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PhD Graduation

Students studying in The School of Public Policy may complete their degrees at the end of any semester – fall, spring or summer term. Degrees are conferred by George Mason University after all requirements have been completed and grades have been submitted. Students completing degree requirements in the fall will have a degree conferral date of January. Those completing in the spring will have a degree conferral date of May, and those completing in the summer will have a degree conferral date of August.

In order to apply for graduation, students must complete the steps listed on the Registrar's Graduation web site and provide graduating student information to SPP Alumni and Career Services. Email notification will be sent each term reminding upcoming graduates of the deadlines by which they must submit the appropriate paperwork.

Students who are unsure whether or not they will graduate in a given semester should contact Beth Eck before filing any paperwork with the Registrar's Office.

Each year, SPP honors their graduates with a convocation and commencement ceremony. Doctoral students who graduate in August are eligible to participate in ceremonies the following year.

For additional information about both ceremonies, see the Graduation FAQs or contact SPP Student Services.

Convocation RSVP form

SPP tuition for in-state students is approximately half the cost of the tuition at private competitors in the D.C. area.

Employer information sessions are offered each semester with public, private, and nonprofit organizations such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, RAND, Third Way, and the Department of Treasury.

More than 70% of SPP students are employed while pursuing their degrees -- classes are offered in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate full- and part-time students.