Master of Public Administration

Master of Public Administration

Letter from the Director page 1 Why Earn an MPA?... page 2 Why Mason?... page 3 MPA Curriculum page 4 MPA Degree Plan page 12 Graduate Tuition Rates page 13 Admissions Requirements page 14 Graduate Certificates page 15 Jobs Held by Graduates page 16 Faculty page 17 FAQs page 19 Information Sessions page 22 The MPA Program is designed for those who hold or aspire to hold leadership positions in organizations that participate in the development and implementation of public policy. The program focuses on improving knowledge of politics, public policy and management and enhancing analytic, problem-solving and communication skills. ~MPA Mission Statement Find us online!

Department of Public and International Affairs 4400 University Drive, MS 3F4 Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444 Phone:703/993-9466 Fax: 703/993-1399 Dear Prospective MPA Student: Thank you for inquiring about the George Mason University Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program. The MPA is a 36 credit-hour program and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public and International Affairs. The Director of the MPA program, Dr. Paul Posner, currently serves as President elect of the American Society for Public Administration. Our full-time faculty is composed of highly accomplished scholars in each of the fields in the discipline. The MPA was highly ranked in the U.S. News survey of graduate programs of public administration and public policy. Our curriculum prepares students for positions of leadership in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. Approximately 300 full-time and part-time students are currently enrolled in our graduate program, making us one of the largest MPA programs in the country. Consider the benefits of taking your MPA at George Mason University: Over 30 classes offered each semester; Classes offered at multiple locations and online; Day, evening, and weekend classes; You can choose to concentrate in one of the following areas: public management, nonprofit management, policy studies, justice administration, state & local government, public and nonprofit finance; emergency management; environmental science & public policy, human resource management, international management, and third party governance. A diverse student body whose real world experience includes service at all levels of government, the military, nonprofit, private, and international organizations; Many job opportunities with government, consultants, high-tech businesses and nonprofits. Our tuition rates for in-state students are generally considered a real bargain. Furthermore, even for out-of-state students, our tuition rates compare very favorably to other MPA programs in the Washington Metropolitan Area. For those who want or need to work while in graduate school, we have a wide range of paid and for credit opportunities available. Each semester, elected officials in national, state, and local governments and administrative officials in public, nonprofit, and private organizations call us asking for graduate interns who can do program evaluation, policy analysis, organizational design, case work, financial analysis, etc. The MPA program at George Mason University can be an important investment in your future. Please contact our MPA department at (703) 993-9466, or send an e-mail to mpa@gmu.edu for more information. Paul Posner Paul Posner Director MPA Program 1

This 36-credit program is designed to build the knowledge base and skills of people who are playing, or who intend to play, a leadership role in organizations that develop or implement public policy. Additionally, the program is among the first to address the implications of the growing reliance of government on a wide range of third parties including other governments, private contractors and nonprofits for public goals and accountability. In the required courses, emphasis is placed on the development of knowledge about public policy and management, as well as analytical problem-solving and communication skills, and third party governance. Elective courses can be used by students to focus their knowledge and skill development within one of the following concentrations: public management, policy studies, public and nonprofit finance, nonprofit management, international management, state and local government, environmental science and public policy, human resource management, administration of justice, and third party governance. Alternatively, the electives can be used to extend the breadth of study, with courses drawn from a variety of concentrations or even from other departments and schools within the university. MPA students at Mason have the research and cultural resources of the Washington, D.C., area at their disposal. Government agencies representing all levels of government in the U.S. federal system are located close to the campus, as are the National Archives, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institution. Another benefit is the wide range of internship opportunities available in governmental and nonprofit organizations. The MPA program regularly has internship invitations from national, state, and local government organizations, as well as from nonprofit organizations whose principal work is at the local, state, national, or international levels. Many of these internships are paid Completion of the MPA can lead to a variety of postgraduate opportunities, including the Presidential Management Fellowship. With more than 1,000 alumni, the MPA program can also serve as a valuable source for networking and job placement. Additionally, the MPA can serve as a key credential in the pursuit of a PhD in political science with a concentration in public administration. 2

The MPA was highly ranked in the US News Survey of graduate programs of public administration and public policy Over 250 full-time and part-time students are currently enrolled making us one of the largest programs in the area Over 30 classes offered each semester Classes conveniently offered at multiple locations at the Arlington campus, Fairfax campus, and online. Day, evening, and weekend classes offered George Mason was ranked #1 up and coming university in 2008 by US News 11 different concentrations to allow degree specialization A diverse student body whose real world experience includes service at all levels of government, the military, nonprofit, private and international organizations Many job opportunities with government, consultants, high-tech businesses, and nonprofits Tuition rates for in-state students are generally considered a real bargain Location just outside of Washington D.C. allows students to take advantage of exciting internships and simplifies the logistics of research Largest Public Administration program in the area Masters International an option to incorporate Peace Corps Service while earning a Master s in Public Administration 3

Students may request transfer credit for graduate courses taken at other accredited universities or colleges, for courses recommended for graduate credit by ACE, or for courses taken through extended studies at Mason. Transfer credit is subject to university policies, and must be approved by the MPA program and dean. Students who enroll initially through nondegree studies are advised to submit their application to the MPA program in their first semester of study. Only 9 credits taken through nondegree studies may be transferred to the degree program. All students are required to take eight MPA core courses. These courses give students the opportunity to develop a shared knowledge base and skill set. The courses are focused on the knowledge and skills needed by people who want to play a leadership role in organizations that develop and implement public policy. Required Core Courses (18 credits) 502 Introduction to Public Administration 511 Problem Solving and Data Analysis I 520 Organizational Theory 540 Public Policy Process 700 Ethics and Public Administration 703 Third Party Governance Required Accounting and Finance (Choose One - 3 credits) 660 Accounting and Finance 662 National Budgeting 663 State and local Budgeting 664 Nonprofit Financial Management Required Second Methods (Choose One - 3 credits) 612 Problem Solving and Data II 613 Economic Analysis for Public Administration 645 Policy Analysis 646 Program Evaluation Four elective courses (12 credits) 4

Students may take their elective courses within one of the concentrations listed below. Alternatively, with the approval of their advisor, students may create their own concentration, or they may select their elective courses from several concentrations or fields. Students may declare only one concentration. PUAD 794 Internship and PUAD 796 Directed Reading and Research may be applied to a concentration where content is appropriate and with prior written approval of the students advisor. Other courses may also be applied to a concentration with prior written approval of the director. For PUAD course descriptions, visit Public Administration course descriptions. This concentration provides students with an overview of justice organizations and processes, as well as program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Students expand their knowledge of justice issues and develop the skills needed for effective management of contemporary justice. PUAD 730 - Professional Development Workshop PUAD 781 - Information Management: Technology and Policy CONF 501 - Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution CRIM 509 - Justice Organizations and Processes CRIM 510 - Policing in a Democratic Society CRIM 691 - Justice Program Planning and Implementation CRIM 740 - Justice Organization and Administration CRIM 741 - Conduct of Justice Organizations at the Street Level CRIM 742 - Leadership in Justice and Security Organizations CRIM 743 - Changing Justice and Security Organizations CRIM 749 - Issues in Justice Administration CRIM 781 - Justice Program Evaluation SOCI 607 - Criminology SOCI 608 - Juvenile Delinquency SOCI 609 - Sociology of Punishment and Corrections This concentration enhances the capabilities of people working in federal, state, local, and volunteer agencies, and the public and private sectors in order to minimize the impact of disasters on the American public. The coursework places a particular emphasis on how the various 5

institutions involved in disaster responses can work together in emergencies to save lives and protect property. BIOD 723 Legal Dimensions of Homeland Security BIOD 752 Role of the Military in Homeland Security COMM 637 Risk Communication PUAD 630 Emergency Planning and Preparedness PUAD 631 Disaster Response Operations and Recovery PUAD 632 Terrorism: Theory and Practice PUAD 633 Hazard Mitigation Policy PUAD 634 Management of International Security PUAD 635 Emergency Management: Interagency Communication and Coordination PUAD 637 Managing Homeland Security PUAD 727 Seminar in Risk Assessment and Decision Making PUAD 731 Homeland Security: Transportation Security Administration PUAD 738 Issues in International Security PUAD 794 Internship PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research PUBP 742 Transportation Safety and Security PUBP 754 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis for Public Policy PUBP 758 Global Threats and Medical Policies In this concentration, students focus on political and ethical perspectives, environmental planning, and environmental law. They study the policy-making process as it applies to environmental and natural resources issues, both nationally and globally. One required concentration course: PUAD 642 Environmental Policy EVPP 524 Introduction to Environmental and Resource Economics EVPP 607 Fundamentals of Ecology EVPP 638 Corporate Environmental Management and Policy EVPP 641 Environmental Science and Public Policy EVPP 670 Environmental Law CONF 695 Selected Topics COMM 590 Seminar in Communication CONF 695 Selected Topics PUAD 645 Policy Analysis ( if not already taken to meet core requirements) PUAD 646 Program Evaluation (if not already taken to meet core requirements) PUAD 794 Internship PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research 6

In this concentration, students focus on the complex set of relationships, laws, policies, and systems through which individuals are hired, evaluated, and managed within the public sector. This concentration is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be effective human resource managers. One required concentration course: PUAD 670 Human Resources Management in the Public Sector PUAD 623 Managing Government Contracting PUAD 652 Nonprofit Leadership and Change PUAD 671 Public Employee Labor Relations PUAD 672 Human Resources Reforms for Public Administration PUAD 729 Issues in Public Management PUAD 730 Professional Development Workshop PSYC 631 Industrial and Personnel Testing and Evaluation PSYC 636 Survey of Industrial Psychology PSYC 638 Training: Psychological Contributions to Theory, Design, and Evaluation PSYC 639 Survey of Organizational Processes PSYC 667 Behavior in Small Groups and Teams PSYC 739 Seminar in Industrial/Organizational Psychology MBA 653 Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management MBA 713 Human Resource Management ODKM 705 Group Dynamics and Team Learning ODKM 715 Creating Learning Organizations ODKM 731 Consulting Skills for Organizational Change ODKM 735 Organizational Development Practices PUAD 794 Internship PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research This concentration prepares students to manage organizations that have an international dimension, such as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). One required concentration course: PUAD 504 Managing in the International Arena PUAD 634 Management of International Security PUAD 636 NGO Policy and Management 7

PUAD 730 Professional Development Workshop PUAD 738 Issues in International Security PUAD 739 Issues in International Management PUAD 794 Internship PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research GOVT 540 International Politics GOVT 631 Seminar in comparative Politics and Institutions CONF and ITRN courses with written prior approval of advisor. In this concentration students examine nonprofit organizations, their wide range of interests and causes, and their role in contemporary society. The coursework focuses on governance structures, fundraising, advocacy and lobbying, and marketing activities. Two required concentration courses: PUAD 505 Introduction to Management of Nonprofits and PUAD 659 Nonprofit Law, Governance, and Ethics PUAD 636 NGO Policy and Management PUAD 649 Advocacy and Lobbying PUAD 652 Nonprofit Leadership and Change PUAD 654 The Community, Marketing, and Public Relations PUAD 655 Philanthropy and Fundraising PUAD 657 Association Management PUAD 658 Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Enterprise PUAD 660 Public and Nonprofit Accounting and Finance PUAD 664 Nonprofit Financial Management PUAD 680 Managing Information Systems PUAD 720 Performance Measurement PUAD 730 Professional Development Workshop PUAD 794 Internship (3 credits only) PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research This concentration provides students with an understanding of the dynamics of policy making and policy analysis. Students evaluate, analyze, and develop solutions to policy problems within the political and public arenas. PUAD 615 Administrative Law PUAD 622 Program Planning and Implementation PUAD 645 Policy Analysis PUAD 646 Program Evaluation 8

PUAD 649 Advocacy and Lobbying PUAD 658 Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Enterprise PUAD 661 Public Budgeting Systems PUAD 662 National Budgeting PUAD 663 State and Local Budgeting PUAD 680 Managing Information Resources PUAD 727 Seminar in Risk Assessment and Decision Making PUAD 730 Professional Development Workshop PUAD 749 Issues in Public Policy PUAD 750 Federalism and Changing Patterns of Governance PUAD 781 Information Management: Technology and Policy PUAD 794 Internship PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research GOVT 520 Political Theory GOVT 605 Seminar in Congress and the Presidency This concentration prepares individuals for careers as managers within public and nonprofit organizations. This concentration is designed to give students an exposure to the roles, responsibilities, and functions of managers in the areas of administrative law, budgeting, human resources management, and program planning and implementation. PUAD 615 Administrative Law PUAD 622 Program Planning and Implementation PUAD 623 Managing Government Contracting PUAD 646 Program Evaluation PUAD 658 Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Enterprise PUAD 660 Public and Nonprofit Accounting and Finance PUAD 661 Public Budgeting Systems PUAD 662 National Budgeting PUAD 663 State and Local Budgeting PUAD 664 Nonprofit Financial Management PUAD 670 Human Resources Management in the Public Sector PUAD 672 Human Resources Reforms for Public Administration PUAD 679 Leadership Skills for the 21 st Century PUAD 680 Managing Information Resources PUAD 720 Performance Measurement PUAD 729 Issues in Public Management PUAD 730 Professional Development Workshop PUAD 731 Homeland Security: Transportation Security Administration PUAD 750 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations PUAD 781 Information Management: Technology and Policy PUAD 794 Internship PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research 9

This concentration provides students with a working knowledge of basic financial management standards, budgeting tools, analytical techniques, local, and volunteer agencies, and the public and private sectors and processes relevant to public sector and nonprofit financial operations and management. PUAD 658 Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Enterprise PUAD 660 Public and Nonprofit Accounting and Finance PUAD 661 Public Budgeting Systems PUAD 662 National Budgeting PUAD 663 State and Local Budgeting PUAD 664 Nonprofit Financial Management PUAD 729 Issues in Public Management PUAD 730 Professional Development Workshop PUAD 769 Issues in Public Financial Management PUAD 794 Internship PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research This concentration exposes students to electoral processes, governmental institutions and processes, and nongovernmental actors in state and local government. PUAD 505 Introduction to Management of Nonprofits PUAD 615 Administrative Law PUAD 623 Managing Government Contracting PUAD 630 Emergency Planning and Preparedness PUAD 651 Virginia Politics, Policy, and Administration PUAD 660 Public and Nonprofit Accounting and Finance PUAD 661 Public Budgeting Systems PUAD 662 National Budgeting PUAD 663 State and Local Budgeting PUAD 679 Leadership Skills for the 21 st Century PUAD 680 Managing Information Resources PUAD 729 Issues in Public Management PUAD 730 Professional Development Workshop PUAD 750 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations PUAD 759 Issues in Local Government Administration PUAD 781 Information Management: Technology and Policy PUAD 794 Internship PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research 10

In this concentration, students examine the design and management of government programs that rely on other levels of government and the private sector for the delivery of service, with a focus on contracts, grants, loans, regulation, and tax credits. PUAD 613 Economic Analysis for Public Administration PUAD 622 Program Planning and Implementation PUAD 623 Managing Government Contracting PUAD 635 Emergency Preparedness: Interagency Communication and Coordination PUAD 636 The NGO: Policy and Management PUAD 658 Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Enterprise PUAD 659 Nonprofit Law, Governance, and Ethics PUAD 750 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations PUAD 794 Internship PUAD 796 Directed Readings and Research 11

12

assessed per semester less than seven credits $60, seven credits or greater $100. This is a mandatory, non-refundable, one-time fee. The fee is charged to the account of every newly admitted, degree-seeking student at the time of registration, regardless of orientation attendance or enrollment status. The new student fee is $60.00. Health insurance is required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Students are required to purchase the policy arranged by the university, unless exempted by the Student Health Insurance Office. Health insurance fees are deducted from all payments received by the university before funds are applied to tuition or other charges. For exemption criteria see the University Catalog or contact the Student Health Insurance office in SUB I/Room 219, or call 703-993-2827. Several courses in CHHS require additional course or lab fees. Additional information is available on the Student Accounts Office web site. Graduate Tuition Rates for the Department of Public and International Affairs Program In State Tuition Out-of-State Master of Public Administration & Certificates Biodefense Degrees & Certificates 628.75 per credit 1,142.50 per credit 578.75 per credit 1,142.50 per credit Political Science 478.75 per credit 1,142.50 per credit 13

Spring Semester Application Deadlines: 14 - Domestic applicants is November 1. - International applicants is October 1. Fall Semester Application Deadlines: - Domestic applicants is April 1. - International applicants is March 1. - Consideration for a Research Assistantship the deadline to apply is March 1. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a spaceavailable basis. Graduate application (available online) http://admissions.gmu.edu/common/onapps.asp Application fee of $60 (paid via credit card online) Two copies of official transcripts from each institution attended Resume listing work experience and volunteer activity Three letters of recommendation (from professional/academic contacts) Statement of professional goals (usually two pages) GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores are required. However, if applicant s cumulative GPA is 3.3 or higher, or if applicant holds a previous masters degree, they may request a waiver of the exam requirement. To do so, include a one-page letter to the admissions committee requesting a waiver of the entrance exam based on one of the two criteria listed above. Waivers will be granted at the department s discretion. TOEFL exam is required if applicant is an international student. International Student requirements can be found at: http://admissions.gmu.edu/global/intladmissionrequirementsgraduate.a sp All application materials should be sent to Graduate Admissions chss@gmu.edu or George Mason University Graduate Admissions 2D2 4400 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 Click Here to Apply Now!

15

Position Title Assistant Finance Director Benefits Specialist Budget Analyst Budget Officer Case Manager Contract Specialist Contract Specialist Customer Service Manager DSB Branch Chief Deputy Zoning Administrator Development & Communications Coordinator Director of Human Resources Diversity Coordinator Engineering Services Manager Ethics Analyst Events Manager Financial Reporting Manager Intergovernmental Coordinator Legal Assistant Legislative Assistant Lieutenant Major Gifts Associate Management Analyst Management Analyst Manager, Business & Biodiveristy Council National Clandestine Service Rep to the CIA's Publications Review Board Office Management Specialist Outreach Coordinator Police Sergeant Policy and Program Services Manager Program Analyst Program Coordinator Program Specialist Site Planner Social Worker II Special Security Officer Staff Analyst Employer Fauquier County Fairfax County Public Schools Transportation Security Administration US Attorney's District of Columbia, Department of Justice Mentor Network Department of Homeland Security National Science Foundation County of Loudoun - Building and Development DOC/NOAA City of Fairfax Good Jobs First Fauquier county Government and Public School Mecklenburg County Bar City of Manassas NIH USO County of Fairfax, Virginia Fairfax County Dept of Transportation Herbert S. Rosenblum, PC Arlington County Prince Wm County PD WETA National Science Foundation Food and Drug Administration Conservation International CIA Department of State University of Mississippi Town of Herndon, Virginia National Rural Health Association US Department of Housing and Urban Development Legacy International United States Geological Survey Arlington County Government Prince William County Social Services US Immigration and Customs Enforcement SAIC 16

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS FULL TIME FACULTY ALAN ABRAMSON, PhD Yale, Public Admin, Non-profit organizations, foundations, federal budget PETER BALINT, PhD University of Maryland; Public Admin, Environmental policy LEHN BENJAMIN, PhD Cornell, Public Admin., Non-profit organization, Evaluation research JIM BURROUGHS, JD College of William and Mary; Public Admin, Administrative and regulatory law JAMES CONANT, PhD University of Wisconsin, Madison; Public management, public policy, state government TIMOTHY CONLAN, PhD Harvard University; Americanist, Federalism, intergovernmental relations, politics of policy making, Congress. Served as Assistant Staff Director of the Senate Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations. DELTON DAIGLE, PhD Ohio State University; American political science, political research methodology SHELDON EDNER, PhD Univ of Calif., Public Policy process, ethics and administration, third party governance, issues in State and Local Administration JULIANNE MAHLER, PhD SUNY, Buffalo; organization theory, research methods, political ideology PAUL POSNER, PhD Columbia University; Political Science, public policy process, intergovernmental management, tax policy PRISCILLA REGAN, PhD Cornell University; Information technologies, impact on civil liberties, comparative telecommunications policy JOHN SACCO, PhD Penn State University; Information management, budgeting, accounting, policy analysis STEFAN TOEPLER, PhD Free University of Berlin; Nonprofit management TONI-MICHELLE TRAVIS, PhD University of Chicago; Race and gender issues in political participation, public administration, urban politics PART TIME FACULTY TOM BRUNN Director of Public Works in Prince William County ALLAN BURMAN President of Jefferson Solutions VIRGINIA CHANLEY Senior Analyst and Design Methodologist at US Government Accountability Office BILL COMBS DANIEL CUDA MARK DAY Director Office of Strategic Programs at GSA 17

RON ELVING Senior Washington editor for National Public Radio News DAVID FREDERICKSON Director of Office of Performance Monitoring at US Department of Labor CRAIG GERHART President at Gerhart Enterprises, Inc; Former County Executive at Prince William County Government MARCIE FOSTER Policy Analyst at Center for Law and Social Policy JASON HALL Director of Government and Media Relations for the American Association of Museums MEGAN KELLY Senior Assistant County Attorney for Prince William County DIANE KRESH Director at Arlington Public Library DICK LARKIN National technical director for not-for profit accounting and auditing with BDO USA ED LONG Fairfax County Executive MELISSA MILNE Senior Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton JOE MINARIK Senior Vice President and Director of Research for Committee for Economic Development KEN PRILLAMAN KEVIN QUIGLEY President of the National Peace Corps Association SARAH SHORES Chief, Human Capital Information Systems at the Director of National Intelligence BONNIE STABILE Deputy Editor at World Medical and Health Policy Journal MICHAEL STAHL Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of International and Tribal Affairs at the US Environmental Protection Agency ROB STALZER Deputy County Executive for Fairfax County ADAM THIEL Fire chief for the City of Alexandria WALTER VANCE Senior social science analyst, Applied Research and Methods Team at US Government Accountability Office MICHAEL WERMUTH Manager, Counterterrorism and Homeland Defense Programs, in the RAND National Security Research Division JAMES WHITE Faculty Bios can be reviewed at http://pia.gmu.edu 18

1. How does the Admissions Committee evaluate an application? The Admissions Committee carefully considers all parts of the application. They pay particular attention to your past academic performance, rigor of the course selection, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, professional goals statement, and professional experience. 2. Do I have to take the GRE, and if so, what score is required for admission? If your undergraduate cumulative GPA was 3.3 or higher, you may request a waiver of the GRE. If you wish to have the GRE waived, please submit a brief note to Graduate Admissions requesting a waiver based on your GPA. Please Note: The GRE is required if you wish to be considered for a Research Assistantship. Typically, admitted students have a 302 (new scale) or 1105 (old scale) combined GRE verbal and quantitative score or better for the MPA. 3. How do I apply and where do I send my application materials? Students apply electronically by using the online application form. You may access the online form at http://admissions.gmu.edu/. Once completed, your application will be sent electronically to the Office of Graduate Admissions for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). We highly recommend that you apply online and follow the self-managed application process to submit all other application support materials. The selfmanaged application process requires applicants to collect and submit in a standard 9-by-12-inch envelope all supporting documents, e.g.: official transcripts (in official sealed envelopes), letters of recommendation (in sealedenvelopes), goals statement, writing sample, and resume. Please contact ETS to request that GRE scores be sent electronically to George Mason University. Office of Graduate Admissions College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) George Mason University 4400 University Dr., MS: 2D2 Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 Please note: the Mail Stop Number (MS: 2D2) is a crucial piece of information in the address of the graduate admissions office for the college. If any of your support documents are sent separately to the university, make sure that the Mail Stop Number is included in the address. Failure to follow this procedure will result in processing delays or lost documents. 19

4. How can I check to be sure all of my application materials have been received? Given the number of applications and support documentation the admissions office receives, we ask that you wait at least three weeks to check the status of your application. Once we have processed your application, you may check your admissions status online at http://admissions.gmu.edu/apps/appstatus.htm. 5. Whom should I ask to write my letters of recommendation? Is there a particular form or format for the letters of recommendation? If possible, you should request academic letters of recommendation from past professors. If this is not possible, then letters from supervisors or from individuals who can assess your intellectual aptitude for a graduate program will be sufficient. The online application system will ask for the email addresses of those giving you recommendations. The system will then generate an email to each person. Recommenders will be asked to complete a standard recommendation form and will have the option of attaching an additional letter. While letters of recommendations can be mailed or personally delivered, we recommend using the online system to expedite the admissions process. 6. What is the Admissions Committee looking for in a professional goals statement? The goals statement should be 750 to 1,000 words. Please print your name and birth date on the goals statement if it is sent in separately from the application so that we will be able to link this to your on-line application. For MPA and Certificate Students: Please include in the goals statement a description of your personal qualities and development and how they have influenced your career choice; discuss your reasons for considering this particular degree program in relation to your academic background, professional work experience, and career goals; and tell us your reasons for selecting this program at George Mason University. You should consider your goals statement a writing sample. 7. May I attend as a part-time student? May I change my status from full-time to part-time or from part-time to full time? Yes, you may attend as a part-time student. You may also change your status as a part-time or full-time status at any time, and no paperwork is required for change of status. 8. How many classes/credits are considered full-time? A full-time course load is three classes (nine credits). We recommend that a student not take more than 4 classes (12 credits) per semester. 20

If a student holds a full-time assistantship (20 hours a week), two classes (six credits) is considered full-time. 9. How long does it take to complete the masters program? How fast a student completes the program depends on how many classes a student takes per semester. However, master s degree students have six years to complete their degree from the time of first enrollment as a degree-seeking student. Failure to complete the degree within the time limit, or to secure approval of an extension, may result in termination from the program. If a student fails to enroll in at least 1 credit of course work for two or more consecutive semesters at Mason, the student will have to obtain permission to re-enroll in the program. 10. What kind of financial aid is available to me? The department offers a few, very competitive teaching and research assistantships. An applicant applies to be considered for an assistantship in the application (paper or online). Other opportunities for financial aid may be found through on the college website at http://chss.gmu.edu/grad/funding.php or through the George Mason Office of Financial Aid at http://financialaid.gmu.edu (you may call them at 703-993-2353). 11. Do you offer public administration courses in the summer? All of the core courses are offered each summer. You also have the opportunity to take courses outside the department for your electives during the summer months or to do an independent study. Please contact your academic advisor with any questions about course selection. 21