Welcome, Schar School Undergraduate Students!
We are excited to welcome you to the Schar School of Policy and Government and provide you with the necessary resources to be successful throughout your academic journey at one of the top-ranked schools of policy, government, and international affairs in the world.
DISCOVER THE SCHAR SCHOOL
In a world where governance becomes more complex by the day, you’re about to join a school that studies what happens while it happens. More than that – the Schar School will prepare you to start a career where what you do matters. Graduates from our degrees in Government and International Politics and Public Administration are already changing the world. Get ready to join them.
CAREER EXPERIENCE
Our students and faculty don’t just study government – they’re connected to it. With our location in the national capital region, we provide students with unprecedented access to renowned speakers, faculty experts, internships, and career opportunities. Leverage your access to faculty with work experience in the U.S. Department of State and with alumni working in Congress to find a career that you can make a difference in.
APPLIED ACADEMICS
The Schar School has more than 90 faculty members who are internationally recognized for their scholarship and advisory roles in the public and private sectors. They are expert scholars and experienced operators, including former members of Congress, ambassadors, heads of state and federal agencies, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Marines. More than anything, they share a passion and dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of change-makers and leaders.
Our students’ experiences reflect this broad range of experience, from participating in our Undergraduate Research Assistant Program to gaming out crises in international simulations. Our heavy hitters in data-driven analysis have prepared our students for the statistical demands of today’s graduate programs, and our advising staff are available every step of the way to make sure you are meeting your goals – not just for college, but for life.
“The program at Mason just simply made sense. With D.C. in our backyard, the opportunities are endless. Research at the Schar School is abundant, and our faculty does the best at trying to connect students in fields they are interested in!”
—Jenna Pan, BA in Government and International Politics student
“It was a huge turning point for me when I transferred [to Mason]. I got appointed as a student senator and started to grow more relationships with my professors. I started growing and getting more experience.”
—Joseph Fernando, BS in Public Administration '20
“Having the ability to take internships for credit while still taking classes gave me the chance to get my degree a year early while also setting me up as a competitive candidate post-graduation.”
—Shannon Glesing, BA in Government and International Politics student
Top-Ranked Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate courses are offered on Mason's Fairfax campus, allowing students to take courses from multiple colleges and schools without interrupting their schedules.
Mason's bachelor's/accelerated master’s degree program tracks allow high-achieving Mason undergraduates with the opportunity to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in just 5 years.
Expand your network and enhance your time at Mason by joining a Schar School learning community. Our faculty-led LCs bring students together to learn and grow through shared interests.
The Schar School Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP) offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with social science research.
Connect With Us
Have questions for the Undergraduate Student Services team? We are here to help you prepare for your time at Mason and to be successful in the years to follow. We look forward to getting to know you!