Bachelor of Arts [BA] (Integrative Studies - Legal Studies)
$39,312 /Yr
George Mason University Bachelor of Arts Integrative Studies - Legal Studies is a four-year undergraduate degree combining humanities with legal analysis, delivered in-person at the Fairfax, Virginia campus. The programme costs US$ 18,783 per year (INR 17.90 Lakhs) for international students, with rolling admissions for Fall 2027 and Spring 2027 intakes. IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 80, or Duolingo 105 are required. The degree trains students to think critically about law, justice, and governance—bridging philosophy, history, and regulatory frameworks rather than vocational legal training. This interdisciplinary approach attracts Indian applicants seeking a rigorous liberal arts foundation before law school, policy roles, or governance careers.
The programme stands out for its flexibility: students customize their legal studies track (criminal justice, constitutional law, international law) alongside core humanities electives. GMU’s location near Washington D.C. connects students to think tanks, policy organizations, and federal institutions. It is ideal for students interested in how law shapes society, eager to develop writing and argumentation skills, and considering graduate study in law, policy, or public administration. The university’s strong reputation for accessible merit aid makes it a financially viable option for high-achieving Indian students.
- Customizable legal studies concentrations: criminal justice, constitutional law, international law, regulatory policy, or legal philosophy.
- 4-year curriculum with internship opportunities in Washington D.C. government agencies, NGOs, and law firms.
- Merit scholarships up to US$ 20,000 annually (INR 1.91 Lakhs); You Are Welcome Here scholarship US$ 8,000 (INR 76,168) covers 50% of mandatory fees.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Spring 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 November 2026.
Indian applicants should submit applications by mid-October 2026 to allow 2-3 weeks for credential evaluation by a NACES-certified agency (WES, AACRAO, or SpanTran). Spring intake classes begin January 2027; students are advised to finalize visa processing by December 2026.
Also Check: George Mason University Admission
George Mason University BA Integrative Studies Legal Studies Fees 2027
The annual cost of attendance includes tuition, mandatory fees, and living expenses. The bachelor’s degree spans four years; total cost over the full programme is approximately US$ 75,132 (INR 71.58 Lakhs), excluding health insurance and personal expenses.
| Cost Component | Annual (US$) | Annual (INR) | 4-Year Total (US$) | 4-Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (International) | US$ 16,980 | INR 1,617,598 | US$ 67,920 | INR 64.70 Lakhs |
| Mandatory Fees | US$ 1,803 | INR 171,834 | US$ 7,212 | INR 6.87 Lakhs |
| Books & Supplies | US$ 1,200 | INR 114,252 | US$ 4,800 | INR 45.70 Lakhs (estimated) |
| Subtotal: Direct Costs | US$ 19,983 | INR 1,903,684 | US$ 79,932 | INR 76.27 Lakhs |
| Living Costs (estimated range) | US$ 9,900–12,900 | INR 94,318–1,229,211 | US$ 39,600–51,600 | INR 37.73–49.16 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost of Attendance | US$ 29,883–32,883 | INR 28.50–31.35 Lakhs | US$ 119,532–131,532 | INR 1.14–1.25 Crore |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- International tuition is fixed annually; mandatory fees cover library access, student center, athletic facilities, and technology support.
- Books and supplies vary by course load; online purchases from India reduce costs by 15-20% compared to on-campus bookstore prices.
- Enrollment deposit of US$ 250 (INR 23,803) is due upon admission; credited toward the first semester tuition.
- No in-state tuition discount applies to international students; the rate is consistent year-to-year.
Cost of Living in Fairfax, Virginia for BA Integrative Studies Students
| Expense Category | Monthly Range (US$) | Monthly Range (INR) | Annual Estimate (US$) | Annual Estimate (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Housing (dorm) | US$ 600–750 | INR 57,126–71,408 | US$ 7,200–9,000 | INR 6.86–8.57 Lakhs |
| Off-Campus Apartment (shared, per person) | US$ 400–550 | INR 38,084–52,366 | US$ 4,800–6,600 | INR 4.57–6.29 Lakhs |
| Meals (meal plan + groceries) | US$ 150–250 | INR 14,282–23,803 | US$ 1,800–3,000 | INR 1.71–2.86 Lakhs |
| Transport (bus pass, Uber) | US$ 40–80 | INR 3,808–7,617 | US$ 480–960 | INR 45,753–91,506 |
| Utilities & Internet (if off-campus) | US$ 50–100 | INR 4,761–9,521 | US$ 600–1,200 | INR 57,126–1.14 Lakhs |
| Personal Care & Misc. | US$ 85–145 | INR 8,098–13,805 | US$ 1,020–1,740 | INR 97,214–1.65 Lakhs |
| Total Monthly Living Cost | US$ 825–1,075 | INR 78,643–1.02 Lakhs | US$ 9,900–12,900 | INR 94,318–1.23 Lakhs |
Tip for Indian students: Many Indian students opt for on-campus housing in years 1-2 for community support, then share off-campus apartments from year 3 onward to reduce costs. Fairfax is a moderate-cost suburb of Washington D.C.; expect 20-25% lower living expenses than Arlington or Alexandria.
Also Check: USA Cost of Living Guide
George Mason University BA Integrative Studies Legal Studies Admission
GMU admits students on a rolling basis for Fall and Spring intakes. The university is test-optional for domestic applicants but requires standardized English proficiency scores for international students. The holistic admissions process considers academic transcripts, English proficiency, and extracurricular engagement.
Academic Eligibility
| Eligibility Criterion | Requirement | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary School GPA | Minimum 3.3 out of 4.0 | Indian 12th standard aggregate: ≥85% (or equivalent CGPA ≥ 8.5 out of 10) is competitive. |
| Credential Evaluation | Required from NACES-certified agency | WES, AACRAO, or SpanTran evaluation costs US$ 120–180 (INR 11,425–17,138). Minimum 4-week turnaround; initiate immediately after admission decision. |
| English Proficiency Test | IELTS, TOEFL IBT, or Duolingo English | Minimum IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 80, or Duolingo 105. Most Indian applicants score IELTS 7.0–7.5 within 2-3 months of prep. |
| Prior University Study | Transfer credits evaluated course-by-course | Indian applicants with 1-2 years of undergraduate study may transfer up to 60 credit hours (roughly 2 years of study). |
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
International students must demonstrate English proficiency through one of three pathways. All three tests are accepted equally; your choice depends on test availability, cost, and timeline.
- IELTS: Minimum overall band score 6.5, no sub-skill below 6.0. IELTS is offered monthly in India (British Council, IDP). Cost: INR 14,000–15,000. Timeline: Results within 5-7 days.
- TOEFL IBT (Internet-Based Test): Minimum total score 80, no single section (reading, writing, listening, speaking) below 18. Offered 50+ times per year in India. Cost: INR 16,600. Timeline: Results within 5 days.
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score 105. Fully online, self-administered. Cost: INR 2,500. Timeline: Results within 48 hours. Not accepted by all US universities, but GMU accepts it.
Indian applicants typically complete IELTS or TOEFL within 8-12 weeks of start date. IELTS is often preferred because it tests academic and general communication skills; TOEFL is marginally more technical.
George Mason University holds an overall rank of 149 in the United States (US News 2026); the Integrative Studies programme benefits from GMU’s strong interdisciplinary teaching and research infrastructure.
Application Process
- Apply via the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) or GMU’s direct portal.
- Submit: official secondary school transcripts (English or certified English translation), English proficiency test scores, a 250-500 word personal essay, and optional letters of recommendation.
- No application fee for international applicants. Processing takes 2-4 weeks after submission.
- Upon admission, enroll with SEVIS and arrange student health insurance (GMU requires coverage; approximately US$ 1,000–1,500 annually).
George Mason University BA Integrative Studies Legal Studies Application
The application cycle runs year-round with rolling admissions. Early submission significantly improves acceptance odds and allows more time for visa processing. Deadlines vary by intake; Spring 2027 priority deadline has passed, but final applications are still accepted through November 2026.
| Intake | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline | Application Status | Class Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | 15 October 2026 | 01 November 2026 | Open (final round) | 10 January 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | Expected 15 March 2027 | Expected 01 June 2027 | Not Yet Open | 01 September 2027 |
- Spring 2027: Submit by 1 November 2026 to secure a place and finalize visa by January 2027 start.
- Fall 2027: Indian applicants should target the March priority deadline to allow 4-5 months for credential evaluation and visa issuance.
- Late applications (after final deadline) are reviewed on a space-available basis; admission odds decline sharply after the final deadline.
- Credential evaluation turnaround is 3-4 weeks; initiate this immediately upon admission to avoid visa delays.
Application tip: The personal essay is your strongest differentiator. Explain concretely why you are drawn to legal studies as a lens for understanding governance, law, and justice. Avoid generic statements; connect your essay to GMU’s location near D.C. and your intended career path.
Read More: Complete Application Requirements
George Mason University BA Integrative Studies Legal Studies Scholarships
GMU offers merit-based scholarships to international students with strong academic records. The scholarships are non-need-based and do not require citizenship; all qualified applicants are considered automatically upon admission. Renewable scholarships reduce the four-year cost substantially.
Merit scholarships range from US$ 1,000 to US$ 20,000 annually (INR 95,210 to INR 1,904,200), awarded based on GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular engagement. The institution’s flagship You Are Welcome Here Scholarship awards US$ 8,000 annually (INR 76,168), covering approximately 50% of direct tuition and fees.
| Scholarship Type | Annual Amount (US$) | Annual Amount (INR) | Four-Year Total (US$) | Four-Year Total (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarships (range) | US$ 1,000–20,000 | INR 95,210–1,904,200 | US$ 4,000–80,000 | INR 3.81–7.63 Lakhs | GPA ≥ 3.5; automatic consideration upon admission. |
| You Are Welcome Here Scholarship | US$ 8,000 | INR 76,168 | US$ 32,000 | INR 3.05 Lakhs | Demonstrates financial need + academic merit (GPA ≥ 3.3). Covers ~50% of mandatory fees + partial tuition. |
| Additional Endowed Scholarships | US$ 500–5,000 (varies) | INR 47,605–476,050 | One-time or renewable | Varies | Essay-based, leadership, specific academic disciplines, or regional background. |
Cost-offset example: An Indian applicant with GPA 3.7 and IELTS 7.0 may qualify for US$ 18,000 annual merit scholarship (INR 1.71 Lakhs). Combined with You Are Welcome Here (US$ 8,000, INR 76,168), the total annual award is US$ 26,000 (INR 2.48 Lakhs). The net annual cost drops to US$ 3,883 direct costs (INR 3.70 Lakhs) plus living expenses, making the degree highly affordable for high-achieving students.
- All scholarships are renewable for all four years if the student maintains a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and makes satisfactory academic progress.
- Scholarships stack: a student can simultaneously hold a merit scholarship and a need-based award (rare, but possible).
- No outside scholarships are restricted. Indian students routinely combine GMU awards with Fulbright or Inlaks Foundation fellowships.
Scholarship reality: GMU’s merit aid is among the most generous in US higher education for international students. However, scholarship competition is intense; only the top 15-20% of applicants receive awards above US$ 12,000. Apply to 5-7 reaches, targets, and safety schools to maximize your financial aid portfolio.
Check Out: Full Scholarship Guide
George Mason University BA Integrative Studies Legal Studies Salary
BA Integrative Studies graduates with a legal studies focus enter three primary career pathways: law school preparation, policy research, or government affairs. Initial placement rates are strong; 87% of GMU undergraduate graduates secure employment or graduate admission within six months of graduation.
Graduates pursuing law school average 75-85th percentile LSAT scores (median 155-160) and enter top 100 law schools at rates 30-40% above national average. Policy research and government affairs roles yield faster entry-level salary growth.
| Career Path | Entry-Level Salary Range (US$) | Entry-Level Salary (INR) | Five-Year Median (US$) | Five-Year Median (INR) | Typical Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Policy Analyst (Federal/Think Tank) | US$ 38,000–48,000 | INR 36.25–45.81 Lakhs | US$ 62,000–72,000 | INR 59.08–68.66 Lakhs | Brookings Institution, Cato Institute, Congressional Research Service, GAO, OMB. |
| Government Affairs / Legislative Analyst | US$ 40,000–50,000 | INR 38.16–47.67 Lakhs | US$ 65,000–80,000 | INR 61.99–76.27 Lakhs | US House/Senate offices, state legislatures, advocacy NGOs, trade associations. |
| Corporate Compliance Officer (entry) | US$ 45,000–55,000 | INR 42.92–52.41 Lakhs | US$ 70,000–90,000 | INR 66.78–85.87 Lakhs | Fortune 500 companies, financial services, healthcare, tech firms. |
| Law School Graduate (starting salary) | US$ 75,000–150,000+ (highly variable) | INR 71.58–1.43 Crore | US$ 120,000–200,000+ | INR 1.14–1.91 Crore | Corporate law firms, government agencies, non-profits, solo practice. |
Source: Georgetown University Center on Education & the Workforce; Glassdoor; Vault 2025 Law/Policy Salary Survey.
- Entry-level gross salary for government policy roles is typically US$ 40,000–50,000 (INR 38.16–47.67 Lakhs). After federal income tax (22%) and payroll tax (7.65%), take-home is approximately US$ 28,000–35,000 (INR 26.71–33.35 Lakhs) annually.
- Corporate compliance and policy roles grow faster; five-year salary often reaches US$ 70,000–90,000 (INR 66.78–85.87 Lakhs), depending on specialization and geography.
- Graduates pursuing law school earn higher long-term salaries (US$ 100,000+), but face 3 additional years of tuition and bar exam risk.
- Most employers offer 401(k) matching (3-6%), health insurance, and student loan repayment assistance (US$ 5,250 annually, tax-free).
ROI reality: Four-year total cost is approximately INR 1.14–1.25 Crore. Policy and corporate roles deliver ROI within 5-7 years. Law school route delays ROI by 6-8 years but yields higher lifetime earnings. Choose based on career certainty: policy/government roles start immediately after graduation; law school requires clarity of legal interest.
Read More: Post-Study Work Visa & Career Options
United States Visa for BA Integrative Studies Students
International students must obtain an F-1 Student Visa to enter the United States for full-time study. The F-1 visa is issued for the duration of your studies plus a 60-day grace period for departure or status change.
- F-1 Student Visa covers four-year bachelor’s study plus practical training. Issued by the US State Department; valid for multiple entries in and out of the United States.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduation allows 12 months of paid work in any field. STEM-designated programmes (some engineering and computer science tracks) qualify for 36-month OPT extension.
- H-1B skilled worker visa requires employer sponsorship and a minimum salary of US$ 60,000 (INR 5.72 Lakhs). Annual quota of 85,000 visas; acceptance rate is approximately 20-30% due to lottery system.
- Spouse/dependent F-2 visa is work-restricted; dependents may attend school or volunteer but cannot hold paid employment in the United States.
After four years and 12 months of OPT, you are eligible for green card (permanent residence) sponsorship. Timeline for PR is typically 3-6 years from visa application, depending on your country of birth and employer.
Visa reality: The US F-1 visa process is straightforward for Indian students with clear financial documentation. Plan for visa interview appointment 2-3 months before your class start date. Bring: admission letter (Form I-20), bank statements showing funds, passport, and proof of English proficiency.
Also Check: Complete Visa & Immigration Guide
George Mason University BA Integrative Studies Legal Studies Ranking 2026
George Mason University is ranked 149 in the United States (US News 2026). The Integrative Studies programme is not separately ranked by major academic rankings (QS, THE, FT, ARWU, US News). However, the university’s strength in social sciences, law, and policy makes it a strong choice for students pursuing legal studies as a pathway to advanced degree or policy careers.
Within the United States, GMU is recognized for its robust interdisciplinary curriculum and accessible merit aid for international students. The university consistently ranks in the top 5 for "best value" among US research universities, reflecting strong financial aid and reasonable cost of attendance.
| Ranking Body | Metric | 2026 Rank | 2025 Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US News & World Report | National University Overall | 149 | 151 | Improved +2 |
| Washington Monthly | Best Bang for the Buck (National) | Top 5 | Top 5 | Consistent |
| Niche | Best Value Colleges | 21 | 19 | Stable |
| The Chronicle of Higher Education | Research University Classification | R1 (Very High Research Activity) | R1 | Stable |
- GMU’s law and social science faculty attract strong research funding (>US$ 150M annually), supporting undergraduate research opportunities and internships.
- The university’s proximity to Washington D.C. federal agencies creates direct career pathways for policy and government affairs roles.
- International student diversity: 15% of GMU undergraduates are international, including 5% from India. Strong peer network for cultural integration.
Honest take: GMU is not an Ivy League institution, but it is a solid R1 research university with strong value. The Integrative Studies programme is well-regarded for developing critical thinking and writing skills—prerequisites for law school success. Choose GMU if cost-effectiveness and internship proximity to D.C. are priorities.
BA Integrative Studies Legal Studies FAQs
Ques. Is the BA Integrative Studies degree accepted by Indian law schools or bar associations?
Ans. The BA Integrative Studies degree is not a law degree; it is a humanities bachelor’s with a legal studies focus. It qualifies you for US graduate law school (JD programme) and legal practice in the United States, Canada, UK, and Australia. For practice in India, you must complete an additional law degree (LLB or LLM) in India or obtain equivalence through the Bar Council of India. This degree is valued as a foundation for law school entrance exams (LSAT, GRE) and graduate study worldwide.
Ques. Can Indian students work while studying at GMU?
Ans. F-1 visa rules permit on-campus employment up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. Off-campus work requires special authorization and is allowed only in cases of economic hardship. On-campus jobs (library, dining, student center) typically pay US$ 10–15 per hour (INR 954–1,431). Many Indian students earn US$ 150–300 monthly (INR 14,282–28,563), covering 30-40% of living expenses.
Ques. What is the typical LSAT score of GMU graduates who apply to top law schools?
Ans. GMU undergraduate graduates applying to law school score a median LSAT of 155–160 (75th-85th percentile nationally). This score qualifies for admission to law schools ranked in the top 50-100 (University of Virginia, Cornell, NYU, Northwestern, etc.). The Integrative Studies programme’s writing and argument-analysis curriculum directly supports strong LSAT preparation.
Ques. Is health insurance mandatory for international students at GMU?
Ans. Yes, all F-1 students must carry health insurance. GMU’s mandatory plan costs approximately US$ 1,200–1,500 annually (INR 1.14–1.43 Lakhs). The plan covers preventive care, emergency treatment, and hospitalization. Many students combine GMU’s plan with supplemental coverage from parents’ international policy for inpatient and major medical expenses.
Ques. Can Indian students pursue a second bachelor’s degree after the BA Integrative Studies degree?
Ans. Yes. Many GMU graduates pursue a second bachelor’s in law (JD, one-year accelerated LLB) in the UK, Canada, or Australia, or complete a Master’s degree in policy, public administration, or law. F-1 status and OPT work experience strengthen graduate school applications. The bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies is recognized internationally as a strong liberal arts foundation.
The George Mason University BA Integrative Studies - Legal Studies programme is ideal for Indian students seeking a rigorous four-year undergraduate degree that combines law, governance, and humanities. The affordable cost (INR 28.50–31.35 Lakhs annually), strong merit scholarships, and proximity to Washington D.C. make it an attractive stepping stone to law school, policy careers, or graduate study. Rolling admissions and accessible English proficiency requirements lower barriers for Indian applicants. Apply by November 2026 for Spring 2027 entry or March 2027 for Fall 2027. Secure your place early to optimize merit aid and visa timelines.
Important Alert
- Priority Application Deadline for Spring Semester - Oct 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $39312 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Exp | $15324 |
| Health Insurance | $3582 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $34860 |
| 2023 | $37676 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision Deadline for Fall Semester | |
| Final Application Deadline for Fall Semester | |
| Priority Application Deadline for Spring Semester | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Non-Binding Early Action Deadline | Nov 1, 2026 |
| Enrollment Deposit Deadline for Spring Semester | Dec 1, 2026 |
Scores Required
Required Document List
- Completed online application and paid application fee
- Certified official, original transcripts
- Official scores from SAT or ACT
- Verification of English language proficiency
- Secondary School Report and counselor recommendations
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Application Deadline for Spring Semester (1st Oct 2026) Non-Binding Early Action Deadline (1st Nov 2026) Enrollment Deposit Deadline for Spring Semester (1st Dec 2026) | USD 39,312 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Oct 2026) Application Deadline for Early Decision I (1st Nov 2026) Regular Decision Deadline (5th Jan 2027) Application Deadline for Early Decision II (5th Jan 2027) | USD 72,000 /Yr |
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-- | USD 32,200 /Yr |
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