Accelerated Masters

Highly motivated students with defined professional goals can earn a bachelor's and master's degree in record time through our accelerated program.

The Carter School offers the opportunity to earn graduate credits toward a master’s degree while pursuing an undergraduate degree. As master’s degrees become increasingly valuable, this accelerated degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution gives students a competitive edge when pursuing career work in peacebuilding, justice initiatives, and conflict resolution.

Program Benefits

  • Complete requirements concurrently for both your bachelor's and master's degrees, saving time and earning two degrees in less time than traditional programs.
  • Save significant money by paying undergraduate tuition rates and applying undergraduate financial aid awards to any graduate coursework taken in your junior/senior year.
  • Take advantage of a streamlined application process with no application fee.
  • Join alumni who are leaders and innovators in management, education, peace building, development, human resources, non-profit organizations, and dispute resolution.

Eligibility

  • Complete at least 60 credit hours and meet with a Carter School Academic Advisor
  • Minimum GPA of 3.25

Application Process

Prior to submitting your application, students must meet with a Carter School Undergraduate Academic Advisor to review program policies, eligibility, and to create a plan for undergraduate degree completion.

Applicants are evaluated for admission with the same criteria as all other Master’s Program applicants.

To apply, students must meet all criteria stated in the George Mason University Catalog.

Interested students should meet with a Carter School Undergraduate Academic Advisor to review program policy and the Accelerated Master's application at least one month before the application deadline. Priority deadlines are Oct. 15 for spring admission and Mar. 15 for fall admission. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after those dates.

Application does not guarantee admission.

*Note: Students interested in the Accelerated Master's Program apply through the standard university Application for Graduate Programs by creating an account then selecting the Accerlerated Master's Program Application.

Application Requirements

  • A completed Online Application for Graduate Study. Select the Accelerated Master's Application option.
  • Goals statement (750-1000 words)
  • Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation (One of the three must be from a Carter School Undergraduate Academic Advisor)
  • Your choice of paper or revised paper from an undergraduate course assignment that best reflects your analytical writing ability, reasoning capacity, and critical thinking skills on a topic related to conflict and/or conflict resolution