M.S. in Sports and Recreation Studies

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 Science (M.S.) in Sports and Recreation Studies program at George Mason University is designed to prepare graduates for dynamic careers in the sports and recreation industry. With a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience, this program equips students with the skills necessary to excel in a wide range of roles within the sports and recreation sector.

1. Sports Management: Graduates can pursue roles as sports managers, overseeing the day-to-day operations of sports organizations, managing events, marketing, and coordinating teams and athletes.

2. Recreation Program Directors: The program prepares students to lead and manage recreation programs for communities, schools, and organizations, ensuring participants have access to enriching and engaging recreational activities.

3. Athletic Administration: Graduates can work as athletic administrators, handling tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, compliance, and student-athlete support in educational institutions.

4. Facility Management: The skills acquired in the program are valuable for careers in managing sports facilities, ensuring proper maintenance, safety, and efficient utilization.

5. Sports Marketing and Public Relations: Graduates can enter the world of sports marketing, promoting teams, athletes, and events through strategic campaigns and effective communication.

6. Event Planning: The program equips students to organize and manage sports events, from local competitions to international tournaments, ensuring smooth execution and a memorable experience for participants and spectators.

7. Sports Analytics: With the increasing emphasis on data-driven decision-making in sports, graduates can find opportunities in sports analytics, analyzing player performance, team strategies, and fan engagement.

8. Recreation Therapist: Graduates interested in the therapeutic aspect of sports and recreation can work as recreation therapists, using recreational activities to improve the well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses.

9. Sports Coaching: The program provides a strong foundation for those interested in coaching various sports, from youth teams to professional athletes.

10. Health and Wellness Coordinator: Graduates can work as health and wellness coordinators, developing programs that promote active and healthy lifestyles in communities, workplaces, or educational institutions.