Overview

Key facts

Students of the International Relations (Mid-Career) program offered by Boston University complete three core courses that cover international relations scholarship, the practice of diplomacy and negotiation, and quantitative methods or economics. Because the program is targeted toward students who already have clear career objectives and a strong basis of knowledge of international relations, they choose the remainder of their courses independently, according to their own needs and interests. If they choose, students can also demonstrate expertise in a region by earning a graduate certificate through one of the Pardee School’s regional centers and programs.

While students in the IREL may hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, they must have work experience relevant to international relations or have already completed a master’s degree in a related discipline in order to enter the program. The program is especially well suited to students who are working or have worked in government, intergovernmental, or nongovernmental organizations, and intend to continue in the international relations arena. It is also ideal for US Army officers who are required to complete a master’s degree as part of their training in the Foreign Area Officer (FAO) program, and there is a long history of FAO students in the program.

Prospective students with little or no work experience in the field should apply for one of the School’s other degree programs, such as the MA in International Affairs (MAIA).

Course Requirements

The IREL program requires a total of 32 credits, consisting of 3 core courses from the following list. Beyond the core courses, remaining credits must be fulfilled through approved elective courses.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Fundamentals of International Relations

Negotiation and Diplomacy

Quantitative Analysis for Global Affairs

Economics for Global Policy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 30 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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Credits

80 SCH

80 full-time, 72 part-time

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

International Relations View 232 other Masters in International Relations in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

For all Students:

The online application form

$95 application fee

Transcripts for all prior university studies (unofficial copies, uploaded to the application)

Three (3) letters of recommendation

A personal statement

A resume or CV

For International Students:

All items listed above

International Student Data Form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year
Out-of-State

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for International Relations (Mid-Career).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Key facts

Course Requirements

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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