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Graduate Admissions

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George Mason University Admissions Requirements

Admission to the program is competitive, and meeting the minimum application criteria does not guarantee admission. Selection criteria differ by program and are established by the faculty of that program. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic background, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. The faculty determines the number of admission offers to extend based on the resources available to the program. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis.

The general university graduate admission standards include the following:

  • An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or international equivalent. Applicants with a degree from an international institution must submit a transcript evaluation showing that the degree is equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree in the United States.
  • A 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or better in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. For applicants with postbaccalaureate credits, a separate GPA is calculated for each institution. The difficulty of the baccalaureate degree and professional work experience may be considered in assessing the application for admission.

Individual Program Standards

Health Services Research, PhD

Criteria considered in addition to the standard university admissions criteria include professional and volunteer experience, evidence of the ability to write and conduct research at the doctoral level, and GRE scores.

Graduate courses in statistics, economics, health systems and public health, health policy, and health informatics are recommended as preparation for the curriculum in the PhD in health services research program.

Students applying to the PhD program must hold a master’s degree or equivalent.

Students with MDs, JDs, or prior PhDs may also apply.

Contact a Faculty Member Before Applying

The PhD in Health Services Research is a competitive program, and all applicants should speak with a faculty member before applying. To reach a faculty member, visit the HAP directory, email hap@gmu.edu, or call (703) 993-1929.

Health Informatics, MS

A minimum GPA of 3.25 is preferred. Preferred applicants should have a background in information technology or health care; however, the background is not required to be admitted and succeed in the program. Students planning to change their careers are encouraged to contact an informatics advisor to discuss the program and its requirements. For these students it is also particularly important to describe in the goals statement how they envision themselves in the informatics field.

Additional Information for International Students

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for the MS in Health Informatics is 51.2706, listed as Medical Informatics. It is considered a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field. International students who wish to apply to Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training (CPT/OPT) opportunities when graduating from the program should contact George Mason's Office of International Programs and Services.

Health Policy, MS

Criteria considered in addition to the standard university admissions criteria include professional and volunteer experience and evidence of the ability to write and conduct research at the graduate level. The GRE is not required; however, it is strongly recommended for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0.

Health Systems Management, MHA

Work experience in the healthcare industry is preferred, but not required for admission. The GRE or GMAT is not required for admission to the program.

Health Informatics and Data Analytics Graduate Certificate

If you are currently a graduate student enrolled in a degree program within the College of Health and Human Services, fill out a one-page application form to add a certificate as a secondary program of study. Please review Mason’s requirements for graduate certificates and then contact the Department Manager at hap@gmu.edu or 703-993-1929 to obtain a copy of the application form.

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