PhD in Public Policy at George Mason University

George Mason University

United States of America, Fairfax

University Rank:#951

George Mason University offers the PhD of Public Policy as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Fairfax , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for public policy and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 21, 2027.

About PhD in Public Policy

This doctoral degree in public policy is distinctive in its heavy emphasis on the combined influence of technology, culture, and institutions on public policy. Students investigate the increasing tensions created by technologically driven organizational change. This doctoral program prepares its graduates to assume positions of significant responsibility in academia, government, and the private and public sectors. With a focus on analytical and research-based approaches to public policy, our students seek to understand the underlying determinants of public policy choices, analyze and improve the implementation of policy, and identify and assess new opportunities to address emerging issues.

To investigate the policy issues associated with substantive policy areas, students develop in-depth understanding of American institutions, values, and culture; competence in research methods and advanced analytical methodologies; and a comparative, international perspective. At the time of admission, each student is assigned a faculty advisor who assists in the design and development of the student's program.

Disciplines

Schar School of Policy and Government

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Public Policy at George Mason University

Entry Requirements

International students interested in pursuing graduate study must meet the following requirements:

Completed online application for graduate study and application fee
An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from copies of unofficial transcripts uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center. Note: Due to admissions deadlines, graduate students are sometimes admitted before conferral of a bachelor’s degree. Students who are awaiting conferral of the degree will be permitted to register for their first semester. However, continuance in any graduate program requires an official transcript which verifies conferral of a bachelor’s degree.
Copies of unofficial university transcripts and any earned degree uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center from all universities attended.
All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. For suggested NACES evaluation services, please reference the International Transfer Requirements section above. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. The Office of Admissions has final authority on all evaluations. Evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.
Verification of English language proficiency. Please see English language requirements page.
Official GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MAT or other official test scores, as required by your program sent directly to Mason from the testing agency
Other supplemental materials specified by your academic program such as essays, departmental forms, portfolios, or interviews

English Requirements

PTEMin 67
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 88

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Public Policy at George Mason University

Application Fee 75

How to Apply for PhD in Public Policy at George Mason University

Your complete application package will require supplemental forms and documents to go along with your application. Examples might include your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, transcripts from universities/colleges attended, visa status, results of standardized tests, essays, resume, activity lists, etc. Materials that you supply can be prepared before you apply. For the Common Application, these items can be uploaded into your application. For Mason’s Exclusive Online Application for Admission, these items can be sent electronically or mailed as directed when you apply. The rest of your documents can be provided after you apply, just be aware of the deadlines that apply to you.

PhD in Public Policy at George Mason University

George Mason University

United States of America, Fairfax