Now recruiting for Spring 2025!
Program Summary
![Three women standing in a building and smiling](/sites/g/files/yyqcgq366/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-08/190301504_0.jpg?itok=GCvxk7p8)
The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University offers a cohort-based path for its BS in Public Administration program. The curriculum is rooted in policy analysis and economics, offering current public servants the knowledge and expertise to be leaders and make positive change. This program is open to Northern Virginia local government employees who have completed an associate’s degree. Participants will enroll in designated Mason courses together, creating a supportive community designed to encourage program completion.
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Duration: 3 years
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Course Load: Two courses per term (fall, spring, summer) for a total of six to seven credits per term
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Class Schedule: Two classes per week, one in person and one online, meeting either 4:30-7:10pm, 7:20-10:00pm, or asynchronous
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Additional Coursework: Depending on previous academic credits, some participants may need to take extra courses beyond those specified in the cohort program.
Eligibility
- Must be a full or part-time merit Northern Virginia local government employee
- Must have completed the first 30 days of employment
- Must complete employer requirements and obtain approval to participate in the 3-year program Consult your HR representative for more information.
- Must apply and be admitted to George Mason University as a transfer student
Note: Spaces are limited in the cohort. Admission to Mason does not guarantee a space in the cohort program. Please register your interest as soon as possible for best consideration and follow the application guidelines below.
Request More Information
Steps to Participate
- Contact your HR representative for jurisdiction-specific requirements:
Fairfax County: Brenda.Reigelsperger@fairfaxcounty.gov
Fauquier County: janelle.downes.adm@fauquiercounty.gov
Loudon County: Shelly.Clay@loudoun.gov
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Identify how you should Apply to George Mason University, and apply for Spring 2025. Cohort participants must go through the Mason admissions process, and admission is not guaranteed:
I will be a NOVA transfer student with an associate’s degree
Please note that the Office of Transfer Admissions is responsible for all application materials and decisions. Priority transfer application deadline for spring 2025 is October 1. For application questions, please contact transfer@gmu.edu.
I will be a NOVA ADVANCE transfer student with an associate’s degree
For application questions, please contact your assigned Success Coach or advance@gmu.edu.
I will be a transfer student with an associate’s degree from an institution other than NOVA
Please note that the Office of Transfer Admissions is responsible for all application materials and decisions. Priority transfer application deadline for spring 2025 is October 1. For application questions, please contact transfer@gmu.edu.
I have a high school diploma and want to apply to Mason.
The cohort program is designed for students who already have community college credits. Please contact the Schar School Recruitment team to discuss which program might be right for you.
Once you have submitted your application to George Mason, you will need to let us know and so we can add you to the cohort, if admitted. Please submit this form once you have applied.
Class Schedule (Sample)
Cohort 1
COURSE | CREDITS | MODE |
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SPRING 2025 | ||
GOVT 133 | 3 | in person Fairfax Campus |
GOVT 300 | 4 | online |
SUMMER 2025 | ||
PUAD Field 1 | 3 | in person Fairfax Campus |
ENGH 302 | 3 | online |
FALL 2025 | ||
GOVT 351 | 3 | in person Fairfax Campus |
ECON 103 | 3 | online |
SPRING 2026 | ||
PUAD Field 2 | 3 | in person Fairfax Campus |
STAT 250 | 3 | online |
SUMMER 2026 | ||
PUAD Field 3 | 3 | in person Fairfax Campus |
ECON 104 | 3 | online |
FALL 2026 | ||
PUAD Field 4 | 3 | in person Fairfax Campus |
PUAD Field 5 | 3 | online |
SPRING 2027 | ||
PUAD Field 6 | 3 | in person Fairfax Campus |
PUAD Field 7 | 3 | online |
SUMMER 2027 | ||
PUAD Field 8 | 3 | in person Fairfax Campus |
PUAD Field 9 | 3 | online |
FALL 2027 | ||
GOVT 490 | 3 | In person - Fairfax Campus |
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition: George Mason University’s tuition rates are published annually through the Student Accounts Office website on the Approved Tuition & Fees page.
Scholarship: Applicants are eligible for consideration for a one-time $1,000 Northern Virginia Local Government Scholarship in the third semester.