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Topic 2: Academic Advising

All doctoral students are assigned to an academic advisor shortly after admission. Your advisor’s name and contact information will be sent to you via email before the semester begins. In addition, Shannon Williams (swilli32@gmu.edu), Assistant Director of PhD Student Services, will be available to you throughout the program to help you review course selection and degree progress.

Throughout the program, you are responsible for ensuring that academic policies and appropriate degree requirements are met and followed. You are encouraged to touch base with your advisor and Shannon prior to registration each semester, and any questions regarding registration or course selection should be directed to Shannon. However, you do not need to consult with your advisor before your first semester since you will begin the program by fulfilling pre-requisite and core requirements..

Please review the PhD Student/Faculty Handbook for information about course requirements. The recommended course sequence listed below can help you plan your progress.

Selecting Your Courses:

Continue to Topic 3: Getting to Know Your Faculty
Return to PhD 101 Menu

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.