The BA in Government and International Politics teaches students to critically examine political issues, prominent actors, and processes in government, foreign policy, and international affairs. The government and international politics program:

  • Equips students with expertise in international relations, political analysis, public service, law, campaigns, or research.
  • Prepares students for leadership roles in government, nonprofits, or private businesses in the U.S. and around the world.

Policies

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.

Program Requirements

Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees including the Mason Core. Students pursuing a BA in Government and International Politics must complete additional requirements for the BA degree in the Schar School of Policy and Government.

Students pursuing this degree must complete 43 credits in GOVT and earn a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course applied to the major.

Banner Code: PP-BA-GVIP

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

Students pursuing a BA in Government and International Politics and wishing to narrow their focus may choose to concentrate in one of eight government fields or complete a higher credit concentration in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.

BA with or without Government Concentration

Core Courses
GOVT 101Democratic Theory and Practice (Mason Core)3
GOVT 103Introduction to American Government (Mason Core)3
GOVT 132Introduction to International Politics (Mason Core)3
GOVT 133Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core)3
GOVT 300Research Methods and Analysis (Mason Core)4
Senior Seminar
Select one seminar from the following:3
Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core)
Honors Seminar (Mason Core) 1
Total Credits19

Government Field Study

Select any eight advanced government field courses, with or without a government concentration24
Total Credits24

Students may complete a government concentration (four courses) in one field, then complete any four more advanced government field courses to satisfy this requirement. Students who do not pursue a government concentration may choose 24 credits from the advanced government field courses listed below (with restriction) for a broader learning experience.

Up to three credits of GOVT 399 Research Practicum and GOVT 480 Internship may be used to fulfill the field course requirement with prior advisor approval. Up to six credits of GOVT 496 Directed Readings and Research may be used to fulfill this requirement with prior advisor approval. GOVT 490 Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) or GOVT 491 Honors Seminar (Mason Core) may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

Advanced government field courses include courses numbered GOVT 301 - GOVT 499

Concentrations

Select 0-12 credits in any one concentration0-12
Total Credits0-12

Students may partially satisfy the field study requirement by completing four courses (minimum 12 credits) in any one approved concentration.

Concentration in American Institutions and Processes (AMIP)

GOVT 301Public Law and the Judicial Process3
GOVT 304American State and Local Government3
GOVT 305Contemporary American Federalism3
GOVT 307Legislative Behavior3
GOVT 308The American Presidency3
GOVT 311Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior3
GOVT 319Issues in Government and Politics1-3
GOVT 344American Foreign Policy3
GOVT 357Urban Planning3
GOVT 364Public Policy Making3
GOVT 400Issues in Political Analysis1-3
GOVT 409Virginia Government and Politics3
GOVT 422Constitutional Interpretation3
GOVT 423Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties3

Concentration in Comparative Politics (CPOL)

GOVT 331Government and Politics of Latin America3
GOVT 332Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa3
GOVT 333Government and Politics of Asia3
GOVT 334Government and Politics of Europe3
GOVT 337Ethnic Politics in Western Europe and North America3
GOVT 338Government and Politics of Russia3
GOVT 339Issues in the Politics of Advanced Industrial Societies1-3
GOVT 340Central Asian Politics3
GOVT 341Chinese Foreign Policy3
GOVT 342Diplomacy3
GOVT 344American Foreign Policy3
GOVT 345Islam and Politics3
GOVT 430Comparative Political Leadership3
GOVT 433Political Economy of East Asia3
GOVT 434Democracy in Global Perspective3
GOVT 443Law and Ethics of War3
GOVT 444Issues in International Studies1-3
GOVT 445Human Rights3
GOVT 447Revolution and International Politics3
GOVT 448Ethics and International Politics3

Concentration in International Political Economy (IPE)

GOVT 322International Relations Theory3
GOVT 339Issues in the Politics of Advanced Industrial Societies1-3
GOVT 343International Political Economy3
GOVT 366Public Policy Analysis3
GOVT 367Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core)3
GOVT 368Tools for Economic Policy Analysis3
GOVT 433Political Economy of East Asia3
GOVT 444Issues in International Studies1-3
GOVT 446International Law and Organization3
GOVT 469Philosophy, Politics, and Economics3
ECON 385International Economic Policy3

Concentration in International Relations (INTR)

GOVT 322International Relations Theory3
GOVT 341Chinese Foreign Policy3
GOVT 342Diplomacy3
GOVT 344American Foreign Policy3
GOVT 345Islam and Politics3
GOVT 346American Security Policy3
GOVT 347International Security3
GOVT 443Law and Ethics of War3
GOVT 444Issues in International Studies1-3
GOVT 445Human Rights3
GOVT 446International Law and Organization3
GOVT 447Revolution and International Politics3
GOVT 448Ethics and International Politics3

Concentration in Law, Philosophy and Governance (LPGV)

GOVT 301Public Law and the Judicial Process3
GOVT 307Legislative Behavior3
GOVT 322International Relations Theory3
GOVT 323Classical Western Political Theory3
GOVT 324Modern Western Political Theory3
GOVT 327Contemporary Western Political Theory3
GOVT 329Issues in Political Theories and Values1-3
GOVT 334Government and Politics of Europe3
GOVT 352Responsible Innovation3
GOVT 407Law and Society3
GOVT 420American Political Thought3
GOVT 422Constitutional Interpretation3
GOVT 423Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties3
GOVT 427Feminist Political Thought3
GOVT 428Advanced Democratic Theory3
GOVT 443Law and Ethics of War3
GOVT 445Human Rights3
GOVT 446International Law and Organization3
GOVT 448Ethics and International Politics3
GOVT 452Administrative Law and Procedures3
GOVT 460Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society3
GOVT 461Governance in Space3
GOVT 469Philosophy, Politics, and Economics3

Concentration in Political Analysis (PA)

GOVT 307Legislative Behavior3
GOVT 343International Political Economy3
GOVT 356Public Budgeting and Finance3
GOVT 357Urban Planning3
GOVT 358Nonprofit Financial Planning4
GOVT 366Public Policy Analysis3
GOVT 367Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core)3
GOVT 368Tools for Economic Policy Analysis3
GOVT 400Issues in Political Analysis1-3
GOVT 426Political Theory of Autonomous Algorithms3
GOVT 433Political Economy of East Asia3
GOVT 469Philosophy, Politics, and Economics3
STAT 350Introductory Statistics II3
Any 400-level STAT course

Concentration in Political Behavior and Identity Politics (PBIP)

GOVT 311Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior3
GOVT 312Political Parties and Campaigns3
GOVT 313Political Psychology3
GOVT 318Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process3
GOVT 319Issues in Government and Politics1-3
GOVT 345Islam and Politics3
GOVT 400Issues in Political Analysis1-3
GOVT 412Politics and the Mass Media3
GOVT 414Politics of Race and Gender3
GOVT 423Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties3

Concentration in Public Policy and Administration (PPA)

GOVT 304American State and Local Government3
GOVT 329Issues in Political Theories and Values1-3
GOVT 351Administration in the Political System3
GOVT 354Nonprofit Sector in Society3
GOVT 355Public Personnel Administration3
GOVT 356Public Budgeting and Finance3
GOVT 357Urban Planning3
GOVT 358Nonprofit Financial Planning4
GOVT 361Introduction to Environmental Policy3
GOVT 362Intermediate Environmental Policy3
GOVT 363Science and Technology Institutions/Policy3
GOVT 364Public Policy Making3
GOVT 366Public Policy Analysis3
GOVT 367Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core)3
GOVT 368Tools for Economic Policy Analysis3
GOVT 369Cybersecurity Policy 3
GOVT 400Issues in Political Analysis1-3
GOVT 452Administrative Law and Procedures3
GOVT 460Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society3
GOVT 462Public Interest Technology3
GOVT 464Issues in Public Policy and Administration1-3
GOVT 467How Washington Really Works3
GOVT 469Philosophy, Politics, and Economics3

Individualized Concentration (IND)

Create your own concentration consisting of four upper level courses with Director approval. A minimum of two courses in this concentration must be GOVT.

BA with Concentration in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) 

This is a high credit concentration for students interested in a program that explores the interdisciplinary connections between philosophy, politics, and economics. 

Required Courses for Politics 
GOVT 101Democratic Theory and Practice (Mason Core)3
GOVT 103Introduction to American Government (Mason Core)3
GOVT 132Introduction to International Politics (Mason Core)3
GOVT 133Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core)3
GOVT 300Research Methods and Analysis (Mason Core)4
Total Credits16
Senior Seminar
Select one from the following:3
Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core)
Honors Seminar (Mason Core) 1
Total Credits3
Electives with Concentration
Select one from the following:3
Public Law and the Judicial Process
Legislative Behavior
The American Presidency
Political Parties and Campaigns
Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process
Classical Western Political Theory
Government and Politics of Latin America
Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
Government and Politics of Asia
Government and Politics of Europe
Government and Politics of Russia
Islam and Politics
Introduction to Environmental Policy
Public Policy Making
Public Policy Analysis
Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core)
Constitutional Interpretation
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
Law and Ethics of War
Culminating
GOVT 467How Washington Really Works3
Total Credits6
Economics
Foundational
ECON 103Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core)3
ECON 104Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core)3
Electives
Select one from the following:3
Intermediate Microeconomics
Managerial Economics and Strategy
Economic Problems and Public Policies
Money and Banking
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Economics of Labor
Public Finance
Introduction to Econometrics
Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core)
Topics in Economic History
International Economics
Austrian Economics
Public Choice
Game Theory and Economics of Institutions
Design and Analysis of Experiments
The Development of Economic Thought
Smithian Political Economy I
Smithian Political Economy II
Culminating
ECON 460Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics3
Total Credits12
Philosophy
Foundational
Select one from the following:3
Modern Western Political Theory
Contemporary Western Political Theory
Electives
Select two from the following:6
Philosophy of Law
Philosophy of the Social Sciences
Ethics and Economics
Culminating
PHIL 353Theories of Justice3
Total Credits12

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors. Students majoring in government and international politics may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing GOVT 490 Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) or GOVT 491 Honors Seminar (Mason Core) in their major programs.

Schar Requirements in Addition to Mason Core Below

One course in Philosophy or Religion
One additional course in Social and Behavioral Sciences
One course in Non-Western Culture
Proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate level

Mason Core

Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.

Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information. 

  • VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
  • VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
Foundation Requirements
Written Communication (ENGH 101)3
Oral Communication3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Information Technology and Computing3
Exploration Requirements
Arts3
Global History3
Global Understanding3
Literature3
Natural Science7
Social and Behavioral Sciences3
Integration Requirements
Written Communications (ENGH 302)3
Writing-Intensive 13
Synthesis/Capstone 23
Total Credits40
1

Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.

2

Minimum 3 credits required.

Honors in the Major

Highly qualified students majoring in Government and International Politics and Public Administration may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. Those students selected for participation in this program take a two-course sequence: GOVT 491 Honors Seminar (Mason Core) and GOVT 496 Directed Readings and Research. To graduate with honors in the major, students must complete these courses with a minimum GPA of 3.50.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Biodefense, Accelerated MS

Overview

Highly qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated Biodefense, MS. If accepted, students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in their chosen major and a Biodefense, MS with a reduced number of overall credits and within a reduced time frame, sometimes within five years.

For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Admission

Please see the Graduate Admissions for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University. Information specific to the accelerated MS program may be found on the Schar website.

To be considered for this accelerated master's program, applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credits and have a minimum GPA of 3.50 in all coursework applied to the degree.

Accelerated Option Requirements

While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to fifteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses include BIOD 604 Emerging Infectious Diseases I: Bacteria and ToxinsGOVT 500 The Scientific Method and Research DesignBIOD 605 Emerging Infectious Diseases II: Viral AgentsBIOD 620 Global Health Security Policy and BIOD 609 Biodefense Strategy. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.

Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, students must submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form to apply credits to the master's degree. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree (excluding summer).

Bachelor's Degree (any)/International Security, Accelerated MA

Overview

Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated MA degree program in International Security. If accepted students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in their major and an MA in International Security with a reduced number of overall credits and within a reduced time frame, sometimes within five years. More information on bachelor's/accelerated master's programs may be found in AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. See AP.6.9 Requirements for Master's Degrees.

Admission

Please see Graduate Admission Policies for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University. Specific information on application requirements and deadlines may be found on the Schar admissions website.

To be considered for this accelerated master's program, applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credits and have a minimum GPA of 3.60 in all coursework applied to the degree.

Accelerated Option Requirements

While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to twelve graduate credits, all of which may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Any remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses are:

GOVT 540International Relations3
POGO 511Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government3
PUBP 504Grand Strategy3
PUBP 506Ethics and the Use of Force3

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.

Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, students must submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form to apply credits to the master's degree. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree (excluding summer).

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Global Commerce and Policy, Accelerated MA

Overview

Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated MA degree program in Global Commerce and Policy. If accepted students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in their major and an MA in Global Commerce and Policy with a reduced number of overall credits and within a reduced time frame, sometimes within five years. More information on bachelor's/accelerated master's programs may be found in AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. See AP.6.9 Requirements for Master's Degrees.

Admission

Please see Graduate Admission Policies for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University. Specific information on application requirements and deadlines may be found on the Schar admissions website.

To be considered for this accelerated master's program, applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credits, including at least 12 credits of Government, Economics, and/or Global Affairs courses, and have a minimum GPA of 3.50 in all coursework applied to the degree.

Accelerated Option Requirements

While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to eighteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. The remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses include GCP 500 Global Political EconomyGCP 501 Data Analysis for Global Political EconomyGCP 503 Macroeconomic Policy in the Global EconomyGCP 504 Microeconomics and Trade PolicyGCP 602 Global Financial Crises and InstitutionsGCP 603 Global Trade Relations, and GCP 605 Technology, Culture and Commerce. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.

Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, students must submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form to apply credits to the master's degree. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree (excluding summer).

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Political Science, Accelerated MA

Overview

Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated MA degree in political science. If accepted, students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in their chosen major and a MA in Political Science with a reduced number of overall credits and within a reduced time frame, sometimes five years. More information on bachelor's/accelerated master's programs may be found in AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. See AP.6.9 Requirements for Master's Degrees.

Admission

See Graduate Admission Policies for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University. Specific information on application requirements and deadlines for the Political Science master's program may be found on the Schar website.

To be considered for this accelerated master's program, applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credits, including 12 GOVT credits, and have a minimum GPA of 3.50 in all coursework applied to the degree.

Accelerated Option Requirements

While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to eighteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses are chosen from GOVT 500 The Scientific Method and Research DesignGOVT 510 American Government and PoliticsGOVT 520 Political TheoryGOVT 530 Comparative PoliticsGOVT 540 International Relations and POGO 511 Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.

Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, students must submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form to apply credits to the master's degree. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree (excluding summer).

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Public Administration, Accelerated MPA

Overview

Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated master's degree in public administration. If accepted, students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in their chosen major and a master's degree in public administration with a reduced number of overall credits and within a reduced time frame, sometimes within five years. See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Admission

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. Information specific to the accelerated MPA program may be found on the Schar website.

To be considered for this accelerated master's program, applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credits, including 12 GOVT credits, and have a minimum GPA of 3.50 in all coursework applied to the degree.

Accelerated Option Requirements

While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to eighteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses include PUAD 502 Administration in Public and Nonprofit OrganizationsPOGO 511 Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and GovernmentPUAD 520 Organization Theory and Management Behavior and PUAD 540 Public Policy Process.  Additionally, students can take one of the methods core courses (PUAD 613 Economic Analysis in Public Administration,  PUAD 645 Policy Analysis, POGO 611 Advanced Data Analysis for Policy and Government or POGO 646 Policy and Program Evaluation) and one of the finance/budgeting/accounting core courses (PUAD 660 Public and Nonprofit Accounting and Finance, PUAD 662 National Budgeting, PUAD 663 State and Local Budgeting or PUAD 664 Nonprofit Financial Management).  Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.

Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, students must submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form to apply credits to the master's degree. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree (excluding summer).

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Public Policy, Accelerated MPP

Overview

Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. If accepted students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in their chosen major and the Master of Public Policy with a reduced number of overall credits and within a reduced time frame, sometimes within five years. More information on bachelor's/accelerated master's programs may be found in AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. See AP.6.9 Requirements for Master's Degrees.

Admission

Please see Graduate Admission Policies for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University. Information specific to the accelerated Master of Public Policy program may be found on the Schar website.

To be considered for this accelerated master's program, applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credits, including 12 credits of Government and/or Economics courses, and have a minimum GPA of 3.50 in all coursework applied to the degree.

Accelerated Option Requirements

While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to fifteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree.. The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in each course. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.

GOVT 500The Scientific Method and Research Design3
POGO 511Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government3
POGO 611Advanced Data Analysis for Policy and Government3
or POGO 646 Policy and Program Evaluation
PUAD 662National Budgeting3
PUBP 500Theory and Practice in Public Policy3
PUBP 503Culture, Organization, and Technology3
PUBP 570Policy Writing Fundamentals3

Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, students must submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form to apply credits to the master's degree. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree (excluding summer).