We have written this helpful Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section to answer many of your questions about graduate study.
Expand a category then click on a question to reveal the answer.
Financial Aid
Where can I find information about funding my graduate degree?
You can find more information about funding your studies at Mason on our Financial Support page. Our students have diverse sources of funding that are available to them, so make sure to look over all of the options.
For New and Current Students
I have been offered admission. What are the next steps?
Congratulations on being accepted! Now that you have received a decision from your department, you must confirm your enrollment and complete the checklist for new students.
Will there be an orientation held for new students?
At Mason, each department or unit holds its own orientation. Please make sure to reach out to your department, or visit their website for more information.
How do I find out who my advisor is?
Each unit has its own method of assigning advisors to graduate students. Please reach out to your department for more information regarding your advisor.
How do I register for classes?
Class registration takes place online based on group priority dates. The Office of the University Registrar has registration instructions available on their website. You can view the priority dates for the current registration term on the academic calendar page.
Now that I am registered for classes, how will I be billed?
All current tuition payment information can be found at the Student Accounts Office.
How do I obtain my textbooks?
Students can purchase the textbooks they need through the Mason Bookstore. Additionally, you can also check to see if the textbook is available through University Libraries.
How do I apply for independent study?
Please contact your unit or department for more information regarding independent study.
What is the difference between full-time and half-time classification?
Please refer to AP.6.2 Full-Time and Half-Time Status Classification.
Where can I find Mason's graduate academic policies?
Please refer to AP.6 Graduate Policies for general guidelines. Your program can also have additional requirements and policies, so be sure to contact your department for more information.
Where can I find information about housing?
- Off-Campus Student Services: Find resources for living off-campus, including Off-Campus Housing Fairs.
- Off-Campus Housing Locator: Search for housing listings and for roommates
- Fourth Estate (Mason’s official student-run news outlet)
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA)
- Masonvale: Masonvale is a housing community uniquely situated on the grounds of George Mason University’s Fairfax campus, designed to provide transitional housing for Mason faculty, staff, full-time graduate students, and other affiliates of the university. Availability year-round.
- George Mason Off-Campus Housing Facebook Group: Unofficial Facebook group for Mason students seeking housing and roommates.
Who do I contact for parking permits or public transportation information?
Please visit the Office of Parking and Transportation for more information.
Is health insurance offered to graduate students?
Student Health Services has information regarding student health insurance and enrollment. Certain students, if they meet the criteria, are also eligible for subsidized student health insurance.
Graduation
How and when do I apply for graduation?
For information regarding the graduation process, please visit the Office of the University Registrar.
When will my degree be conferred?
All important dates can be found in the Graduation Timeline. For additional questions regarding degree conferral please contact your department or unit.