PhD Presidential Scholars Program

The George Mason Presidential Scholars program is a highly competitive program reserved for outstanding applicants to support their PhD studies at George Mason University.  Only new PhD students are eligible.  A Presidential Scholar receives support as a 20 hour/week research assistantship with a stipend of $18,000 per year and up to 18 credit hours of tuition per year for credits applicable toward the PhD.  Students must be full-time during the academic year of the award period.  The Scholarship may be renewed twice, covering up to three years of PhD study.

Nominations for Presidential Scholars awards originate within the proposed home department for the PhD.  Nominees must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their previous degree; a minimum combined math and verbal GRE scores of 1200 (no GRE exemption permitted); and may not have begun their PhD studies at GMU.   Eligibility for renewal requires a graduate GPA of 3.5 or better at the end of each year, and satisfactory and continuous progress towards the dissertation, as determined by the Scholar's adviser and the department chairman.

The Systems Engineering and Operations Research Department is recruiting one Presidential Scholar to begin in January, 2011, and a second to begin in fall 2011.  For consideration, all application processes must be completed well in advance before the proposed first semester of PhD study.  In the case of foreign students, students must also be able to procure a student visa before commencement of the intended first semester of study.