M.A. in International Commerce and Policy

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The degree should be relevant to the chosen field of study for the postgraduate program.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA): The minimum GPA requirement for admission to most postgraduate programs at George Mason University is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  

3. English Language Proficiency:  

• IELTS: Overall score of 7, with no individual band score below 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 88 , with no band less than 20.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120

George Mason University recognizes the importance of making higher education accessible to a diverse range of students, including international students. As such, the university offers a variety of scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition and support the academic pursuits of international students.

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award available to incoming international undergraduate students. It recognizes academic achievement, leadership skills, and contributions to the community. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years.

2. INTO Mason Scholarships: INTO Mason, a partnership program that helps international students transition to university life in the United States, offers scholarships to students who enroll in Pathway programs. These scholarships can help cover tuition costs and are awarded based on academic merit.

3. College and Departmental Scholarships: Many of George Mason University's colleges and academic departments offer scholarships to international students who excel in specific fields of study. These scholarships may require students to meet certain academic criteria and demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen area of study.

4. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students at George Mason University have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide funding for tuition and stipends for work as research or teaching assistants. These assistantships offer valuable hands-on experience while helping to offset educational costs.

5. International Baccalaureate Scholarships: International students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program may be eligible for scholarships based on their IB scores and academic achievements. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

6. Private Scholarships: George Mason University encourages international students to explore private scholarship opportunities from external organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students find and apply for these scholarships.

7. Fullbright Scholarships: International students seeking advanced degrees may be eligible to apply for the prestigious Fullbright scholarship program, which provides funding for graduate study, research, and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Commerce and Policy program at George Mason University is a specialized and comprehensive degree that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of global commerce and policy. With a strong emphasis on international trade, economics, policy analysis, and business strategies, this program opens up diverse career opportunities for graduates in both the public and private sectors.  

1. International Trade Analyst: Graduates can work as trade analysts, conducting research on international trade trends, tariffs, trade agreements, and market opportunities. They provide valuable insights to government agencies, trade associations, and multinational corporations.

2. International Business Consultant: With a deep understanding of global business dynamics, graduates can work as consultants, advising companies on market entry strategies, cross-border operations, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.

3. Policy Analyst: Graduates can pursue roles as policy analysts, examining international policies and their impact on trade and commerce. They may work with government agencies, think tanks, research institutions, and advocacy organizations.

4. Trade Negotiator: Many graduates find opportunities as trade negotiators, representing their organizations or countries in international trade negotiations, advocating for favorable terms and agreements.

5. Government Diplomat: Graduates can work as diplomats in government agencies, embassies, and consulates, promoting trade relations, negotiating trade agreements, and addressing trade-related issues.

6. Global Supply Chain Manager: With a strong grasp of supply chain dynamics, graduates can manage global supply chains for corporations, ensuring efficient movement of goods across international borders while minimizing costs and risks.

7. International Market Researcher: Graduates can specialize in international market research, collecting and analyzing data to identify market trends, consumer behavior, and emerging opportunities in foreign markets.

8. International Finance Analyst: For those interested in finance, graduates can work as international finance analysts, assessing exchange rates, currency risk, and international investment opportunities for financial institutions and multinational corporations.

9. Nonprofit and NGOs: Graduates can contribute to international development and humanitarian efforts by working with nonprofit organizations and NGOs focused on trade capacity building, sustainable development, and poverty reduction.

10. International Economic Organizations: Graduates can find roles in international economic organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank, contributing to global economic stability and development.

11. Trade Compliance Specialist: Graduates with knowledge of trade regulations and compliance can work as specialists ensuring that companies adhere to international trade laws, export-import regulations, and customs procedures.

12. Entrepreneurship and Business Development: Some graduates may choose to start their own businesses, leveraging their understanding of international commerce to identify market gaps and opportunities.

13. Academia and Research: Graduates interested in academia can pursue doctoral studies and research in related fields, contributing to the academic discourse and training the next generation of professionals.

14. International Relations Specialist: Graduates can work in various roles within international relations, fostering diplomatic ties, promoting trade cooperation, and addressing global challenges.

15. International Trade Policy Advisor: Graduates can advise policymakers on international trade policies, helping to shape trade agreements, regulations, and strategies that benefit their countries' economies.