The Master of International Service is specifically designed for those with significant experience in international affairs. The program’s two semester intensive period of study is complemented by opportunities for participating in an array of public dialogue and ongoing research programs. 

Admission

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least B+ (3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale). Students should also have significant professional experience, typically nine years. 

The application deadline for fall admission is July 15 (July 1 for international students), for spring admission, November 15 (November 1 for international students). Admitted students may defer matriculation for no more than two semesters provided that a written request for deferment is submitted to and approved by the SIS Graduate Admissions Office. 

All applicants are required to submit official transcripts and translations from their undergraduate institutions and two letters of reference evaluating their suitability for the mid-career master’s program in international service. International applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), unless they hold a degree from a US-accredited institution (before enrollment at SIS). Applicants should plan to take the TOEFL prior to December to ensure full consideration of the application by the deadline. Finally, applicants must submit an essay outlining their significant professional experience, highlighting the background they would contribute to the program, and their motivation for graduate study. The essay should also contain a brief description of the intended program of study. 

Degree Requirements

• At least 30 credit hours of approved graduate course work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00, including 24 credit hours in residence. 

• Students with significant prior professional experience in international affairs may apply to the director of the MIS program to have the total program reduced by up to 6 credit hours, which will be applied to the independent study requirement. Such application must make reference to areas in which the student has acquired professional competence. Students seeking to use the significant professional experience clause are limited to a total of 6 credit hours, including any transfer credit. 

• Non-thesis option: SIS-686 Proseminar in International Affairs I and SIS-687 Proseminar in International Affairs II, with grades or B or better, as part of the 24 credit hours in residence; these courses also fulfill the tool of research requirement 
• Comprehensive examination completed in conjunction with SIS-687 Proseminar in International Affairs II (consult program office for details) 

Course Requirements (30 credit hours)

• 18 credit hours (six courses) in residence selected in consultation with and approved by the SIS associate dean or program directors 
• SIS-686 Proseminar in International Affairs I (3) 
• SIS-687 Proseminar in International Affairs II (3) 
• SIS-690 Independent Study Project (6) approved by the SIS senior associate dean