UMass Boston

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: 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.

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.

The MA in International Relations prepares students to face a wide range of global policy problems through a flexible, interdisciplinary program. Our program specializes in helping students bring academic rigor and scholarly insight to pressing policy challenges.

Students will gain:

• 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

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.

Graduate Program Director Courtenay Sprague
conresglobal [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7489