Just 25 minutes from Washington, DC, spread across 677 acres, you will find over 37,000 students at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
George Mason University School of Business hosts a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including the 11-month Master of Science in Management (MSM) program, a business master’s uniquely positioned to introduce students with liberal arts or non-business backgrounds to a foundational grounding in business.
BusinessBecause spoke to students and faculty from Mason’s MSM program, who told us everything you need to know about applying, the curriculum, and what career opportunities lie ahead for graduates.
George Mason University School of Business MSM | Class Profile
The George Mason University School of Business MSM program is a pre-experience program, meaning students mostly come straight from their bachelor’s degree, with an average age just over 23.
As for any business school program, building the right class balance is of great importance. Victoria Grady, director of the MSM program, describes three things they are thinking about when they are putting together each MSM cohort.
First of all, a balance of domestic and international students. The MSM Class 2020 intake is 20 percent international.
Secondly, gender balance is important—the MSM Class is 44 percent female.
Thirdly, diversity of degree background is important, with a combination of students from liberal arts backgrounds, science and engineering backgrounds. This is to achieve a diverse mix which is pivotal to the classroom experience.
“Our goal in terms of creating the classroom environment is to simulate an organization,” Grady says.
George Mason University School of Business MSM | Cost, Admissions & Interview
Tuition for the MSM costs $35,100 for residents of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, and $57,600 for other domestic and international students. There is a $75 application fee, which is waived if applications are completed before the priority deadline on February 1.
To apply, candidates must meet three criteria: a bachelor’s degree from a non-business background, a strong academic record, and no more than two years of professional experience. Applicants can submit a GMAT score, although GMAT waivers are offered to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during their undergraduate studies.
Successful candidates are invited to interview, where they may be asked some of the following questions:
1. Please tell us about your interest in the MSM program.
2. How does the MSM program align with your career interests?
3. How do you think an MS in Management degree will help you reach your career goals?
4. Our program requires an internship/work experience. What type of internship are you envisioning? Is there a particular space that interests you?
5. Some of the MSM courses include a quantitative component (Statistics, Finance, etc.). Please tell us about your experience with quantitative courses in your undergraduate program.
Jackie Buchy, senior assistant dean for graduate enrollment at George Mason University School of Business, explains what they are looking for in interviews.
“We’re seeking people who have found an interest in business during their undergraduate studies and want to combine their non-business background with business experience in a meaningful way.”
