About Public Administration, Mpa in George Mason University

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is designed for people who hold or aspire to hold leadership positions in organizations that participate in the development and implementation of public policy. The mission of the MPA program is to give graduate students the opportunity to build their knowledge of politics, public policy and management and to enhance their analytic, problem solving, and communication skills.

MPA students at Mason have the research and cultural resources of the Washington, D.C. area at their disposal. Government agencies representing all levels in the U.S. federal system are located close to the campus, as are the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Another benefit is the wide range of internship opportunities available in governmental and nonprofit organizations. The MPA Program regularly has internship invitations from national, state, and local government organizations, as well as from nonprofit organizations whose principal work is at the local, state, national, or international levels. Many of these internships are paid positions.

MPA courses are held at the Fairfax and the Arlington campuses during the week and on the weekend in an accelerated format.

Total credits: 36-39

The required courses emphasize the development of knowledge about public policy and management, as well as analytical problem-solving and communication skills, and third-party governance. Through these courses, students develop a shared knowledge base and skill set. The elective courses can be used by students to focus their knowledge and skill development within one concentration. Alternatively, the electives can be used to extend the breadth of study with courses drawn from a variety of concentrations or from other departments and schools across the university.

Degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. 

English Language Requirements

TOEFL iBT Graduate- Testing code 5827

• School of Business Graduate: 93 points, 20 points in each section
• Volgenau School of Engineering Graduate: - 80 or higher, no section minimum
• Schar School of Policy and Government PhD Programs: 100 or higher, 23 points in each section
• All other graduate programs- 88 points, minimum 20 in each section

IELTS Graduate

• School of Business Graduate: 7 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in each subsection
• All other graduate programs- 6.5 total band score

Pearson Academic Test of English

• A minimum score of 59, all applicants

George Mason University Cost of Attendance

The table below shows the cost of attendance at George Mason University for 2020-21: