International Studies Master's Program

Globalization of economic, political, social, and cultural activity has created opportunities and challenges for tomorrow's international leaders. Given its influence upon world events, Washington, D.C., offers an unparalleled vantage point from which to study our globalized world. The Master of International Studies (M.I.S.) recruits exclusively among alumni of master’s degree programs at the Elliott School’s international partners around the globe. The M.I.S. provides alumni of renowned foreign universities with an opportunity to experience firsthand all D.C. has to offer. Students network with their American peers, examine the forces shaping the world today, and determine together what can, and should, be done to address global challenges.

Subscribe to the Elliott School’s email list to learn more about the Master of International Studies program, including how to register for an upcoming Elliott School information session.

What You'll Study

At the Elliott School, MIS students combine key theories and practical applications from their previous studies in political science, economics and history with specialized study of a global issue or in regional studies.

Program of Study

How to Apply

When you're ready to apply to the program, you will need to follow the graduate admissions process, including completing and submitting the online application with all of the required materials. There are also certain prerequisites that applicants must meet to be able to apply to the program.

Graduate Admissions

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Prerequisites

International Partnership

Applicants must be current students and recent alumni (within 3 years) of Masters' programs at Elliott School International Partners.

• El Colegio de México 
• Ewha Womans University
• Free University of Berlin
• Fudan University
• Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
• The Hertie School
• Nanyang Technological University
• National Chengchi University (NCCU)
• Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro
• Sciences Po
• Universidad Torcuata di Tella
• University of Hong Kong
• University of Sydney
• University of Witwatersrand
• Waseda University

Applicants should review the course equivalencies for their institution. Students who wish to have other coursework considered in place of these equivalencies should upload the syllabi of those courses along with their transcripts at the time of application.

Language

Upper-intermediate, college level language coursework (4 semesters of university level coursework) in a modern second language is required at the time of application to the M.I.S. program. Applicants who are native speakers of English may explain their language experience within the application.

Economics

Course background in economics (micro- and macroeconomics) is a prerequisite to help prepare students to complete the graduate-level economics course(s) required within the M.I.S. curriculum. Course(s) must be successfully completed through an accredited institution in:

• Introductory Microeconomics
• Introductory Macroeconomics

-OR-

• Principles of Economics (I and II)

Spring applicants must fulfill this prerequisite at the time of application.

Fall applicants may be admitted even if they have not fulfilled the economics prerequisite. In this case, the student is required to take the course(s) at a regionally accredited college/university prior to enrollment at the Elliott School. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the required coursework before classes begin. 

Enrolling students who have completed these courses at the time of application will be required to complete online assessment(s) prior to the start of classes. AP credit cannot be used to meet the Economics Prerequisite.

Where You'll Go

Our graduates continue to pursue a wide variety of exciting careers in diplomacy and public service, business, security, conflict resolution, development and public health. In recent years, the top employers included: 

• Embassy of Finland
• U.S. Department of Justice
• U.S. Agency for International Development
• Women for Women International

While you study with us and even once you leave, we'll provide you with resources and support to help you get the job you've always wanted post-graduation. From career counseling, workshops, site visits and information sessions, The Graduate Student Career Development Center has a variety of tools and tips to get you to where you want to be.

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