Become a Change-Maker
Why get a Schar School degree?
- Gain the practical skills and knowledge you need to make a real difference in the world
- Immerse yourself in the career-making experiences available only in the Washington, D.C.-area
- Access tailored, one-on-one career guidance
- Learn directly from involved faculty who have distinguished careers outside of academia
- Engage deeply with the most pressing political issues
- Make connections that will last beyond graduation
- Love your undergraduate experience
With a degree from the Schar School—located at the heart of the policy world in the Washington, D.C. area—you'll graduate prepared to tackle the world's biggest challenges, including climate change, income inequality, global security, and human rights issues.
“With a large and diverse array of faculty, the Schar School has an expert on almost every topic imaginable. As a student, this extensive expertise translated into an unrivaled catalog of classes, allowing me to explore my passion for international relations and foreign policy in great depth. Additionally, there is an abundance of professional opportunities for advancing your career from interning in Washington D.C. to conducting research with professors through the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program. The Schar School truly provides a world-class education that can take you anywhere!”
Anthony Guzman, Government and International Politics
Get in Touch
Prospective students and their families can get to know the Schar School by setting up an informational appointment with the Schar School undergraduate recruitment team. Visit in person in 333 Aquia Building on the Fairfax campus, or set up a time to talk by phone or Zoom. Reach out to ScharUAA@gmu.edu or 703-993-6564 to schedule a conversation.
Schar School Undergraduate Student Liaisons are also happy to help!
Attend a Prospective Student Event
Members of the Schar School community, including faculty and current students, are looking forward to meeting you at upcoming admissions events!
Get two degrees at once: You can earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years, or your bachelor’s and law degrees in six years through Mason's accelerated programs.
Hands-On Learning
Become Part of Our Faculty-Led Communities
Residential:
- First-Year Democracy Lab
- Upper-Level Democracy Lab
Non-Residential:
- International Relations Policy Task Force
- Pillars of Research
- Jurisprudence Learning Community
Internship Opportunities
The Schar School Internship Program can help connect you with opportunities in the Washington, D.C. region that will broaden your skills, deepen your expertise, and help you build a meaningful professional network.
Research Projects
The Schar School Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP) offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working directly with faculty on research projects that can help launch you into your chosen career.
Fund Your Degree
The Schar Scholars program provides financial assistance to freshmen who are interested in government, political science, international relations, public policy, pre-law, and public administration. George Mason University also offers a wide range of additional aid, such as grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study employment.
Prepare for a Career in Law
Whether you are laser-focused on going to law school or just thinking about it, a degree from the Schar School of Policy and Government offers the flexibility to pursue a career in law—or one in government, academia, the nonprofit sector, and in private practice. Th school provides a host of programs and opportunities that will prepare you to excel in whatever field you choose.