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All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog.
You are responsible for submitting all required application materials by the posted deadline. Review your program's Admissions Requirements and Deadlines before you begin your application. You can also visit our Grad Admissions page for helpful hints on how best to prepare your transcripts and other Admissions materials.
The fall graduate degree seeking application opens September 15.
Program Specific Requirements
College Transcripts
Goals Statement
GRE
Portfolio
Recommendation Letters
Resume
Writing Sample
2
Program Admissions Process
MA Economics On-Campus
Step 1: Complete and submit the online Graduate Admissions application. George Mason University requires all graduate applicants to upload all possible required supplementary materials, such as unofficial transcripts, goals statement and writing sample, at the same time you submit your application. Online applications require a non-refundable $75 application processing fee.
Step 2: Within a few days of submitting your online application, you will receive an email with your Mason G number (G#). This is a tracking number provided to all applicants that allows us to match your supporting documentation to your completed application.
Step 3: Check your application status and requirements checklist in your application portal. Initial processing takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. You can use your application log-in and password to access your information throughout the application process. Graduate Admissions may send updates or notify you of issues with your application through your admissions portal, so it is best to log in periodically to monitor your application status.
Step 4: For newly admitted students, refer to the CHSS New Graduate Student webpage for tips on confirming enrollment, submitting official transcripts, registering for class and more.
MA Economics On-Campus Deadlines
Priority Fall Deadline (On-campus): February 15 Space Available Deadline (On-campus): June 1
All applicants are encouraged to submit applications and all supporting documentation by the program’s posted priority deadline. Applying by the priority deadline ensures admissions consideration for the intended semester as well as consideration for funding opportunities (visit our Funding page to learn how to apply). After the priority deadline, the program will continue to review applications for admissions on a space-available basis until June 01.
The department accepts MA on-campus students for the fall semester only.
MA Economics Online
The Masters in Economics online program accepts applications on a rolling basis and is currently accepting applications. Please visit the MA in Economics online program webpage for more information about applying and the link to start your application.
In addition to holding an undergraduate degree, not necessarily in economics, it is encouraged that applicants should have satisfactorily completed the following before enrolling in graduate courses:
Intermediate microeconomics.
Intermediate macroeconomics.
At least one semester of calculus (MATH 113 or equivalent).
At least one semester of statistics (OM 210 or STAT 250 and STAT 350, or equivalent).
The department considers all applications, considers them as a whole, and there is no minimum GPA or GRE required. To provide a baseline, the average incoming MA student has a GPA of 3.36 and GRE percentile scores of 73% verbal and 55% quantitative (for those who choose to submit GRE scores which are optional).
GRE scores are optional. Scores must be submitted by applicants who believe the GRE scores will lead to a better demonstration of their qualifications. Submitted GRE scores may be no older than 5 years. The general exam will suffice, no subject test is needed.
The admissions committee places a great deal of emphasis also on the quality of grades received in economics courses as well as courses taken in science and mathematics. No applicant will be disadvantaged because of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak or their school’s decisions about transcripts. Our admissions review will assess applicants in the context of their curriculum and academic achievements before and after the pandemic outbreak.
There are no formal requirements for content or length for the goals statement; applicants commonly discuss their choice for economics study, interest in George Mason economics, and future or career goals, but may include any information they would like the admissions review committee to consider.
A writing sample is optional and will be reviewed if included with the application.
Additional Requirements for
English Proficiency Requirements
All Mason students must have a full command of academic English to be successful in their studies. For this reason, Mason requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency for admission consideration, regardless of citizenship. Click here to view the requirements.
International Transcript Requirements
All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason’s free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.
You have the option to take graduate courses in non-degree status. To apply, you must complete an online application for your intended start term and include transcripts as well as a resume. You will also be required to indicate on the application which courses you plan to take for approval during the application review process. Credits earned in non-degree status may potentially transfer to a degree program at a later date so long as it meets the program requirements and the program director approves the transfer. For information on transfer credit policies, please refer to the University Catalog.
Non-Degree Requirements
College Transcripts
Goals Statement
GRE
Portfolio
Recommendation Letters
Resume
Writing Sample
Required
Required
Application deadlines for graduate non-degree coursework differ from program deadlines. For additional information on the non-degree application process and deadlines please refer to Applying for Non-Degree Graduate Study.
