Radford teams with GMU for public policy master’s program

Radford University is entering an agreement with George Mason University (GMU) that will allow students to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees from both universities through an accelerated master's degree program.

Students will finish their first three years of undergraduate studies at Radford and complete their final two years at GMU's Schar School of Public Affairs, resulting in a bachelor's degree in political science from Radford and a master's degree in public policy from GMU.

"This partnership is a great opportunity for students at Radford to accelerate their path to an advanced degree," said Professor Chapman Rackaway, chair of Radford's Department of Political Science. "Not only will this save them money, but they'll get a Radford undergraduate education and a world-class master's degree from George Mason's Schar School."

The Radford University-Schar School pre-master's program agreement is contingent upon approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Radford University political science majors learn to understand political systems and public policy while developing critical thinking and analytical skills that will create diverse career paths. Students graduate as informed and active participants in society, with opportunities to work in a variety of professions.

GMU's Schar School of Policy and Government prepares students for leadership and managerial roles at all levels of government. The school is located 3 miles from the Pentagon, 4 miles from the White House and 6 miles from the U.S. Capitol building, providing a beneficial location for internships, networking and hands-on learning experiences in the Washington, D.C., area.

Rackaway said Radford is "committed to developing partnerships throughout the commonwealth to give our students this kind of opportunity. I think," he said, "we'll see great examples of student success come through it."

To learn more about program requirements, contact Rackaway at [email protected].