Deepen your understanding of political processes and gain research-focused expertise in American politics, comparative politics, and international relations with a degree in political science.
As a student in the Master of Political Science program at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, you will learn from country’s leading political commentators, as well as practitioners with experience at the highest levels of the federal government.
Schar School faculty publish in top-ranked mediums and the media often seek them out for their analysis on national and international affairs. They will help you deepen your understanding of political processes at all levels of government, improve your research skills, and provide you with a foundation in international relations, comparative politics, or American politics.
Email us: schar@gmu.edu
Call: 703-993-8099
Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions
- Graduate Student Panel: Tuesday, December 10, 7 to 8 p.m. ET (Virtual)
- Political Science Information Session: Monday, December 9, noon to 1 p.m. ET (Virtual)
"I can apply the lessons I have learned at war and as a refugee, along with my passion for studying international relations, to address many of the security challenges the United States and the world continue to face."
Ali Nayyef
Master of Political Science
Optional Concentrations
- International Security
- American Government and Politics
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
A Degree That Works With Your Schedule
You can earn this degree part-time or full-time. Classes are offered in the evening to accommodate working students. This degree is not available online.
D.C. and Maryland Pricing Discount
Master's or certificate students who reside in Washington, D.C., and Maryland can qualify for a tuition rate is equivalent to the in-state rate! This new policy applies to Schar School students who begin their degree in fall 2023 or later.
Where Our Recent Graduates Work
Federal Government: 50%
Private Sector - Consulting: 25%
Private Sector - General: 25%
Data gathered from recent graduates from from 2022-23
Top Employers of Recent Graduates
- BAE Systems
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Chemonics International
- City of Fairfax
- D3 Systems
- Decisive Analytics Corporation
- Federal Election Commission
- IBM
- NATO
- PFLAG National
- U.S. Army Special Operations
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S Naval Research Laboratory
"[The program] is a great way to learn the skills necessary in political science, whether it's qualitative skills, quantitative skills, conducting research, [or] being able to read the literature in a new way and piece together new information."
Melissa Howard
Master of Political Science '16
The Master of Arts in Political Science program requires 12 courses (36 total credits), including seven core courses:
- American Government and Politics
- Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- The Scientific Method & Research Design
- Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government
- Political Science Research Project
Practitioner Faculty
With George Mason University's prime location in the Washington, D.C. area, Schar School students gain access to leading scholars and practitioners who bring real-world experience to the classroom, providing you with the mentorship and skill sets needed to advance in your career.
The Schar School has 90+ faculty members, as well as hundreds of adjunct faculty, allowing students to gain access to a variety of perspectives and subjects through elective courses. Notable faculty members include program director Jeremy Mayer, Dean Mark J. Rozell, Mariely Lopez-Santana, Jennifer Victor, Mark Katz, Trevor Thrall, Toni-Michelle Travis, Peter Mandaville, Robert Deitz, Michael Hayden, and more. Browse the full list of Schar School political science faculty members.
Associate Professor Jeremy Mayer
Program Director