For undergraduate students at George Mason University who are interested in learning more about political economy.
The Undergraduate Fellowship follows a rolling admissions policy, and applications will be evaluated monthly. Applications submitted after the deadlines listed below may be considered for future semesters.
The final application deadline for participation in the Fall is May 30th.
The final application deadline for participation in the Spring is January 15th.
The Undergraduate Fellowship is a competitive, renewable fellowship program for undergraduate students at George Mason University. Fellowships are open to full- and part-time degree-seeking Mason students from any discipline who are interested in studying key ideas in political economy and learning how to utilize these ideas in academic and policy research.
Undergraduate Fellows study foundational and contemporary writings in political economy by notable scholars and attend a series of conversations with various Mason faculty and Mercatus scholars. Fellows will join a network of Mercatus students, alumni, faculty, and scholars who are conducting and engaging with cutting-edge research in contemporary political economy.
All Undergraduate Fellowship applicants must be enrolled as a full- or part-time undergraduate degree-seeking student in good standing at George Mason University throughout their participation in the program.
Yes, the Undergraduate Fellowship is open to Mason undergraduate students from any discipline or program.
To apply to the Undergraduate Fellowship, click the "Apply" button above or below, and complete the online application, including:
A 1-2 page cover letter explaining:
your undergraduate school career to date,
your future academic and/or professional plans,
why you are interest in studying key ideas in political economy, and
what you hope to get out of the program.
A current resume
A current Mason transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable)
A few short answer questions
Students applying for the fall term of the Undergraduate Fellowship can expect to begin hearing from Mercatus with application decisions six to eight weeks after the application deadline. Students applying for the spring term of the Undergraduate Fellowship can expect to begin hearing from Mercatus with application decisions one to two weeks before the start of the spring term.
Yes, the Undergraduate Fellowship is a supplemental program and fellows may hold jobs and other fellowships/assistantships during their time in the program.
Undergraduate fellows are required to remain enrolled as a full- or part-time undergraduate degree-seeking student in good standing at George Mason University throughout their participation in the Undergraduate Fellowship, attend and actively participate in all aspects of the scheduled program of events, arrive on time and prepared for each event having carefully read any assigned readings in advance, and be honest, responsible, fair, and civil in all activities of the Undergraduate Fellowship Program.
The terms of the Undergraduate Fellowship carry with them the expectation that fellows will be substantially involved in the entirety of the formal program schedule. Undergraduate Fellows study and discuss numerous key contributions to economics in a limited number of sessions, so attendance at each required event is vital. Undergraduate Fellows will also have the opportunity to attend other optional Mercatus Center workshops and events as their schedule allows.
Specific dates are subject to some variability and are communicated to successful applicants.
All required readings and other materials will be distributed to fellows in advance of each event. Undergraduate Fellows will have the readings at the beginning of each fellowship term.
Yes. Undergraduate Fellows who continue their studies in graduate school are also encouraged to apply to the Mercatus Center’s graduate student fellowship programs.
Yes.
Email [email protected] regarding general questions about the Fellowship or questions about you application materials or application status.
