MA in Global Affairs

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
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What should an applicant include in the goals statement?

The goals statement should address the following:

  • Purpose for graduate study and why the applicant has selected Global Affairs (and planned area of specialization)  and George Mason University
  • The applicant's career goals and plans for the future
  • The applicant's preparation for the field of Global Affairs, in relation to academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, etc.
  • Any other details that are not revealed elsewhere in the application that give the admissions committee an idea of who the applicant is as a person and master's candidate

Note:  Applicants are welcome to include an explanation for any problems or inconsistencies in other application materials (low GPA, etc.) in their Goals Statement.

What is the page length for the goals statement?

Goals statement should be two pages in length.

Writing Sample

A writing sample is optional and will be reviewed if included with the application.

For more details, please see the Prospective Graduate Student section - Application FAQs, Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement, Graduate Study Plans, and Visiting a Course.

Additional Information

The program requires evidence of professional competency in a second language (other than English) that is widely used in contemporary international communication. For additional information about this requirement see the Foreign Language Proficiency section under Prospective Students.

Application Deadlines

Priority Fall Deadline: 
March 15

Priority Spring Deadline: 
October 15

Applications for Fall 2024 not submitted by the priority deadline will be considered on a space-available basis and accepted until August 1, 2024. Applications missing supplementary materials after August 1 will be considered until August 15, 2024.

Applications for Spring 2025 not submitted by the priority deadline will be considered on a space-available basis and accepted until January 5, 2025. Applications missing supplementary materials after January 1 will be considered until January 15, 2025.

 

Additional Requirements for