International Affairs Grad School Guide

By Katarina O’Regan, FCLC ‘12

On October 22, 2012, Katarina attended an information session hosted by the Foreign Policy Association. She complied this “International Affairs Grad School Guide” for any student interested in International Affairs. Below, she summarizes the most important information learned.

“Do you really need to go to graduate school?” The evening started with this simple, yet important question.  Among the benefits of obtaining a graduate degree in International Affairs are the chance to expand your knowledge, increased employability and salary, and networking/professional development opportunities.  Pursuing a graduate degree does take time, and incurs expense, but for many, the benefits outweigh these concerns.

Graduate degrees in international affairs are useful because they are multidisciplinary.  Students study political science, as well as economics, foreign language and other academic fields.  Because of the diversity within the degree, students have flexibility with regards to breadth/depth of studies and are able to go into public, private, and non-profit work upon graduation.

There are many factors to consider when looking graduate schools in international affairs. Foreign Policy Magazine does rank the top graduate schools in the field, but given the range of reputable programs in the U.S., finding a school that fits your interests is more important than attending a top 10 school.  Some criteria students should consider when applying are size, location, academic quality, degree requirements, the core curriculum, functional/regional specialties, faculty, networking opportunities, the alumni network, and cost.  Many students focus primarily on New York and Washington D.C., thinking that these are the best locations for an International Affairs student. However, schools in other locations do offer opportunities New York and D.C. cannot.  Schools in smaller cities have a lower cost of living and fewer distractions from studies, while still offering very competitive (and often more personal) academic programs.  Also, with more and more technological advancements, it is easier to be connected to international events no matter where you are based.

There are also increasingly different types of graduate degrees students can pursue.  Some schools offer dual degree programs such as an MBA dual program, which is optimal for those looking at international business and private industry.  PhD programs are academically intense, and are geared towards those who are seeking a career in academia.  One other type of program to consider is a graduate program that entails international travel.  Some schools will pay for a brief stint abroad, while others let you spend the second year of your Master’s at an international university.

As for the application process, competitive applicants should show a strong academic record, some background in economics, statistics or another quantitative field (which can be supplemented by courses at a community college even after acceptance), international experience (can be travel, work, or volunteerism), and foreign language study.  If applicants are lacking in any of these areas, they can explain that in their application, and demonstrate an interest in other ways.  For example, someone who has not yet worked abroad can volunteer with an organization that works alongside immigrants.

Application essays should not include cliché quotes from famous individuals, and should highlight your writing ability.  At least one letter of recommendation should be from an undergraduate professor (this can be a professor you studied with abroad, if still relevant).  Resumes in this case can be longer than one page, as the admissions staff will want to see a list of your travels and/or publications on there as well.  In the words of one panelist “Your flaws will be obvious, so play up your strengths!”

Ultimately, admissions staff are looking for reasons to admit you.  They want to see you tie your academic interests to prospective career paths, as well as your ability to provide a genuine self-narrative.  Just as International Affairs programs do not solely focus on political science or economics, admissions officers do not judge applicants solely by GPA, major, or undergraduate institution.  Graduate programs are looking for well-rounded students to join their well-rounded studies.

Katarina is a FCLC International Studies major, graduating in December of 2012. She plans to teach abroad after graduation.