International Year One in Humanities and Social Sciences
International Year One in Humanities and Social Sciences will prepare you to enter your next semester of a bachelor’s degree program at George Mason University. Upon successful completion of International Year One and meeting university requirements for undergraduate admission, you may enter your next semester of undergraduate study at George Mason University. This transition from an INTO Mason program to a university degree program is called progression.
Flexible study plans if you can't travel overseas
We are accepting applications for all of our face-to-face courses for August/September 2020. If you are unable to travel to start one of our face-to-face courses, you have the opportunity to start your studies online and later transfer to study at your chosen campus when face-to-face teaching resumes.
Course features
- Begin earning credits toward your degree even if you don’t meet the academic and English requirements for direct entry.
- Receive additional support to move you successfully through your first year at a US university.
- Graduate in the same amount of time as domestic students.
- Smaller class sizes allow you to spend more time with your teachers.
- Develop the knowledge and skills for your degree through your chosen program.
- Start taking classes in your major while progressing through the IYO program.
Your course options
View detailed course content by selecting one of the options below:
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 80 (17 subscores in reading and writing), IELTS 6.5 (6.0 subscores in reading and writing), PTEA 53+, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 5 or higher, IELA 176 (169 subscores in reading and writing), or Duolingo 120 (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 17 August 2020 | 16 December 2020 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
$22,435 |
| 12 January 2021 | 12 May 2021 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
$22,435 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 60 (13 subscores in reading and listening), IELTS 5.5 (5.5 subscores in reading and listening), PTEA 45+, Password 6.0 in Knowledge and 5.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 4 or higher, IELA 162 overall (162 subscores in reading and listening), or Duolingo 50 (befpre 7/15/19) or 90 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 17 August 2020 | 12 May 2021 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
$39,040 |
| 12 January 2021 | 6 August 2021 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
$39,040 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 50 (10 all subscores), IELTS 5.0 (4.5 all subscores), PTEA 41, Password 5.0 in Knowledge and 4.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 3 or higher, IELA 154 (147 all subscores), or Duolingo 45 (before 7/15/19) or 80 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 17 August 2020 | 6 August 2021 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
$48,950 |
| 12 January 2021 | 14 December 2021 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
$48,950 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 80 (17 subscores in reading and writing), IELTS 6.5 (6.0 subscores in reading and writing), PTEA 53+, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 5 or higher, IELA 176 (169 subscores in reading and writing), or Duolingo 120 (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 16 August 2021 | 15 December 2021 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
* |
| 11 January 2022 | 11 May 2022 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 60 (13 subscores in reading and listening), IELTS 5.5 (5.5 subscores in reading and listening), PTEA 45+, Password 6.0 in Knowledge and 5.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 4 or higher, IELA 162 overall (162 subscores in reading and listening), or Duolingo 50 (befpre 7/15/19) or 90 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 16 August 2021 | 11 May 2022 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
| 11 January 2022 | 5 August 2022 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 50 (10 all subscores), IELTS 5.0 (4.5 all subscores), PTEA 41, Password 5.0 in Knowledge and 4.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 3 or higher, IELA 154 (147 all subscores), or Duolingo 45 (before 7/15/19) or 80 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 16 August 2021 | 5 August 2022 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
| 11 January 2022 | 13 December 2022 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 80 (17 subscores in reading and writing), IELTS 6.5 (6.0 subscores in reading and writing), PTEA 53+, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 5 or higher, IELA 176 (169 subscores in reading and writing), or Duolingo 120 (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 15 August 2022 | 14 December 2022 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
* |
| 10 January 2023 | 10 May 2023 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 60 (13 subscores in reading and listening), IELTS 5.5 (5.5 subscores in reading and listening), PTEA 45+, Password 6.0 in Knowledge and 5.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 4 or higher, IELA 162 overall (162 subscores in reading and listening), or Duolingo 50 (befpre 7/15/19) or 90 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 15 August 2022 | 10 May 2023 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
| 10 January 2023 | 4 August 2023 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 50 (10 all subscores), IELTS 5.0 (4.5 all subscores), PTEA 41, Password 5.0 in Knowledge and 4.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 3 or higher, IELA 154 (147 all subscores), or Duolingo 45 (before 7/15/19) or 80 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 15 August 2022 | 4 August 2023 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
| 10 January 2023 | 12 December 2023 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 80 (17 subscores in reading and writing), IELTS 6.5 (6.0 subscores in reading and writing), PTEA 53+, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 5 or higher, IELA 176 (169 subscores in reading and writing), or Duolingo 120 (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 17 August 2020 | 16 December 2020 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
$22,435 |
| 12 January 2021 | 12 May 2021 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
$22,435 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 60 (13 subscores in reading and listening), IELTS 5.5 (5.5 subscores in reading and listening), PTEA 45+, Password 6.0 in Knowledge and 5.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 4 or higher, IELA 162 overall (162 subscores in reading and listening), or Duolingo 50 (befpre 7/15/19) or 90 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 17 August 2020 | 12 May 2021 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
$39,040 |
| 12 January 2021 | 6 August 2021 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
$39,040 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 50 (10 all subscores), IELTS 5.0 (4.5 all subscores), PTEA 41, Password 5.0 in Knowledge and 4.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 3 or higher, IELA 154 (147 all subscores), or Duolingo 45 (before 7/15/19) or 80 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 17 August 2020 | 6 August 2021 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
$48,950 |
| 12 January 2021 | 14 December 2021 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
$48,950 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 80 (17 subscores in reading and writing), IELTS 6.5 (6.0 subscores in reading and writing), PTEA 53+, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 5 or higher, IELA 176 (169 subscores in reading and writing), or Duolingo 120 (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 16 August 2021 | 15 December 2021 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
* |
| 11 January 2022 | 11 May 2022 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 60 (13 subscores in reading and listening), IELTS 5.5 (5.5 subscores in reading and listening), PTEA 45+, Password 6.0 in Knowledge and 5.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 4 or higher, IELA 162 overall (162 subscores in reading and listening), or Duolingo 50 (befpre 7/15/19) or 90 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 16 August 2021 | 11 May 2022 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
| 11 January 2022 | 5 August 2022 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 50 (10 all subscores), IELTS 5.0 (4.5 all subscores), PTEA 41, Password 5.0 in Knowledge and 4.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 3 or higher, IELA 154 (147 all subscores), or Duolingo 45 (before 7/15/19) or 80 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 16 August 2021 | 5 August 2022 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
| 11 January 2022 | 13 December 2022 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 80 (17 subscores in reading and writing), IELTS 6.5 (6.0 subscores in reading and writing), PTEA 53+, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 5 or higher, IELA 176 (169 subscores in reading and writing), or Duolingo 120 (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 15 August 2022 | 14 December 2022 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
* |
| 10 January 2023 | 10 May 2023 |
1 Semester
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 60 (13 subscores in reading and listening), IELTS 5.5 (5.5 subscores in reading and listening), PTEA 45+, Password 6.0 in Knowledge and 5.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 4 or higher, IELA 162 overall (162 subscores in reading and listening), or Duolingo 50 (befpre 7/15/19) or 90 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 15 August 2022 | 10 May 2023 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
| 10 January 2023 | 4 August 2023 |
2 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
TOEFL iBT 50 (10 all subscores), IELTS 5.0 (4.5 all subscores), PTEA 41, Password 5.0 in Knowledge and 4.0 in Writing, Completion of Academic English Core and OCS Level 3 or higher, IELA 154 (147 all subscores), or Duolingo 45 (before 7/15/19) or 80 (as of 7/15/19) (IELA required upon arrival). |
| Age requirements: | 17 years and above |
| Academic requirements: | High school diploma; 2.3 minimum GPA equivalent. |
We are committed to helping talented and ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at George Mason University. We award scholarships for our Pathway programs in amounts that are typically between $1,000 to $18,000 per program per qualified student.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Tuition |
| 15 August 2022 | 4 August 2023 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
| 10 January 2023 | 12 December 2023 |
3 Semesters
View Term dates |
* |
*Please note that pricing will be available in the next academic year.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Class duration: |
17-21 hours per week |
What do I need to progress?
2.5 cumulative Mason GPA. C or better in all courses. No grades of NC, W, or IN permitted.