Ph.D. Application Requirements
The ideal doctoral applicant has demonstrated
capabilities in research and writing, basic mathematical skills approximately
equal to the first semester of calculus and a competence in statistics,
some background in economics, and a theoretical and working knowledge
of public policy processes. Applicants with strong academic records
who are deficient in one or more of these areas may possibly be admitted
to the program and will receive assistance in making up any deficiencies.
To
apply for the Ph.D. program, applicants are required to submit
the following credentials. All Ph.D. candidates
must have earned a Master’s degree or equivalent from an
accredited university or college prior
to matriculation. It is strongly preferred that
all materials be sent together in one package.
All credentials must be received in order
for an application to be reviewed:
1. Graduate application and fee: admissions.gmu.edu/applynow
Please note that when completing the online
application, you will be required to submit
this fee by credit card payment.
2. A 750-1,000 word written statement
of your academic goals – include your
research area of interest for advanced study
in public policy and your post-degree goals.
3. A current resume or vitae.
4. Two official transcripts of all college
and university work completed. Students presenting
international credentials are required to
provide official transcripts, degree certificates
or diplomas, and certified translations of
the documents in English (if applicable).
Please see the following document for further
guidelines on submitting international credentials:
http://admissions.gmu.edu/global/TranscriptGuidelines.pdf
5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or
General Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
official score results are required.
Note: George Mason University’s GRE code is 5827. GRE/GMAT
scores must have been earned within the
past five years.
6. Two letters of recommendation from faculty
at the prospective student's previous institutions or from persons
acquainted with policy-relevant work. At least one recommendation
should be from an individual who is qualified to attest to the candidate's
academic potential.
7. A writing sample (approximately 10-25
pages in length) such as a technical report, professional publication,
or term or seminar paper.
International students must also submit the
following credentials:
1. TOEFL scores – minimum score of 600 (paper-based), 250
(computer-based),
or 100 (internet-based.) **Please note that
students submitting internet-based exam results
must earn a minimum score of 23 on each individual exam
section. An official score report is required.
In addition, students may be required to
be tested by the GMU English Language Institute.
Note: George Mason University's TOEFL code is 5827.
*Official IELTS scores will be accepted in lieu of the TOEFL exam.
A minimum total score of 6.5 is required.
2. International Graduate Student Form (required
for international applicants seeking an F-1
or J-1 visa) – submit
completed form along with required supporting
financial documents with your application.
Please submit application materials to the
following address:
School
of Public Policy – Graduate Admissions
3401 Fairfax Drive, MS 3B1
Arlington, VA 22201
