Master of Science

The M.S. in International Studies prepares students for careers in the private as well as the public sectors, including international business and both national and global governing institutions or NGOs. It is also open to students interested in academic and research-oriented careers and those interested in using data to address issues in IS, including those with a focus in the economics of development, or quantitative approaches to political analysis.

Eligibility

The M.S. is open to students who fulfill the IU Graduate School Admission Requirements, in addition to the following:

  • a minimum of a 3.3 grade point average (GPA) for B.A. course work.
  • language eligibility requirements can be met in the following ways:
    1. The undergraduate record must show completion of at least two years of any single foreign language at the college level.
    2. Equivalent mastery of a foreign language must be demonstrated through a proficiency exam.
    3. If you do not meet these requirements, you will need to undertake further advanced language training to complete the Masters degree.

Deadlines

Application Deadline for Fall 2025 (domestic applications)

January 1, 2025

Application Deadline for Fall 2025 (international applications)

December 1, 2024

Degree requirements

The M.S. degree is capped at 42 credit hours and it is a full 2-year program, including the summer between the first and second year of graduate study. Please refer to the College of Arts & Sciences Academic Bulletin for more information.

    • INTL I701, Introduction to Global Studies (3 hours)
    • POLS Y569 Issues and Approaches to World Politics (3 hours)
    • Quantitative Methods (3 hours)
    • INTL I550, Global Governance (3 hours)
    • ECON E501, International Trade (3 hours)
    • Advanced Topics in Quantitative Analysis (6 hours)
    • Two INTL 500-level or above courses in thematic concentration (6 hours)
    • Two graduate-level area studies courses (6 hours)
    • INTL I680 International Studies Masters Capstone (3 hours)
    • Language training in the summer semester between Year 1 and Year 2 of the degree, defined as either intensive language training at IU or overseas; or two-course reading knowledge sequence of a research language (i.e. French, German, Russian, etc.) (6 hours)

Additional Requirements

  • International Experience (defined as internationally-focused internship or practicum in consultation with the student’s graduate committee)

Application requirements

A fully completed application will include your:

  • Graduate School Application for Admission and Financial Aid
  • Official final transcripts from each college or university you've attended.
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of interest indicating motivations for wishing to pursue the M.S. program (1-2 pages).
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • TOEFL exam (for international applicants)
  • Evidence of foreign language proficiency (six semesters on transcript or proficiency exam)

Want to learn more?

Contact the HLS grad office

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