Interested in taking a graduate-level class, but not yet ready to commit to a degree program? George Mason University’s graduate nondegree studies option for visiting students might be the perfect fit for you. As a visiting nondegree student, you have the opportunity to take comprehensive, graduate-level courses at the Schar School of Policy and Government, without formally pursuing a degree.
Students can take classes on a nondegree basis in the following graduate certificate, master's, doctoral, and undergraduate programs at the Schar School. Be sure to refer to the location for your specific course of interest, as the Schar School offers courses on both its Arlington and Fairfax, Virginia, campuses:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and International Politics
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Biodefense
- Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
- Graduate Certificate in Global Health and Security
- Graduate Certificate in Illicit Trade Analysis
- Graduate Certificate in National Security and Public Policy
- Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
- Graduate Certificate in Public Management
- Graduate Certificate in Science, Technology, and Security
- Graduate Certificate in Terrorism and Homeland Security
- Master's in Biodefense
- Master's in International Commerce and Policy
- Master's in International Security
- Master's in Organization Development and Knowledge Management
- Master's in Political Science
- Master's in Public Administration
- Master's in Public Policy
- PhD in Biodefense
- PhD in Political Science
- PhD in Public Policy
- Short-Term Study Abroad Courses (seven- to 10-day courses around the world)
To browse course syllabi and select the course that best meets your interests, visit the course syllabus webpage.
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for nondegree graduate course work, candidates must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree. Test scores are not required for consideration; however, nondegree students who later choose to change their status and apply for formal degree consideration will need to check whether their program has test score or other requirements.
International students are eligible; however, students holding F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible to enroll in nondegree coursework.
If you are currently a Schar School nondegree student and wish to enter a formal degree program, you will need to reapply for admission to the degree program of your choosing using the Application for Graduate Study. If admitted into a degree program, a maximum of four classes taken as a nondegree student may be applied towards your master’s degree program.
Learn more about nondegree studies application requirements and how to apply.
COUNTING COURSES TOWARD A FUTURE DEGREE
Are you starting with nondegree courses but are interested in pursuing a degree in the future? One benefit of the nondegree option is that some courses can count towards a future degree. Up to four courses taken while in enrolled in graduate nondegree studies can be applied toward one of the Schar School’s master’s degree programs. Two courses can be applied toward a graduate certificate.
QUESTIONS?
Interested in learning more about taking a class as a nondegree student (and, potentially earning your degree in the future)? Contact the Schar School's Office of Graduate Admissions team at schar@gmu.edu. We look forward to speaking with you!