Overview

The War and the Military in Society programme at George Mason University provides students with a sophisticated understanding of how warfare shapes human history and contemporary social structures. This advanced course of study integrates historical analysis with sociological perspectives to examine the evolution of military force and its consequences.

Students engage with diverse methodologies to analyse the causes, conduct, and aftermath of global conflicts. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking regarding the ethical, political, and cultural dimensions of military operations and their long-term effects on various populations and international relations.

Why War and the Military in Society at George Mason University?

George Mason University provides a unique academic environment for studying military history and sociology due to its proximity to major policy-making centres and historical landmarks. The institution offers students access to specialised research resources and a faculty comprised of leading experts in the field of security and social conflict.

The programme emphasises a holistic approach, encouraging scholars to look beyond the battlefield to understand the broader implications of military service and institutional development. This distinctive focus prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and professional analysis within the global security landscape.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 41124 per year
National fee: USD 41124 per year
Local fee: USD 18060 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the intersection of military history and social theory. Modules may include:

War and Society
Military History
Sociology of the Military
Conflict Analysis
Global Security
Research Methods
Ethics of Force
Civil-Military Relations

Careers with War and the Military in Society

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for diverse professional paths in both the public and private sectors. Many pursue roles within governmental agencies, international organisations, and non-governmental bodies focused on security, policy analysis, and conflict resolution.

The analytical skills developed during the course also support careers in historical research, journalism, and education. Organisations seeking experts in strategic planning and social impact assessment frequently employ individuals with this specialised background in military and societal dynamics.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Nonproliferation and Arms Control

Examining Terrorist Groups

Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction

Selected Topics

Islam and Politics

Topics in the American Civil War Era (when the topic is The Civil War)

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Fairfax, United States

Disciplines

Military Science Sociology View 38 other Masters in Military Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The goals statement essay should express what the applicant hopes to achieve academically and/or professionally by studying War and the Military in Society at George Mason University. The essay should display the applicant's writing ability and the background and credentials that qualify the applicant for graduate study. The essay should convey that applying to this program has been an informed and thoughtful process.
The writing sample should be a formal piece of writing that demonstrates the applicant's ability to write and conduct research at the graduate level, use evidence to make an argument, cite sources, and engage in scholarly analysis.
Letters of recommendation should speak to the applicant’s character, work ethic, academic or professional achievements, and/or preparedness for graduate study. Ideally, at least 1 of the 2 recommendations will come from someone who can speak directly to the applicant’s previous academic performance.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Out-of-State

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18060 USD / year

≈ 18060 USD / year

Living costs

Fairfax

United States

1330 - 2300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for War and the Military in Society.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Fairfax

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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