Answers
1:
I'd like to speak or meet with someone in Admissions; how do
I set up a meeting?
If you
would like to set up an appointment, please email SPP Graduate
Admissions at spp@gmu.edu.
Make sure to include your name and what program you're interested
in and someone will get back to you shortly. Please note that meetings
are informational only. We do not conduct interviews.
Additionally,
you may want to consider attending one of our Open Houses or Information
Sessions. At these events, you will have the opportunity to meet
with Admissions staff, program faculty, and current students. Registration
and more information about these events can be found here: Click
here
2:
When and where are classes held?
Most
Master's classes are held Mondays - Thursdays
in the late afternoon and evening on the Arlington
Campus. The Organization Development and Knowledge Management
degree is an executive format program and meets selected weekends
throughout the year.
The
Ph.D. program currently has a presence
on two campuses, Fairfax and
Arlington. At least half of the Ph.D. classes
are now offered at the Arlington campus.
3: How
much does tuition cost per credit hour?
For
the 2007-2008 Academic Year, the in-state
tuition is $512.00/ credit hour and out-of-state
is $920/ credit hour. To find out more
about in- and out-of-state tuition, please
visit the Domicile
Office website.
4: Do
I have to submit an application if I want to take a class, but
am not interested in pursuing a degree?
Yes,
the School of Public Policy requires that all students wishing
to take classes apply to SPP. If you are not interested in seeking
a degree through SPP, you can apply to take classes through our
school as a non-degree student. To apply for non-degree status, click
here.
5: What
can I do to strengthen my application?
Many
public policy courses at our school assume a solid foundation in
subjects such as economics, statistics, and political science.
If you have not taken courses in these subjects, did not perform
as well in them as you would have liked to, or just need a refresher,
we suggest taking them at the undergraduate level before applying
to the School of Public Policy. Please be sure to send us your
transcript from this coursework.
6:
When are the admissions deadlines?
Please
select the appropriate program from the links below.
Ph.D.
Master's
and Certificate
Non-Degree
7: Where
do I send my application materials?
We prefer
students to send all application materials
in one package to the address below. Please
have official transcripts and recommendation
letters sent to you in sealed envelopes.
Be sure that these documents remain sealed. Then send all materials
to:
School
of Public Policy - Graduate Admissions
3401 Fairfax Dr., MS 3B1
Arlington, VA 22201
8: I
applied online; how should I submit my resume and goals statement?
Please
email your resume and/or goals statement
to spp@gmu.edu.
Be sure to put your full name and Social
Security Number as a header at the top
of each page.
9: Who
should write my recommendation letters?
Your
recommendation letters should come from
people who can attest to your academic
potential for graduate study. We ask that
at least one recommendation come from an
individual who is familiar with your academic
work.
10: How
do I check my application status?
You
can check your application status at this site: http://admissions.gmu.edu/onapps.asp.
It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure all application
materials are received by the School of Public Policy Graduate
Admissions.
11: When
and how will I find out my final admissions decision?
Approximately
3-4 weeks after your application is complete (meaning
that SPP has received all application materials) you will be notified
of your application decision via mail. Please make sure that the
mailing address you provide in your application is correct. We
do not give out application decisions over email, by phone, or
in person.
12:
My domicile status is incorrect or has changed; how do I change
my status?
Please
visit the George Mason University Domicile
Office website for instructions
on how to change your domicile status
with the University.
13:
I am an international student and have questions regarding my
visa; who should I contact?
The
Office of International
Programs and Services (OIPS) can assist
international students with visa information, as well as other
issues relevant to international students. This office also provides
support for international students once they arrive at GMU.
14:
Is it possible to defer my offer of admission?
Students
who are accepted to the School of Public
Policy are permitted to defer their admission
for one semester only. Deferral requests
must be received in writing to spp@gmu.edu or
to:
School
of Public Policy - Graduate Admissions
3401 Fairfax Dr., MS 3B1
Arlington, VA 22201
15: I
was awarded a scholarship from SPP; where do I see the scholarship
posted on my account?
Scholarships
are posted on the bill sent to you from Student Accounts. If paying
via Patriot Web, you will need to subtract your scholarship from
the amount shown.
To view
scholarship information on Patriot Web:
- Once logged in, click on FINANCIAL AID, then AWARD.
- Click on AWARD AMOUNT BY TERM. Please note that only the
current term's award will be shown, even if an award has been granted for a
future term.
16: Where
do I see my enrollment deposit credited?
Your
$200 non-refundable deposit (submitted with the Enrollment Confirmation
Form) will be credited towards your first semester tuition costs.
You can view this credit on Patriot Web and on the tuition bill
sent to you from Student Accounts.