Thys van Schaik
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Located in one of the world's centers for policymaking, George Mason University's School of Public Policy offers students and working professionals a comprehensive and diverse set of studies. Our extensive range of program options is designed to cover critical areas of focus within the field of public policy.
The School's master's programs are a good example of this. Students may pursue degrees in Public Policy, Health and Medical Policy, International Commerce and Policy, Organization Development and Knowledge Management, Peace Operations, or Transportation Policy, Operations and Logistics.
In conjunction with these master's programs, we offer certificate programs in specialized areas of study, including Culture and Values in Social Policy, Global Trade Management, and National Security and Public Policy. Through these programs students gain the vital knowledge and skills to make them more competitive in an increasingly complex global economy.
Our PhD program, one of the nation's largest in public policy, allows students to design an individualized curriculum that ties their doctoral studies directly to their current and future careers.
Students may complement their education and experience by participating in the school's study abroad program. This exciting opportunity offers specially designed intensive courses in countries that have included India, China, and South Africa.
Additionally, in our efforts to offer our students educational alternatives that best fit diverse needs, we have joint degree partnership programs, non-degree and executive program offerings.
Our enrollment continues to grow. At this time we have just under 1,000 students enrolled in the School of Public Policy -- both encouraging and critical at a time when the need for policy professionals trained to analyze, understand, and explain policies and their influence is greater than ever.
We look forward to enhancing and expanding our programs in the evolving world of public policy.