Why study social sciences at George Mason University?
Mason's school of social sciences, our largest college, prepares students with the core competencies—communication, critical thinking and problem solving—to be well-rounded global thought leaders across all industries today.
- International Affairs students learn the required skills from leading scholars and pratictioners in foreign policy making, international security, international commerce and diplomacy.
- One of our most notable alumni, Michael V. Hayden, a former CIA and NSA Director now teaches at GMU in the Schar School of Policy and Goverment.
- The College of Health and Social Sciences has a distinguished faculty of more than 400, including recipients of the Putlizer Prize and Guggenheim Fellowship.
Program choices
Find out more about your course options by selecting a course level.
- English course
- International Year One
- Undergraduate Degree (Direct Entry)
- Undergraduate Transfer Program
- Graduate Pathway
- Graduate Degree (Direct Entry)
English course
Leads to: University preparation program or degree
Typical entry requirements: High school diploma required
Length of course: From 1 semester
- Improve your languages skills while adapting to the US culture.
- Prepares your for university study in the US.
International Year One
Leads to: Undergraduate degree
Typical entry requirements: From IELTS 5.0, plus high school diploma, GPA 2.3 out of 4.0
Length of course: 1 semester
- Begin earning credits toward your degree, even if you don't meet the requirements for direct entry.
- Receive additional support to successfully complete the first semester or year of your bachelor's program.
- Graduate in the same amount of time as direct entry students.
Undergraduate Degree (Direct Entry)
Typical entry requirements: From IELTS 6.5, plus high school diploma or undergraduate degree, GPA 3.0 out of 4.0
Length of course: 4 years
- Enter the university as a degree-seeking student who meets the academic and English language requirements for their degree program.
Undergraduate Transfer Program
Leads to: Undergraduate degree
Typical entry requirements: From IELTS 6.5, plus minimum 30 college credits, GPA 2.3 out of 4.0
Length of course: 2 semesters
- Transfer college or university-level credits from previous courses.
- Receive an estimate of transferable credits towards your degree before you start your program.
- Additional academic, language and cultural support to help you adjust to a US environment.
Graduate Pathway
Leads to: Master's degree
Typical entry requirements: Typical entry requirements: From IELTS 5.5, plus undergraduate degree, 2.5 GPA
Length of course: 2 semesters
- Progress to your Master's degree with credits.
- Build the academic foundation and language skills needed for master's-level study, as well as prepare for your GRE/GMAT tests, if required.
- Receive the highest level of support with dedicated academic advisors throughout your program.
Graduate Degree (Direct Entry)
Typical entry requirements: From IELTS 6.5, plus high school diploma or undergraduate degree, GPA 3.0
Length of course: 2 years
- Enter the university as a degree-seeking student who meets the academic and English language requirements for their degree program.