Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
Fairfax, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2024
TUITION FEES
USD 4,897 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for International student | Domestic student is 1st of February
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Introduction
As a student at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, you will tackle real-world problems in engaging classes led by world-class faculty. The curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Public Administration is designed with tomorrow in mind, providing you with the in-demand knowledge and expertise to lead change.
By majoring in Public Administration, you can prepare for an exciting and fulfilling career in government and nonprofit management. Courses focus on leadership, administration, and public policy in the political setting of public management. The B.S. in Public Administration requires the completion of 52 credits, including eight core credits and a senior seminar.
Additionally, you may deepen your knowledge through one of the following optional concentrations:
- Administration and Management
- Economic Policy Analysis
- International Political Economy
- Nonprofit Management
- Public Policy
- US Government Institutions
- Individualized Concentration (where you may create your own concentration, with approval from your department)
A faculty of experts
Our faculty’s passion for public service and policymaking matches that of our students. They are scholars in the disciplines of policy, government, and international affairs who seek to make a difference and serve. So much so, that they often refer to themselves as “pracademics,” scholars who connect learning with practice, provide counsel and commonsense for Washington, D.C., policymakers, and prepare their students to be successful leaders. We call that impact-driven scholarship.
First and foremost, however, the Schar School faculty members are committed to quality teaching. As a result, you will get to know your professors here and form mentoring relationships with them. That will help you do better in class, make wise decisions about internships and careers, and glean wisdom to be successful in life.
Career Opportunities
Internship
One of the best ways to find a job after graduation is to complete an internship that will offer you real-world experience and the chance to build a professional network. Schar School students intern at a variety of places, including:
- Capitol Hill legislative offices
- Executive Office of the President of the United States
- Fairfax County Government
- Partnership for Public Service
- The U.S. Senate
You can earn up to six academic credits of internship toward your degree.
Success after graduation
A degree in Public Administration from George Mason University will give you the credentials to land a great job after graduation. Our public administration graduates are hired by some of the most prestigious companies, nonprofits, and government agencies in Washington, D.C., and beyond, including:
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Marine Corps
- Loudoun County Circuit Court
- FedBid, Inc.
As a Public Administration graduate, you will also have access to a growing network of more than 16,000 fellow Schar School alumni who have the careers you want, who work as leaders for the organizations you want to work for, and with whom you can network and develop relationships.
Student Testimonials
Curriculum
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees including the Mason Core. Students pursuing a BS in Public Administration must complete additional requirements for the BS degree in the Schar School of Policy and Government.
Students must earn a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course applied to the major, including GOVT courses as well as the supporting courses in other disciplines used to fulfill the requirements below. See an advisor before registering.
Core Courses
- GOVT 101 Democratic Theory and Practice (Mason Core) 3
- GOVT 103 Introduction to American Government (Mason Core) 3
- GOVT 132 Introduction to International Politics (Mason Core) 3 or GOVT 133 Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core)
- GOVT 300 Research Methods and Analysis (Mason Core) 4
- GOVT 351 Administration in the Political System 3
- GOVT 367 Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core) 3
- GOVT 368 Tools for Economic Policy Analysis 3
- One course (3 credits) in math or statistics in addition to the quantitative reasoning Mason Core requirement 3
Total Credits 25
Senior Seminar
- GOVT 490 Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) 3 or GOVT 491 Honors Seminar (Mason Core)
Total Credits 3
Public Administration Field Study
Students complete the degree by taking a minimum of 24 credits of advanced public administration field courses, with or without a concentration 24
Total Credits 24
Students may complete a concentration of at least 12 credits in one field to fulfill a concentration. Students who do not wish to pursue a concentration may choose at least 24 credits from any of the advanced public administration courses listed below (with restrictions noted below) for a broader learning experience. Up to three credits of GOVT 399 Research Practicum and GOVT 480 Internship may be used to fulfill the field course requirement with prior advisor approval. Up to six credits of GOVT 496 Directed Readings and Research may be used to fulfill this requirement with prior advisor approval. GOVT 490 Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) or GOVT 491 Honors Seminar (Mason Core) may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Advanced Public Administration courses
- ECON 309 Economic Problems and Public Policies 3
- ECON 310 Money and Banking 3
- ECON 335 Environmental Economics 3
- ECON 355 The Political Economy of Nonprofit Institutions 3
- ECON 385 International Economic Policy 3
- ECON 390 International Economics 3
- GOVT 301 Public Law and the Judicial Process 3
- GOVT 302 American Political Development 3
- GOVT 304 American State and Local Government 3
- GOVT 305 Contemporary American Federalism 3
- GOVT 307 Legislative Behavior 3
- GOVT 308 The American Presidency 3
- GOVT 309 Government and Politics of Metropolitan Areas 3
- GOVT 311 Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior 3
- GOVT 312 Political Parties and Campaigns 3
- GOVT 313 Political Psychology 3
- GOVT 318 Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process 3
- GOVT 319 Issues in Government and Politics 1-3
- GOVT 322 International Relations Theory 3
- GOVT 339 Issues in the Politics of Advanced Industrial Societies 1-3
- GOVT 343 International Political Economy 3
- GOVT 344 American Foreign Policy 3
- GOVT 346 American Security Policy 3
- GOVT 347 International Security 3
- GOVT 353 Social Entrepreneurship 3
- GOVT 354 Nonprofit Sector in Society 3
- GOVT 355 Public Personnel Administration 3
- GOVT 356 Public Budgeting and Finance 3
- GOVT 358 Nonprofit Financial Planning 4
- GOVT 361 Introduction to Environmental Policy 3
- GOVT 364 Public Policy Making 3
- GOVT 366 Public Policy Analysis 3
- GOVT 400 Issues in Political Analysis 1-3
- GOVT 409 Virginia Government and Politics 3
- GOVT 412 Politics and the Mass Media 3
- GOVT 433 Political Economy of East Asia 3
- GOVT 446 International Law and Organization 3
- GOVT 452 Administrative Law and Procedures 3
- GOVT 464 Issues in Public Policy and Administration 1-3
- GOVT 469 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics 3
- INTS 331 The Nonprofit Sector (Mason Core) 4
- INTS 431 Principles of Fund Raising 4
Concentrations
Students pursuing a concentration will complete the degree by taking four courses (minimum of 12 credits) within one concentration, chosen from the lists of advanced field courses shown below, to complete a minimum of 24 credits of field courses.
Concentration in Administration and Management (ADMM)
- GOVT 305 Contemporary American Federalism 3
- GOVT 313 Political Psychology 3
- GOVT 355 Public Personnel Administration 3
- GOVT 356 Public Budgeting and Finance 3
- GOVT 357 Urban Planning 3
- GOVT 358 Nonprofit Financial Planning 4
- GOVT 400 Issues in Political Analysis 1-3
- GOVT 452 Administrative Law and Procedures 3
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors. Students majoring in public administration may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing GOVT 490 Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) or GOVT 491 Honors Seminar (Mason Core) in their major programs.
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Foundation Requirements
- Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
- Oral Communication 3
- Quantitative Reasoning 3
- Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements
- Arts 3
- Global Understanding 3
- Literature 3
- Natural Science 7
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
- Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements
- Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
- Writing-Intensive 3
- Synthesis/Capstone 3
Total Credits 40
Admissions
Gallery
English Language Requirements
Certify your English proficiency with PTE. The faster, fairer, simpler English test, accepted by thousands of universities around the world. PTE, Do it worry-free!