What are the criteria for admission? Is there a checklist I can review?
Review the Application Checklist for details on applying to the program. Visit the Graduate Admissions page for admission criteria.
What is the application deadline?
We accept applications for the fall semester only. Visit the Admissions website for the current deadline.
Is the GRE required?
The GRE is NOT required.
Can I transfer in credits from a previous master's or doctoral degree?
Students must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution before being admitted to the 72-credit PhD program. Additional information about credit transfer is available in Mason's University Catalog.
Life as a PhD Student
Can I complete the PhD program on a part-time basis or online?
The PhD program can be completed on a part-time (6 credit hours per semester or less) or full-time (at least 9 credit hours per semester) basis. While some classes will be offered online, the majority of the classes will be held on the Fairfax Campus or at Mason Square (formerly Arlington Campus).
When are classes offered?
Graduate courses are offered on weekday evenings (4:30 p.m. and 7:20 p.m.), weekends, and online. Most classes are offered on the Fairfax Campus, while some policy-centric courses are offered at the Arlington Campus. To provide further flexibility for our students, we also offer some courses in a hybrid format, which meet every other week in the classroom and then engage in online learning activities during the weeks they do not meet.
Can I visit the school?
Yes, prospective students are welcome to visit Mason. The admissions office conducts campus tours, or you can contact the department directly if you would like to meet faculty within the program.
What sorts of student involvement opportunities are available outside of the classroom?
PhD students are encouraged to join Mason’s nationally recognized AcademyHealth Student Chapter. The chapter plans networking, career exploration, and social events.
Do students have the chance to learn from experts outside of Mason?
Doctoral students are required to attend a research seminar for three semesters. In addition, each academic year the department collaborates with Mason’s Center for Health Policy Research and Ethics (CHPRE) to offer a series of presentations featuring experts in the field of health policy and research. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Financial Questions
How much is tuition?
George Mason is a public university with excellent tuition rates for those who qualify for Virginia residency. Current rates can be viewed by visiting the web page for Student Accounts.
What type of financial aid, scholarship, internship, and fellowship opportunities are available?
Students in the PhD in Health Services Research have the opportunity to apply to research assistantships. In addition, they can apply for scholarships and financial aid to support their predoctoral work or dissertation research. Please visit the funding opportunities page for information.
Research and Career Opportunities
Where can I find more information about faculty research?
This interdisciplinary PhD program allows students to benefit from the wide variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise of the faculty within the program. More information about the research interests of the program faculty can be found on the health policy research page and the health informatics research page.