Trade Compliance (Graduate Certificate)
Program Summary
100% Online
Credits: 15 total
Degree: Graduate Certificate
College/School: Schar School of Policy and Government
Start Date: 8/24/2026
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Program Description
Gain the expertise to navigate the legal and regulatory framework governing international trade and foreign direct investment with this graduate certificate. Trade compliance spans the intersection of international law, business, and policy, ensuring corporations meet the requirements of global trade. While traditionally focused on customs, today’s trade compliance includes issues like anti-corruption enforcement, sanctions, and technology restrictions. The specialized subfield of “strategic trade” addresses national security concerns, focusing on the control of sensitive items such as dual-use technologies.
Graduates of this program will develop the skills to interpret trade laws, assess risks, implement compliance programs, and manage audits. They will also gain an understanding of the broader international business and policy environment, linking trade compliance to areas such as trade policy analysis and international production. This program prepares students to excel in the ever-evolving field of global trade compliance.
Banner code: PP-CERG-TRCO
Careers
As a Schar School student, you may also contact the Schar School Career Services for more career information and counseling.
Courses
Program requirements may change; please refer to the Trade Compliance graduate certificate 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.
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Details
Who should apply?
This program is designed for professionals and graduate students working in or pursuing careers in international trade, compliance, law, business, government, and policy. It is particularly suited for those who want to develop expertise in trade regulations, sanctions, anti-corruption, strategic trade controls, international contracts, and global trade risk management. The program is entirely online and asynchronous, making it well suited for working professionals.
Tuition & Financial Aid
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.
For information on loans, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding merit scholarships and Regional Pricing, 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.
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact [email protected] or (703) 993-8099.
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 GCP 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.
Ready to Apply?
Application Requirements
All applicants should review Schar School of Policy and Government Application Requirements. Those with international credentials should follow Schar’s International Applicant Requirements.
Application Materials
- Graduate application and fee
- 750-1000 word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- 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).
- Please select “Degree-seeking” in the application portal if you are applying to a graduate certificate
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact [email protected] or (703) 993-8099.
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Contact
Program Website:
Trade Compliance (Graduate Certificate)
School Contact
Schar School Graduate Admissions
Phone: (703) 993-8099
Email: [email protected]
Department Website:
