MA in Higher Education and Student Development

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

This goals statement demonstrates the applicant's writing ability and the background and credentials that qualify the applicant for graduate study at George Mason University. Applicants should also use this essay to express what they hope to achieve professionally and how this degree can help achieve that. The essay should be between 750 and 1000 words and convey that applying to this program has been an informed and thoughtful process. 

The writing sample 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.

Application Deadlines

To start classes in the Fall:
Priority Deadline: February 15
Accepting Applications Until: May 1

Application review will begin on February 15 and accepted until May 1. Applications received by February 15 will be considered for graduate assistantships and scholarships. 

To start classes in the Spring:
Priority Deadline: November 1
Accepting Applications Until: December 1

Application review will begin on November 1 and accepted until December 1. Applications received by November 1 will be considered for graduate assistantships and scholarships.

Additional Requirements for