The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) is pleased to announce the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University has been accepted as a full member.

APSIA is a community of top graduate schools worldwide who are dedicated to the improvement of graduate education in international affairs. Founded in 1989, APSIA has risen to be the leading graduate school association for international affairs schools. Collectively, APSIA seeks to inspire global impact through education to advance understanding, peace, and prosperity through empowering students, institutions, and partners to become transformative agents of positive change. 

The APSIA network is made up of 71 member and affiliate schools across 18 countries. APSIA connects prospective students and employers to member and affiliate schools, so that they can capitalize on the skills an APSIA education provides. The schools collaborate with each other and the international affairs community in order to address common challenges and opportunities through annual meetings and ongoing discussions and programming. Through these efforts, APSIA fosters collaboration and innovation for a better world.

“APSIA’s recognition of the school as a full member,” said Schar School Senior Assistant Dean for Strategy Elizabeth Olchowski, “is a testament both to our faculty’s strength in international affairs research and our curricular innovation in this space—from our Global Commerce and Policy master’s program and the International Security program, to the contributions of our international affairs scholars in our political science and public policy programs.”

Over the years, the Schar School has developed a renowned international affairs program that APSIA recognizes as having high academic quality, a substantial commitment to international affairs, and successful graduate training on par with peer institutions. In addition, the Schar School boasts a growing and distinguished faculty and a powerful alumni network that benefits from its proximity to key institutions and changemakers in nearby Washington, D.C.

In adding the Schar School to its member roster, APSIA adds important strength in policy, security, and governance to its community.

“This is a validation by elite peer institutions of the Schar School's reputation and performance in teaching and research in international affairs,” said Schar School professor and associate dean for faculty affairs Ming Wan. “A full membership facilitates the Schar School's recruitment efforts. … It also facilitates collaboration with fellow APSIA member schools, such as sharing courses that enhance their studies and research projects.” 

“We are all excited to share and learn from other APSIA members as we strengthen international affairs education together,” added Ocholwski. “George Mason’s inclusion in this elite group proves that we perform at the highest levels in research and education while also being an inclusive public university.”