Academics

To create a well-rounded summer or semester experience, all students enrolled in TFAS programs take courses for academic credit from George Mason University (GMU). Summer program students are required to take the 3-credit core class and are encouraged to enroll in an elective class for additional credits. Capital Semester students will be enrolled in 12 credits.

Students at George Mason University
Summer program students earn 3-9 credits and Semester students earn 12 credits.

The courses are designed to complement your D.C. internship experience by offering a thorough examination of our free enterprise system and the economic way of thinking. Elective classes cover engaging topics such as American political thought or U.S. foreign policy, as well as an internship seminar.

In-person class meetings are held in George Mason University’s state-of-the-art facilities, conveniently located a few Metro stops away from student housing in nearby Arlington, Virginia. GMU has been named one of the top 100 research universities in the U.S. by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and was recently ranked Number 1 Young University by Times Higher Ed.

“This class has been a favorite of my academic career. It prompted stimulating discussions and gave me a different insight on economics.”
Paul Costas-Verlasco, University of Florida
Intern, Corazon Latino

A GMU transcript with grades may be requested from the registrar’s office upon completion of the program. We encourage you to consult your academic advisor and/or registrar’s office to determine how the classes may transfer back to your home institution. Course descriptions and sample syllabi are provided below.