Applying to the MPIA Program
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Master of Pacific and International Affairs (MPIA) 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:
December 4, 2012
Standard deadline:
January 15, 2013
The early deadline ensures that you receive an earlier decision.
The online application and supporting online materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on the day of the deadline. Hard copy materials must be postmarked by the deadline. If the date should occur on a weekend or holiday, the next business day will apply. After January 15, MPIA applications are reviewed in the order received on a rolling admissions basis.
Students will be notified within 4 - 6 weeks of receipt of entire application.
Application Materials
Application to the MPIA 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.
Essays
First Essay
- Your statement of purpose and professional objectives in international affairs and/or research interests
- How your background has prepared you to pursue these objectives
Second Essay
- Many events of global significance have occurred in the last three years. Please discuss how one of these events has impacted your views on initiative and leadership.
Optional Statement/Supplemental Essay
- This is an opportunity for you to address a matter that is not already addressed elsewhere in your application and that you feel will help the Admissions Committee to understand challenges you have overcome or other circumstances that affected your successes.
Three letters of recommendation
All letters of recommendation must be in English (one must be an academic letter). 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
- TOEFL- All international 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).
- GRE or GMAT test scores
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. The 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 and GMAT scores, all application materials can be submitted electronically through the online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the application deadline.
IR/PS – MPIA AdmissionsUniversity of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, 0520
La Jolla, CA 92093-0520
United States of America
For additional information, including application information, please contact the IR/PS Office of Admissions.
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.
