Graduate International Pathways to master's degrees in the Schar School of Policy and Government
INTO Mason provides two Graduate International Pathways for international students to enter various graduate degrees in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. The pathways give students the academic foundation, essential language skills, and cultural knowledge to successfully move on to their master's degree programs. For most students, enrolling in a Graduate International Pathway will add one or two additional semesters to their overall master's degree program.
The following are the available Graduate International Pathways at INTO Mason to degrees in the Schar School of Policy and Government at GMU:
- International Commerce and Policy
- Public Policy
The following is the type of pathway available:
- Two Term pathways (Standard): These pathways lead students through their first year of graduate school. Upon completion of all matriculation requirements, students will move on to their degree-seeking program often with several graduate credits completed as determined by the graduate degree program. Both Schar School pathways have two-term options available.
Graduate International Pathways are designed for international students who:
- Need further English language development. Students who require a moderate amount of English language support can enter all available International Pathways to strengthen their language proficiency and ensure their long-term academic success
- Require a fourth year of undergraduate study. Students who hold three-year baccalaureate degrees that are not formally evaluated as equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree may enter many Graduate International Pathways. For these students, their pathway acts as a "bridge" enhancing their international educational background with academic coursework to meet the eligibility for admission to a GMU graduate degree program
- Fall short of meeting the minimum GPA or admission test score requirements
- Need to improve study skills for success in their chosen field of study
- Any or all of the above
Administered through INTO Mason in partnership with the academic units across the university, the courses in each Graduate International Pathway are taught by highly qualified Mason instructional faculty members and supported by International Pathways academic advisors.
Students enrolled in any Graduate International Pathway should review the program's student guidebook for specific details related to program requirements and expectations.
Program Requirements
The following Graduate International Pathways are offered by INTO Mason in collaboration with the Schar School of Policy & Government:
International Commerce and Policy Graduate Pathway
The following grid is for the first semester of the standard, 2-semester pathway into the Master of Arts in International Commerce and Policy degree:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard semester 1 of 2 | ||
| EAP 506 | Graduate Communication in the Disciplines I | 4 |
| EAP 410 | Language Support for International Students | 2 |
| INYO 504 | Transitions for International Graduate Students | 3 |
| GCP 504 | Microeconomics and Trade Policy | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
The following grid is for the second semester of the standard, 2-semester pathway into the Master of Arts in International Commerce and Policy degree:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard semester 2 of 2 | ||
| GCP 503 | Macroeconomic Policy in the Global Economy | 3 |
| EAP 401 | Advanced English Grammar for Multilingual Students | 1 |
| EAP 507 | Advanced Graduate Communication Across the Disciplines | 4 |
| INYO 505 | Intercultural Competence and Professional Development for Multilingual Graduate Students | 1 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Public Policy Graduate Pathway
The following grid is for the first semester of the standard, 2-semester pathway into the Master of Public Policy degree:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard semester 1 of 2 | ||
| GCP 503 | Macroeconomic Policy in the Global Economy | 3 |
| EAP 506 | Graduate Communication in the Disciplines I | 4 |
| INYO 504 | Transitions for International Graduate Students | 3 |
| EAP 410 | Language Support for International Students | 2 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
The following grid is for the second semester of the standard, 2-semester pathway into the Master of Public Policy degree:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard semester 2 of 2 | ||
| PUBP 503 | Culture, Organization, and Technology | 3 |
| EAP 507 | Advanced Graduate Communication Across the Disciplines | 4 |
| INYO 505 | Intercultural Competence and Professional Development for Multilingual Graduate Students | 1 |
| EAP 401 | Advanced English Grammar for Multilingual Students | 1 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |