Admissions & Financial Aid
International Relations MA Program
We encourage you to join other students who want to make a difference across the globe in the International Relations MA Program. Begin by reviewing the university's general application requirements for graduate admission. If you are an international applicant, please see additional requirements.
Application Deadlines
Applicants are accepted for fall enrollment only. All application material must be received by the posted deadline.
Master's Program:
- March 15 is the priority deadline (apply by priority deadline if you want to be considered for assistantship)
- May 1 for the accelerated master's program (AMP) for qualifying UMass Boston undergraduates
- June 1 is the final deadline
Applicants are accepted for fall enrollment only. All application material must be received by the posted deadline.
Master's Program:
- March 15 is the priority deadline (apply by priority deadline if you want to be considered for assistantship)
- May 1 for the accelerated master's program (AMP) for qualifying UMass Boston undergraduates
- June 1 is the final deadline
Accelerated Master's Program
For highly-qualified UMass Boston undergraduates in the College of Liberal Arts and Honors College, this unique program allows you to finish your master’s degree in approximately half the time and at half the cost of a traditional two-year master’s program.
You will replace undergraduate electives with graduate coursework before matriculating as a graduate student to complete your master’s degree.
Application deadline is May 1 for the accelerated master's program (AMP) for qualifying UMass Boston undergraduates
For highly-qualified UMass Boston undergraduates in the College of Liberal Arts and Honors College, this unique program allows you to finish your master’s degree in approximately half the time and at half the cost of a traditional two-year master’s program.
You will replace undergraduate electives with graduate coursework before matriculating as a graduate student to complete your master’s degree.
Application deadline is May 1 for the accelerated master's program (AMP) for qualifying UMass Boston undergraduates
Take a Class
Get to know our programs by taking a single course. This will let you assess if the content and structure of the program meets your goals and fits with your other commitments. These are 3-credit graduate level courses and the credits can transfer to one of our programs (restrictions apply). You must have a bachelor's degree to enroll.
Get to know our programs by taking a single course. This will let you assess if the content and structure of the program meets your goals and fits with your other commitments. These are 3-credit graduate level courses and the credits can transfer to one of our programs (restrictions apply). You must have a bachelor's degree to enroll.
Application
Official Transcripts
When you apply online, you must submit official transcripts from each college or university you attended, even if you were not awarded a degree.
The GRE is waived for all applicants for the fall 2023 application cycle.
The GRE is not required for UMass Boston undergraduates applying for the Accelerated Master's Program.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation from people familiar with your academic abilities.
Résumé
You'll also need to submit your résumé/curriculum vitae.
Each application requires a non-refundable fee of $75.
Writing Sample
Your required writing sample should be a substantial piece of academic writing of which you are the sole author.
Statement of Purpose
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.
International Applicants
Review the additional requirements for international students.
If you are an international applicant, you must satisfy the English proficiency requirement as detailed international graduate applicant page. This requirement is set by the UMass Presidents office; if you do not meet the exemption criteria, you must take this test. It cannot be waived.
Scholarship
The Winston Langley Graduate Scholarship in International Relations provides annual support of approximately $10,000 to a student in the International Relations Master’s program. Eligible students are active duty veterans of any branch of the US armed forces, undergraduate alumni of the University of Massachusetts Boston, and first-generation college students. Recipients must be United States citizens.
Financial Aid
Accepted students who apply by the priority deadline are eligible to receive financial support in the form of merit-based teaching and research assistantships. Assistantships include a partial waiver of tuition and fees, plus a partial cash stipend to help defray books and living expenses.
Learn more about assistantships, grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study awards.
Accelerated Master’s Degree Program
For highly-qualified UMass Boston undergraduates in the College of Liberal Arts and Honors College, this unique program allows you to finish your master’s degree in approximately half the time and at half the cost of a traditional two-year master’s program.
You will replace undergraduate electives with graduate coursework before matriculating as a graduate student to complete your master’s degree.
Learn more about the Accelerated Master's Degree Program.
Virtual Info Session and FAQ
Check out this virtual info session addressing frequently asked questions.