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George Mason University

Graduate Admissions

Admission Requirements

All applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.00. They should have taken at least two semesters of chemistry, two semesters of biology, and a course in ecology. Applicants to the PhD program should have an advanced degree (e.g. MA, MS, veterinary, or law) in a relevant field. In addition to the materials required of all applicants for graduate study (look those up here) at Mason, applicants should submit the following:

  • Transcripts. Official, original university transcripts and any earned degree (sent directly to Mason’s Office of Admissions in a sealed envelope).
    • All applicants submit transcripts showing a Bachelor’s degree in natural or earth sciences, engineering, environmental studies, political science, economics, or related fields from an accredited institution
    • Applicants to the PhD program should also submit transcripts showing an advanced degree (e.g. MA, MS, veterinary, or law) in a relevant field from a U.S.-accredited or equivalent institution
    • International Students only: https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply/international. Please see the transcript translation requirements, verification of English Language proficiency, and other important information!
  • Goal Statement. Please share this with prospective advisors to help ensure that your education and research objectives will be supported.
    • Include desired emphasis (policy or science) and reason for obtaining this degree
    • Experience, research skills
    • Career goals
    • Substantial explanation of proposed dissertation/thesis/project research topic
  • Test Scores. If necessary.
    • GRE exam scores  are not required.
    • TOEFL or ISTEL exam scores (for international students)
  • Recommendation Letters. Three are required, including at least one from a former professor or, if not available, from someone with a PhD.
  • Resume. Include any teaching or research experience.
  • Department Form. This is the Prospective Advisor Form, which is required as part of your application package. The form can be found from the webpage listed below where faculty who can serve as advisors are listed.
    • Finding an Advisor: To find an advisor, please review the faculty listed on our website to determine a potential fit for your research interests. Contact him/her via email, including your research interests and resume. If they are available and receptive to becoming your advisor, you may want to schedule an interview with the faculty member to clarify mutual expectations.
  • Once a faculty member has agreed to serve as your advisor, you should forward the Prospective Advisor Form which you have already filled out them to sign. They should then email this signed form back to you so that you can include it in your application package.

Prerequisites for Admission

Applicants who lack the prerequisite college level course work in biology and chemistry may be admitted provisionally with the stipulation that they take one or both of the following courses in the first 12 credit hours of study: introductory graduate-level environmental chemistry (EVPP 506, Science of the Environment I) and biology (EVPP 507, Science of the Environment II). These introductory courses would be in addition to the degree requirements as listed in the University Catalog. In addition, your provisional admission may require you to take a general ecology course (EVPP 607, Fundamentals of Ecology, which can be counted as a natural science requirement if admitted to the program.

Application Process

Potential graduate students should use Mason’s on-line application to apply for graduate admission. International students must complete the International Student Information Forms before applying online. All applications for admission to the program are sent directly to the College of Science Graduate Admissions Office. Once all of the required documents have completed your file, it will be sent to the Department for review by the Environmental Science and Policy Graduate Executive Committee and Graduate Program Director. An admission decision will be made and sent to the College of Science Graduate Admissions Office where your application will be processed and a decision communicated to you.

Application Deadlines

Fall Admission:

  • Early decision deadline: January 15
  • Standard deadline: March 15
  • Final deadline: August 1

Spring Admission:

  • Early decision deadline: October 15
  • Final deadline: November 15

Funding opportunities are available in the form of graduate student appointments (GTAs and GRAs), fellowships, and grants. Follow the posted instructions to apply for funding.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.