Mercatus Center 2022 MA Fellowship

The Mercatus MA Fellowship is a two-year, competitive, full-time fellowship program for students pursuing a master’s degree in economics at George Mason University who are interested in gaining an advanced degree in applied economics in preparation for a career in public policy.

The Mercatus Center’s MA Fellowship program is targeted toward students with an interest in gaining advanced training in economics, but who do not anticipate a career in academia. Students who anticipate working in public policy jobs in research, communications or outreach are ideal candidates for this fellowship.

• Table of Content
• About Mercatus Center at George Mason University
• Mercatus Center MA Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of Mercatus Center MA Fellowship
• Requirements for Mercatus Center MA Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Mercatus Center at George Mason University

For over 40 years, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University (previously the Center for the Study of Market Processes) has recruited, trained, and supported graduate students who have gone on to pursue careers in academia, government, and public policy as well as supported scholars pursuing research on the cutting edge of academia. The Mercatus Center’s Academic & Student Programs provides support for scholars pursuing research in the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy and provides support for students at George Mason University as well as c... continue reading

Mercatus Center MA Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of Mercatus Center MA Fellowship

The total award of up to $80,000 (over two years) includes a monthly stipend, full tuition support (nine credits per semester), and practical experience conducting and disseminating research with Mercatus scholars and staff on pertinent policy issues.

Fellows will work with established scholars that have the academic credentials as well as professional experience that makes them leading experts on public policy issues. By working alongside scholars, fellows will learn how to research complex policy issues and communicate sound economic analysis through academic articles, policy publications, congressional testimony, opinion pieces, and blog posts. MA Fellows will also have the opportunity to work with Mercatus scholars and staff to learn how to promote, disseminate, and translate economic analysis through written products, video production, media, and podcasts. Fellows have gone on to become policy analysts and researchers at federal and state agencies, in Congressional staff positions, at think tanks, and academic research centers.

Requirements for Mercatus Center MA Fellowship Qualification

Acceptance into the fellowship program is dependent on acceptance into George Mason University’s MA program in economics. You must complete the standard application for fall admission to the MA program in Economics at George Mason University, and indicate on the application that you would like to be considered for funding.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

To apply to the MA Fellowship, please click the “Apply Now” button and complete the online application. The online application includes:

• A 1-2 page cover letter explaining:
  • your research interests and current projects,
  • your familiarity with Mason and Mercatus scholars and their research, and
  • what you hope to get out of the program.
• A current resume/CV
• A 500-1000 word essay on “Why do some societies prosper, while others remain stagnant and poor?”
• A 10-page writing sample that demonstrates your writing and research skills
• A few short answer questions

For more details, visit Mercatus Center website.