Program Details

Public Administration, BS

Bachelor of Science

George Mason University

The BS in Public Administration provides students with the in-demand knowledge and expertise to lead change as they tackle real-world problems.

Outcomes

The public administration program: 1. Teaches students about governance, policy analysis, and management. 2. Prepares students to lead change and advance the public good through nonprofit work, policy advocacy, or service in federal, state, or local government.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes	Program Requirement Notes https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/policy-government/public-administration-bs/#requirementstext
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and George Mason University within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between George Mason University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name	Type	Title
Richard Bland College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Blue Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Danville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Germanna Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
New River Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Transfer associate degree completion is recommended. RBC and VCCS students completing A.A., A.A.& S., A.F.A, or A.S. degrees receive a lower-level Mason Core waiver.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Students who earn an associate degree through high school dual enrollment should still apply as freshmen and are not eligible for GAA. College coursework will be evaluated for transferable course credit.
Credit for Prior Learning	https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: George Mason University

College Level Information

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year. Our students enroll from all over the Commonwealth, all 50 states, and more than 130 countries. Transfer students are encouraged, but not required to join our residential campus community of 6,300 students. Mason transfers thrive in any number of the 400+ academic, cultural, or social student organizations.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Determined by first semester of enrollment
First Year Student Catalog Year	Determined by first semester of enrollment
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://go.gmu.edu/GAA

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Mountain Gateway Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate in Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Art	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in General Studies Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts & Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community College	Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
James Madison University	Bachelor of Science, Major in Public Administration	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Blue Ridge Community College	Associate of Science in Social Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Mountain Gateway Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Social Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences - Pre-Social Work Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Education: K-12 Special Education Adapted and General Curriculum Major, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	General Studies, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College	Associate of Science in Social Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - Social Sciences	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate in Science in Psychology	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Education Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Science Degree Social Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
James Madison University	Bachelor of Science, Major in Anthropology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
James Madison University	Bachelor of Science, Major in Sociology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
James Madison University	Bachelor of Arts, Major in Anthropology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
James Madison University	Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sociology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Richard Bland College	Associate of Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	Online, In-Person
Richard Bland College	Associate of Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Wesleyan University	Bachelor of Arts in Social Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Old Dominion University	Sociology-BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person, Online
Old Dominion University	Sociology-BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Online
Germanna Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Emory & Henry University	Social Science- History Track	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Interdisciplinary History and Integrative Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Interdisciplinary History and Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Interdisciplinary Mathematics & Teacher Preparation (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Social Work Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Radford University	BA in Social Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Radford University	BS in Social Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	Bachelor of Science Applied Ec in Community Economic Development	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science in Applied Economic Management	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	BS in Sociology in Criminology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science in Sociology	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	Bachelor of Arts in Economics	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	BA in International Studies in Environment, Development, and Global Economy	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts in International Studies	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	Bachelor of Science Applied Ec in Environmental Economics: Management and Policy	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science in Applied Economic Management	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	Bachelor of Science Applied Ec in Food and Health Systems Economics	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science in Applied Economic Management	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	BA in Geography in Geography	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts in Geography	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	BA in International Studies in International Relations	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts in International Studies	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	BA in International Studies in International Studies	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts in International Studies	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	Bachelor of Science Applied Ec in International Trade and Development	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science in Applied Economic Management	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	BA in International Studies in National Security & Foreign Affairs	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts in International Studies	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	Bachelor of Arts in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	BS in Sociology in Sociology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science in Sociology	4-Year	In-Person
Northern Virginia Community College	Social Sciences, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Social Sciences: History Major, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Social Sciences: Political Science Major, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Criminal Justice Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Psychology Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Social Work Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
11-9199.11	Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers	Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.	Management Occupations
11-9199.02	Compliance Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.	Management Occupations
11-9199.08	Loss Prevention Managers	Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.	Management Occupations
11-9199.00	Managers, All Other	All managers not listed separately.	Management Occupations
11-9199.01	Regulatory Affairs Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.	Management Occupations
11-9199.10	Wind Energy Development Managers	Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.	Management Occupations
11-9199.09	Wind Energy Operations Managers	Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.	Management Occupations
25-2031.00	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-4061.00	Social Science Research Assistants	Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1069.00	Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other	All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-3099.00	Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other	All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-3099.01	Transportation Planners	Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-1011.00	Chief Executives	Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.	Management Occupations
11-1011.03	Chief Sustainability Officers	Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.	Management Occupations
11-1021.00	General and Operations Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.	Management Occupations
11-1031.00	Legislators	Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.	Management Occupations
11-9131.00	Postmasters and Mail Superintendents	Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.	Management Occupations
11-9151.00	Social and Community Service Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.	Management Occupations
11-3071.04	Supply Chain Managers	Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.	Management Occupations
11-3071.00	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.	Management Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at George Mason University These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$5,196	Per Semester	$41,568	$0	$41,568	Flat rate semester tuition for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, tuition is $433.00 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit tuition.
Fees
Mandatory Student Fee	$1,962	Per Semester	$15,696	0	$15,696	Flat rate semester mandatory student fee for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, mandatory student fee is $163.50 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit fee.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Additional Fees
- New student fee is $275 for transfer students or $350 for freshman.
  Additional course fees vary. For more information about course and program fees, visit: https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees.
  Housing, dining, and parking fees may also apply. For more detailed cost information, visit:
  George Mason Cost of Attendance

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.