With a the Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Politics at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, students who are interested in a career path in political science, international relations, public service, law, campaigns, or research will gain the skills to face new challenges boldly and effectively. As a student in this degree program, you will learn to critically examine political issues, prominent actors, and processes in government, foreign policy, and international affairs.
Email us: ScharUG@gmu.edu
Call: 703-993-6564
"I have enjoyed all my classes at the Schar School thus far. The professors are very engaged and you can really tell they are passionate about what they teach. Also, I appreciate how many of my classes incorporate discussions into our classes because I get to engage in conversations with my fellow peers and share various opinions and ideas.”
Peter DerHagopian, Government and International Politics
Located at the Center of the Policy World
With George Mason University's prime location in the Washington, D.C. area, Schar School students have the opportunity:
- to learn from faculty with extensive experience as policymakers, lawmakers, and advisors in Washington, D.C.
- to intern and extern during the academic semesters, gaining real-world experience to build a professional network in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors
- to network with world-class scholars and practitioners in the fields of political science and international relations
- to access to 16,000 fellow Schar School alumni who are already working in political science and related fields
The Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Politics requires 43 credits, including five core courses, eight field study courses, and a senior seminar.
As a student in the Government and International Politics major, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge through one of the following concentrations (browse our full list of concentrations here):
- American Institutions And Processes
- Comparative Politics
- International Political Economy
- International Relations
- Law, Philosophy and Governance
- Political Analysis
- Political Behavior and Identity Politics
- Public Policy and Administration
Cross-disciplinary concentrations alongside major:
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
- This concentration program is jointly hosted by the Department of Philosophy, Department of Economics, and the Schar School. https://ppe.gmu.edu/
“With a large and diverse array of faculty, the Schar School has an expert on almost every topic imaginable. As a student, this extensive expertise translated into an unrivaled catalog of classes, allowing me to explore my passion for international relations and foreign policy in great depth. Additionally, there is an abundance of professional opportunities for advancing your career from interning in Washington D.C. to conducting research with professors through the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program. The Schar School truly provides a world-class education that can take you anywhere!”
Anthony Guzman, Government and International Politics
Where Our Recent Graduates Work
Academia: 3%
Federal Government: 15%
Local Government: 10%
Multilateral / International: 3%
NGO / Non-profit: 20%
Private Sector - Consulting: 18%
Private Sector - General: 31%
Data gathered from recent graduates from 2022-23
Top Employers of Recent Graduates
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Capitol Hill
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Foreign Service Institute
- Middle East Institute
- National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism
- Law firms
- Nonprofit organizations
- Lobbying groups
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Connect with Accomplished Faculty
Schar School students learn directly from faculty, both in and out of the classroom. And unlike in most undergraduate settings, they also have the opportunity to do original research under the supervision of university professors.
“The program at Mason just simply made sense. With D.C. in our backyard, the opportunities are endless. Research at the Schar School is abundant, and our faculty does the best at trying to connect students in fields they are interested in!”
Jenna Pan, Government and International Politics
Fund Your Degree
The Schar Scholars program provides financial assistance to freshmen who are interested in government, political science, international relations, public policy, pre-law, and public administration. George Mason University also offers a wide range of additional aid, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study employment.
Get the Student Support You Need
There are so many opportunities to explore at the Schar School, and you don’t have to remember it all!
We have a drop-in Schar School advising center where you can find a team of 3 professional advisors, 4 peer advisors who are Schar School juniors or seniors, and success coaches. The team is ready to identify your goals and make a plan for reaching them.
Whether you're looking for a residential learning community for your first year at Mason, hoping to develop your research skills, ready to tackle a global policy issue, or preparing for a career in law, you can benefit from one of our four Schar School learning communities.
BA in Government and International Politics Latest News
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