Global Commerce and Policy (MA)

Program Description

This innovative master’s degree program is designed for current and aspiring private and public sector professionals who seek the knowledge and skills to be effective in an increasingly complex world marketplace. Designed to provide the practical tools needed to compete in the global economy, this interdisciplinary program explores the way business, technology, law, economics, and public policy affect complex cross-border activities. Unlike traditional international affairs programs, the Master’s in Global Commerce and Policy program focuses on international economic issues such as global trade, finance, and investment. It is also distinguished from an MBA program by providing training in the political, technological, cultural, and social aspects of the global economy.

What it costs

Tuition and Fees: All of Mason’s tuition rates and fees can be found on our Student Accounts site.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: For application information and deadlines, see the Admissions site.

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DETAILS COURSES COST CAREERS CONTACT READY TO APPLY?

Who should apply?

The Global Commerce and Policy, MA program (GCPO) is an interdisciplinary course of study to help students from around the world prepare for jobs in the new economy. Unlike traditional international affairs programs, the degree is focused on such international economic issues as global trade and investment. This innovative master’s degree program is designed for current and aspiring private and public sector professionals who seek the knowledge and skills to be effective in an increasingly complex world marketplace.

Why choose George Mason?

With George Mason University’s prime location in the Washington, D.C. area, Schar School students gain access to leading scholars and practitioners who bring real-world experience to the classroom, providing you with the mentorship and skillsets needed to advance in your career.

The Schar School as a whole has 80+ faculty members, as well as hundreds of adjunct faculty, allowing students to gain access to a variety of perspectives and subjects through elective courses. Full-time GCPO professors have held positions at the World Bank, the US International Trade Commission, the United Nations Development Program, the US Treasury, the European Commission, the US Office of Technology Assessment, and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Beyond this, they have even more extensive consulting experience around the world.

Program requirements may change; please refer to the Global Commerce and Policy, MA Program Page in the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements. This program can be completed completely online or in a hybrid format.

Requirements: 36 credits total

21 credits core courses
15 credits Electives and/or Concentration Courses

Core Courses (21 credits)

ITRN 500 Global Political Economy | 3 credits
ITRN 501 Data Analysis for Global Political Economy | 3 credits
ITRN 503 Macroeconomic Policy in the Global Economy | 3 credits
ITRN 504 Microeconomics and Trade Policy | 3 credits
ITRN 602 Global Financial Crises and Institutions | 3 credits
ITRN 603 Global Trade Relations | 3 credits
ITRN 605 Technology, Culture and Commerce | 3 credits

Electives and/or Concentration Courses (15 credits)

If desired, a student has the option to declare one of three concentrations. Students without a concentration may select any ITRN or POGO course, any courses from the concentrations listed below, or other courses as approved by the advisor or program director.

Concentration in Global Finance, Investment and Trade (GFIT)

Concentration in Global Development and Governance (GDGV)

Concentration in Global Risk and Strategy (GRS)

Tuition

Tuition and Fees: All of Mason’s tuition rates and fees can be found on our Student Accounts site.

Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described above, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.

Financial Aid

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Additionally, visit the Office of Military Services for information about Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA), a benefit for eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

In addition to university-wide resources, the Schar School has a dedicated team of student services and career development advisors to assist you in your academic and professional plans. The Master’s in Global Commerce and Policy program prepares students for a range of industries and roles in the public and private sectors. In a recent graduating class career outcomes survey, the following were the top employers of program graduates:

BAE Systems Inc.
Bloomberg
Booz Allen Hamilton
Fannie Mae
Honeywell
Inter-American Development Bank
International Monetary Fund
Northrop Grumman
The World Bank
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of the Treasury

Visit the Master’s in Global Commerce and Policy Employment Outcomes page for more information.

USEFUL RESOURCES
Program Contact	Dr. Ken Reinert Email: kreinert@gmu.edu
School Contact	Schar School Graduate Admissions Phone: (703) 993-8099 Email: schar@gmu.edu
Program Website	https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/masters-programs/masters-international-commerce-and-policy
Schar School of Policy and Government Website	https://schar.gmu.edu/

Application Requirements

Graduate application and fee
750-1,000 word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
Current resume
Unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the U.S. For international institutions, transcripts may be unofficial but should include cumulative transcripts, degree certificate, individual semester marksheets (if applicable), and diploma (if applicable)
Two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation should be from an individual who is qualified to attest to the candidate’s academic potential
Additional requirements for applicants with international credentials

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact schar@gmu.edu or (703) 993-2280.