Global Affairs Resources

Accelerated Master's Degrees Graduate School
Declare Major/Minor/Conc./pdf Graduation
Careers Internships
Degree Evaluation Language Resources
Double Majors and Minors Research Apprenticeship
FAQ Sample Schedules
General Education Requirements Scholarships
GLOA Listserv Student Organizations
GLOA Major Worksheet(06-07)(08-09) Study Abroad
Global Housing World Newspapers
Go to Washington D.C.  

University Resources

Acad. Policies: Undergrad / Grad

 International Students
Admissions: Undergrad / Grad Library
Career Services Non-Degree
Catalog Registrar
Computer Labs Schedule of Classes
Consortium Classes Semester Abroad
CAS Convocation Study Abroad
Financial Aid Student Handbook
GMU Commencement Student Accounts
Graduate Resources Tuition
Honor Code Web CT
Housing Writing Center

 

The Undergraduate Academic Affairs Office in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) reviews requests for exceptions to academic policies and provides guidance to students on a variety of academic issues and policy questions.

 

Accelerated Master's Degrees

Mason offers a number of Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree programs for academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to research, or to graduate or professional studies. Learn more by consulting the university catalog. Programs exist for:

 

Degree Evaluation

All Mason students should regularly check their Degree Evaluation. The Degree Evaluation lets you know exactly which requirements you have fulfilled and those you still need to fulfill. To do a Degree Evaluation:

  • Log on to PatriotWeb.
  • Click on Student Services and Financial Aid.
  • Click on Student Records.
  • Click on Degree Evaluation.
  • Click Generate New Evaluation.
  • Click on the bubble and on Generate Request.
  • Click on "Detail Requirements" and click Submit.

If you have not yet declared your major or if you are a double major, then you need to run a What-if Analysis to access the degree evaluation:

  • Log on to PatriotWeb.
  • Click on Student Services and Financial Aid.
  • Click on Student Records.
  • Click on Degree Evaluation.
  • Select the current term in the pull-down field and click Submit.
  • Scroll down and click on What-if-Analysis.
  • Select the semester you entered George Mason/your catalog term from the pull down menue.  Then click Continue.
  • Select your major from the pull down and click Continue.
  • Scroll down to First Major.  Select your major from the pull down and click Add More.
  • Select your concentration and click Submit.  If you want to also add a minor, click  Add More.
  • If information is correct, then click on Generate Request.
  • Click on the bubble next to Detail Requirements and click Submit.

 

Double Major and Minors

Since the majors allows for many electives, students may complement their study with a second majors or a minor.  Below, there are sample schedules for potential second majors.

Minors popular with the Global Affairs majors include:

Other interesting minors:

 

FAQ

Who is my advisor? 

The Global Affairs director or program assistant (Karen Kihiu) can advise you. You can go to Walk-In Advising Hours or you can send an email to gloa@gmu.edu. 

How do I declare the Global Affairs major as my major? 

Just drop by our office hours. We'll fill out and sign a form, which you will then take to the department of your previous major and then take to the Registrar. 

How do I declare my concentration?

Just drop by our office hours.  We'll fill out and sign a form, which you will then take to the Registrar. 

Can I have two concentrations? 

Yes, you can have two or even three concentrations in the Global Affairs major.  The only restrictions are the courses in a concentration must come from at least two different departments or programs, and cannot be applied to any other concentration, major, minor, or certificate.

Can I test out courses at Mason?
There are some courses you can test out of at Mason. You can find these listed here.   At the same website, you can also find information about the courses that can be fulfilled through AP and other tests.

If I want to take a course at another university, what do I need to do?
You must get permission before taking the course. The policies and the forms can be found here.

How many credits should I take each semester?
The minimum full-time load for undergraduate students is 12 credits per semester. Students employed more than 20 hours per week are strongly urged not to attempt a full-time academic load. Students employed more than 40 hours per week should attempt no more than 6 credits per semester. Students planning to graduate in four years need to carry an average of at least 15 credits per semester.

If I want to take more than 18 credits next semester, what do I need to do?
Students in the Global Affairs major must request to take more than 18 credits per semester. You should first talk with an advisor because taking too many credits can hurt your GPA. You will have to pay for the credits above 17 credits. The policies and forms can be found here.

 

General Education Requirements


Global Affairs majors follow the University General Education requirements and do not have to do any college requirements, unless they are doing a double major. The Approved Course Listing is the most up to date list of the courses that will fulfill the University General Education requirements.


Global Affairs Housing

  • Live on the Cultural Passport Floor! Imagine living with students from all over the globe! The Cultural Passports Floor offers both international and students born in the United States an opportunity to learn about other cultures while sharing aspects of their own. You and your fellow residents will work with staff in planning educational and social activities that will highlight Mason's global community.
  • Freshmen: Live on the Global Village Floor! Learn how to take your place as a citizen of today's world -- a world in which we are all connected, no matter how distant we may be. Explore the diverse cultures, traditions, and values that both enrich and challenge us in our friendships and in our work lives. Meet others who share your fascination with the splendid diversity of the human experience. This program will include classes in anthropology, world religions, dance, communication, literature, composition, and history. All classes in the program satisfy George Mason University General Education Requirements for all students.

 

Go to Washington D.C.

You can visit Washington D.C. any day of the week. It's easy to get there by Cue Bus and Metro. You can visit the Smithsonian museums for free. Talk with your senator or representative about policies and internships. Visit the NGOs and other organizations that interest you. Find out what's going on in D.C. in the Washington City Paper and the Washington Post.   Find out about international policy presentations through the Women in International Security

 

The Global Affairs Listserv

If you are interested in having your name entered on the Global Affairs listserv to receive news about courses, internships, study abroad opportunities and more, send an email to: gloa@gmu.edu

 

Graduate School

Global Affairs students are well trained to enter graduate school. The graduate program most related to the Global Affairs major is the MA in International Relations. Other applicable programs include political science, sociology, anthropology, foreign languages, or Teaching English as Second Language (TESL). Some resources include:

  • How do I apply to graduate schools? See University Career Services' Explore Graduate School webpage to learn about the entire process.

 

Graduation

Keep checking your degree evaluation regularly to make certain you are completing the necessary academic requirements.  In the semester you intend to graduate, you need to register your intent (usually in the first one or two months of the semester) with the Registrar.  Before your intent, make sure you declare your concentration.  If you need to finish up courses in the summer, you can still go through the ceremonies in May, but you apply for August graduation.

 

Internships

Internships are one of the best ways to land a great job. Through an internship or two, you can clarify your career goals, put your education into practice, enhance your knowledge and skills, and develop networks with potential future employers. Academic credit is available by taking formal internship courses GLOA 495, GOVT 480 or COMM 450. Internship resources are available through:

 

Careers

In addition to having an interest in languages, travel, and learning about the world, Global Affairs majors and minors are also interested in international careers. International jobs can take place in the United States–such as in embassies or international organizations like the United Nations–or abroad. Start thinking today about possible career paths. Do you want to work in the government (for example, in the Foreign Service of the State Department)? Do you want to work for an international service agency (CARE or a wide range of other organizations)? Do you want to teach English overseas? Some ways to increase your marketability are through advanced language training, a global perspective with specialized knowledge about a particular region Internships, and other international experiences such as Study Abroad and the Peace Corps. Career resources are available through:

 

Research Apprenticeship

The Faculty-Student Apprenticeship for Undergraduates is designed to introduce undergraduates to "scholarship-in-action" in their major field of study. The experience is intended to complement and enrich required course material, providing students with the unique opportunity to work closely with faculty.

 

Sample Schedules

Use the following sample schedules to plan your future classes. Use this scheduling grid to make your own schedule.

For freshmen, see the sample schedule for Global Affairs majors.

For freshmen interested in study abroad, here is a sample schedule with a study abroad semester for Global Affairs majors.

For transfer students who have an AA from a Virginia college, here is a sample schedule with a study abroad semester.

 

Student Organizations


It is a great idea to join an international organization either at Mason or in DC. Membership in such organizations allow you to network with others, attend events, and learn about your field of interest. Join the Society for International Development, Women in International Security, or the Young Professionals for International Cooperation!!

  • Amnesty International (AI): We are committed to helping establish peace and equality of human rights for all. For contact information call the Student Activities Office 793-993-2909.
  • Global Tryst: An e-zine about global affairs written by students.
  • Global Nomads: When people ask "Where are you from?" do you say when? Did you ever (or do you) live outside your country because of parent's career choice? Does the sound of another language make you smile? Do you feel at home everywhere... and elsewhere? Do you come alive in culturally-different settings? If so, chances are ... You're a GLOBAL NOMAD! Check out the other Global Nomads at Mason.
  • International Student Organizations on Campus
  • Model United Nations Club.
    The Model United Nations club meets every Monday.
    For further info, email: Federico Cuellar at Fcuella1@gmu.edu or Ben Tomchik at Btomchik@gmu.edu
  • Phi Beta Delta: The honor society for international students and scholars. Our goal is to recognize and encourage professional and personal achievements by George Mason students and faculty in the field of international education. We offer a program of educational and social activities throughout this academic year.
  • Society for International Development.   When you join SID-Washington, you are instantly connected to a vast group of professionals representing all facets of the international development practice. Our members include representatives from the U.S. Government, multilateral institutions, the private sector, young professionals, and academics. Join now to get involved!
  • Women in International Security.   WIIS is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to increasing the influence of women in foreign and defense affairs by raising their numbers and visibility, while enhancing dialogue on international security issues. They host talks and job fairs on international security.
  • Young Professionals for International Cooperation (YPIC): YPIC is a program of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) that seeks to engage young professionals in discussions of international affairs, emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation and the UN.

 

Study Abroad

The Global Affairs Program strongly encourages students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. Students who study abroad have experiences that cannot be replicated in the classroom. The major advisor will help students work these experiences into the program of study.  Any student who wish to study abroad must contact the Center for Global Education.  Study Abroad resources are available through:

 

World Newspapers and Magazines

Learn about different parts of the world, practice a second language, and get up-to-date on current events.  Employers are looking for people who know what's going on around the globe and are curious about world news.  In addition to newspapers, here are links to the magazines most often mentioned by employers: