2013-2014 University Catalog

International Commerce and Policy, MA

Banner Code: PP-MA-ICP

Phone: 703-993-2280

The International Commerce and Policy, MA program (ICP) is an interdisciplinary course of study to help students from around the world prepare for jobs in the new economy. Unlike traditional international affairs programs, the degree is focused on such international economic issues as global trade and investment. The MA in international commerce and policy differs from an MBA program by providing training in the political, social, and technological aspects of the global economy. In today’s world, it is critical for all participants in global markets to understand the multifaceted environment in which they work.

The core faculty is augmented by adjunct faculty members who bring a wealth of practical knowledge and experience, as well as strong academic qualifications to the program. Adjuncts are drawn from the U.S. Commerce and State Departments, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the International Trade Commission, among other government agencies, as well as from the private sector, the think tank community, and trade associations.

Courses are offered primarily in the late afternoon and evening to fit the schedules of busy professionals. In addition to classroom study, the program emphasizes experiential learning by supporting student internships, cooperative education, and research activities with private- and public-sector employers, and sponsoring a variety of study-abroad experiences.

Admission Requirements

Please see the Graduate Admission Policies section in this catalog for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University. Specific information on application requirements and deadlines for the ICP program may be found on the School of Public Policy admissions web site.

Students from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply; however, some knowledge of economics, preferably through at least two undergraduate economics courses, is encouraged. While many students may have prior educational and work-related training in business and economics, others see the ICP Program as a bridge from government, education, and other non-business occupations to careers in the global economy.

Completed applications for fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. Students may be admitted for non degree study and apply a limited number of credits toward the master’s degree should they choose to apply to the degree program later, in accordance with university policy.

Academic Policies

Students admitted to an SPP program will be terminated from SPP upon receiving one grade of F and are no longer eligible to take courses in SPP. Per university regulation students are dismissed from the university after accumulating grades of F in two courses or 9 credits of unsatisfactory grades in graduate courses. The catalog contains additional information on university graduate academic policies .

Degree Requirements

The ICP Program requires 41 credits of course work. All degree candidates must take 26 credits of work in the required courses, as described below. The remaining 15 credits consist of electives that may include internships, independent studies, and study abroad. Students new to the program complete core courses first to prepare for higher-level course work.