Plan Your Education
How to Apply
Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:
- A writing sample is required (5-10 pages of original, single-authored work).
- Resume/cv is required
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts (completed Bachelor’s degree required)
- Provide a 1500-word statement explaining why you wish to study international relations, discussing the research goals you would pursue as a graduate student, and describing your career goals after completing the program.
Please visit the International Graduate Applicants if applicable
Deadlines & Cost
Deadlines: February 1 (priority) and April 1 (final) for fall
Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.
Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.
Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website.
Curriculum
Required Courses (18 Credits)
- INTREL 611 - Theories of International Relations 3 Credit(s)
- INTREL 612 - Issues in World Politics 3 Credit(s)
- INTREL 613 - International Relations Research Methods 3 Credit(s)
- INTREL 614 - International Political Economy 3 Credit(s)
- INTREL 621 - International Development 3 Credit(s)
- INTREL 638L - Global Governance 3 Credit(s)
Electives (12 Credits)
Complete four courses in any relevant UMass Boston subject of interest with approval of the graduate program director.
Capstone or Thesis Course (6 Credits)
- INTREL 691 - Capstone in International Relations 6 Credit(s)
or - INTREL 699 - Master’s Thesis in International Relations 6 Credit(s)
For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.
Graduation Criteria
Complete 36 credits from eleven courses including six required courses, four electives, and one capstone or thesis course.
Capstone: Completion of a project or master’s thesis.
Statute of limitations: Five years.
Learning Outcomes
- A solid intellectual foundation for understanding our increasingly dynamic international system
- Systematic insight into pressing issues in international politics
- Advanced academic skills in research design and methods
Contact
Graduate Program Director Courtenay Sprague
conresglobal [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7489
Political Science
Learn more about UMass Boston's Political Science department, our research, and our faculty.
Explore the Department of Political ScienceThe McCormack School
Learn more about the McCormack School, a nationally recognized leader in public service education dedicated to social justice and equity.
Explore the McCormack School