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The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University has been accepted as a full member into the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), the preeminent global network of graduate schools dedicated to international affairs education.
APSIA brings together 71 member and affiliate schools across 18 countries, forming a global community committed to advancing international affairs education. By connecting prospective students and employers with its schools, APSIA ensures that the skills gained through an APSIA education are put to work in meaningful ways. Member institutions collaborate with each other and with the broader international affairs community to address shared challenges and opportunities through annual meetings, ongoing dialogue, and dynamic programming. These efforts foster innovation, strengthen collaboration, and contribute to building a better world.
“APSIA’s recognition of the school as a full member,” said Schar School Senior Assistant Dean for Strategy Elizabeth Olchowski, “is a testament both to our faculty’s strength in international affairs research and our curricular innovation in this space—from our Global Commerce and Policy master’s program and the International Security program, to the contributions of our international affairs scholars in our political science and public policy programs.”
Other member institutions include Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, Stanford University, Columbia University, Tufts University, Florida International University, and others. Local APSIA member schools include Georgetown University, American University, George Washington University, the University of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University.
As part of APSIA, Schar School students will benefit from expanded career programming, employer connections, fellowships information, and events with peer institutions worldwide. Faculty and administrators will participate in APSIA forums that advance innovation in international affairs education.
Full membership in APSIA is both competitive and selective, reflecting high academic quality, a strong commitment to international affairs, and successful graduate training on par with the world’s top programs. The Schar School’s growing reputation on the global stage is further bolstered by its distinguished faculty, powerful alumni network, and proximity to the international policy community in Washington, D.C.
“This is a validation by elite peer institutions of the Schar School's reputation and performance in teaching and research in international affairs,” said Schar School professor and associate dean for faculty affairs Ming Wan. “A full membership facilitates collaboration with fellow APSIA member schools, such as sharing courses that enhance their studies and research projects.”
“We are all excited to share and learn from other APSIA members as we strengthen international affairs education together,” added Ocholwski. “George Mason’s inclusion in this elite group proves that we perform at the highest levels in research and education while also being an inclusive public university.”