Making a Difference in the World
Our students want to make the world a better place. We prepare them to be leaders who advance the public good. The School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs (SPGIA) provides undergraduate and graduate students the skills, knowledge, and analytic abilities to be leaders and managers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. We are a highly-ranked, nationally-recognized school at a leading public university in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Our students can get a world-class education at an affordable price in the epicenter of public service and policymaking. Once they graduate, they can apply the understanding and analytic skills they gained in our classrooms at some of the most prestigious companies, consulting firms, nonprofits, multinational organizations, and government agencies in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Our faculty’s passion for public service and policymaking matches that of our students. We have distinguished and dedicated faculty from a wide range of disciplines. They are world-class academic scholars, public intellectuals who have shaped policy debates, and experienced professionals who specialize in the scholarship of practice. They all seek to create new knowledge, connect learning with practice, and make a difference.
Helping our Students Succeed
As one of the largest schools of its kind, SPGIA creates an environment in which students can succeed and achieve their goals. We offer 15 degree programs, so students have many options to pick the path that is best for them. We provide unequaled academic advising and career development resources. Students have more than 2,000 classmates to study with, learn from, and develop relationships with, which not only provides them a richer experience here at Mason, but also serves them throughout their careers. SPGIA also has a strong and proud community of 13,000 alumni, many of whom live and work in the Washington, D.C. area.
While the School itself is large, SPGIA remains committed to quality teaching and small classes. There are more than 80 full-time faculty, so that students can get to know their professors. As a result, students often form mentoring relationships with their professors that help them succeed in class, understand complex policy issues, conduct research that addresses public problems, and excel throughout their careers.