarly literature to make and support an argument.

International students with F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant status are advised to refer to the University Catalog's Admission of International Students to learn more about policies relating to full-time status and time limits.

Application to Certificate Program as a Secondary Program

Applicants to the graduate certificate in higher education administration program who are already accepted or enrolled in a degree program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences must submit

Application Deadlines

On-campus:

Fall Deadline: March 15

Spring Deadline: November 01

Online:

Online Deadline Information

All applicants are strongly advised to submit applications and all supporting documents by the program's posted deadline date.

The Office of Graduate Admissions, in coordination with the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration review committee, will consider requests from admitted students to delay enrollment and have their application reconsidered for a future term.  A reconsideration is not an automatic admission and an applicant must go through admissions review again, regardless of previous decision. Offers of funding are not guaranteed for reconsiderations and are at the discretion of the program of admission. All requests for reconsideration must be submitted using the directions in the Self-Service Center by the enrollment deadline listed in the student’s offer of admission. Reconsideration is granted only for a period of one full academic year (Ex. Fall to Fall).

Additional Requirements for