Academics

Admissions and Financial Aid

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2013 on a space available basis.  

The International Relations program admits a small and selective group of graduate students each year.

Successful applicants to the International Relations Program will normally be expected to have a solid background in the social sciences (especially political science and economics), world history, and a foreign language and/or substantial international work or academic experience.

Application Procedures

Prior to following the step-by-step instructions in items [1] and [2] below, please:

A) Review UMass Boston graduate program application requirements at http://www.umb.edu/admissions/grad/apply/application_requirements

B) NOTE the Additional information for international applicants found at http://www.umb.edu/admissions/grad/international_ga

Step-by-Step Instructions

[1]  Submit application and supporting documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston MA 02125 USA.   See http://www.umb.edu/admissions/grad/apply

All Required Documents must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by deadline date.  NOTE: If you are utilizing the online application follow instructions for submitting required documents.  If you are utilizing the paper version of the application form all required supporting documents, including letters of reference, must be mailed directly to: Office of Graduate Admissions, UMass Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston MA 02125 USA.

Required Documents

  • Official transcript from each college and university attended, showing completion of Bachelor's Degree and any graduate degrees.
  • Graduate Record Exam [GRE] test scores official report from Educational Testing Service.  http://www.ets.org/gre  (Previous scores less than five years old will be accepted.  NOTE: The GRE requirement is waived for applicants who hold a graduate degree from a US university.)
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Three Letters of Recommendation: academic references are preferred; professional references are also acceptable.  (Download the letter of recommendation form for use with paper application only)
  • Answer the following questions and submit as your letter of interests and intent:
    • Write a personal statement of your reasons for wishing to attend graduate school (300 words)
    • Write an essay on your specific interests and what kind of work you would like to do in your intended field. (1200 words)
  • Include with your application a nonrefundable application fee of $60 for domestic applicants and $100 for international applicants, payable to "UMass Boston".

[2] Submit copies of materials to the Department.  In addition to the official application, all applicants are requested to submit the following information to IRMasters@umb.edu. We urge you to submit this information as soon as possible, either at the same time or in advance of filing the official application.

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Answer the following questions and submit as your letter of intent:
    • Write a personal statement of your reasons for wishing to attend graduate school (300 words)
    • Write an essay on your specific interests and what kind of work you would like to do in your intended field. (1200 words) 
  • If you have or can make unofficial copies of the following, please also send:
    • Copy of official transcript from each college and university attended
    • Copy of Graduate Record Exam [GRE] test scores report sent to you from Educational Testing Service
    • Copy of TOEFL or IELTS test scores report if applicable.

Interviews

An interview, though not required, is strongly recommended fo rthose living in the greater Boston area.  Phone or Skype interviews are possible for those living out of the area.

Financial Aid

Graduate Assistantship

A limited number of research assistantships are awarded to accepted master’s students on a competitive basis. These assistantships waive a portion of tuition and fees. In addition, graduate assistants are required to work 4.5 hours per week for a faculty or staff member in exchange for a cash stipend.

If you are interested in being considered for an assistantship send a letter of interest detailing your relevant experience and skills to conflict@umb.edu. 

Financial Aid

For information on financial aid available to graduate students see http://www.umb.edu/admissions/financial_aid_scholarships/grad_aid