Applying to the MAS-IA Program

Planning your application for Fall 2013 Admission

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA) degree program. We look forward to working with you throughout the process of completing your application for admission.

Application Information

The IR/PS admissions process uses the UC San Diego online application system. The system is meant to make the application process as easy and convenient as possible. Once you begin your application, you have the ability to log in and out of the system and make edits to your application as many times as you wish. However, you can only submit your application one time. If you have updates to any information you have submitted, please notify the IR/PS Office of Admissions.

Application Deadlines

Early deadline: October 30, 2012

Standard deadline: January 15, 2013

Applications will be considered until May 31, 2013, contingent upon space availability.

Requirements for Admission

Students interested in pursuing the MAS-IA degree must have earned a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an institution of comparable standing to the University of California with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 or better.

Applicants must also have a minimum of five years of professional experience and relevant international experience, including proficiency in a foreign language. Click here for information on how to meet language proficiency requirements. The requirements for international experience might be met in a number of ways, including:

foreign work experience or work experience with a multinational enterprise, government entity, or NGO with foreign operations
extended residence abroad
other relevant international experience considered on a case-by-case basis

Application Materials

Application to the MAS-IA program requires the submission of the materials listed below. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the application deadline. All materials, except official academic transcript(s), can be submitted through the UC San Diego graduate online application website.

Personal statement

Three letters of recommendation

All letters of recommendation must be in English. Those making the recommendations can submit them directly through the online graduate application or mail them to the IR/PS Admissions Office in a sealed envelope signed across the flap by the recommender. The recommendation must include complete contact information for the recommender.

Standardized tests

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied for one uniterrupted year at a university-level institution in a country where English is the official language must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking and receiving passing scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS, or Pearson's Test of English-Academic (PTE-Academic) exam. IR/PS requires minimum scores of: TOEFL 80 iBT or 550 PBT; IELTS band 7.0; or PTE-Academic overall 65.

Transcripts

Applicants may either: Submit official academic transcript(s) by mail to the Office of Admissions in an unopened envelope sealed by the university's registrar or upload copies of transcripts during the online application process.

Application Fee

The fee to apply is $80 for U.S. citizens, and $100 International applicants. Fee is non-refundable and payable by major credit card. Fee waivers are available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents with certain income levels. More information is available through the Office of Graduate Studies.

Mailing Supplemental IR/PS Application Materials

Except for transcripts, all application materials can be submitted electronically either through the online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the deadline.

IR/PS - MAS-IA Admissions
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, 0520
La Jolla, CA 92093-0520
United States of America

Reapplying to IR/PS

Students who were not offered admission to IR/PS may reapply in subsequent years. Applicant files are kept for one year. Please contact IR/PS Office of Admissions to notify us of your intent to reapply and to confirm your application materials are still on file.

All individuals reapplying to IR/PS must submit a new application, pay the application fee, and adhere to any new application requirements. Certain materials, such as test scores, transcripts, and letters of reference may be used again. Please keep in mind it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify test scores have not expired and that letters of reference are up-to-date. Notify the IR/PS Office of Admissions in writing and indicate which documents, if any, you wish to reuse.

IR/PS adheres to all University of California policies and procedures regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. For more information, please visit the UC San Diego Office of Graduate Studies.