Frequently Asked Questions

Fletcher's intellectual community and the flexibility of the curriculum distinguish the school from other top graduate professional schools of international affairs. Only Fletcher allows students wide freedom to tailor a course of study to match their particular interests. The diversity and experience of the student body is one of the hallmarks of the School, along with the expertise and accessibility of the faculty, and the support and connections of the alumni community. Fletcher offers a powerful network to help students realize their professional goals.

Fletcher's academic philosophy is built on the belief that students are the true experts in determining the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need for success in their post-Fletcher careers. While breadth and depth requirements assist in navigating the many curricular options, each student customizes a course of study to fit particular interests and career objectives. With over 175 courses offered annually, and 11 Fields of Study (including an option to self-design), Fletcher students rarely chart the exact same course through the curriculum.

Students come to Fletcher not only for its curricular advantages, but also for its sense of community. Notwithstanding the comfortable campus setting of Tufts University and the many professional and social opportunities of nearby Cambridge and Boston, the primary attraction of Fletcher for most students is the School itself. Fletcher's community features citizens of 70 countries; students with backgrounds in humanitarian relief, finance, defense policy, and development, and a faculty of scholar-practitioners at the forefront of their fields. Students, faculty, and administrators are fully present in the life of the School, dedicated to the spirit of collaboration and partnership that defines Fletcher. Finally, with more than 50 student-run academic, professional, and social organizations at the School, there is a place for everyone in the Fletcher community.

Global interdependence is here to stay. From the reconstruction of post-conflict societies and the creation of markets in emerging economies, to the analysis of terrorist threats and the promotion of human rights, today's issues transcend borders and disciplines. Common to all these challenges are the myriad connections between history, politics, economics, and culture that we must understand to respond effectively.

A professional graduate degree in international affairs prepares individuals to handle the political, social, legal, business, and economic challenges faced by a wide range of people and organizations throughout the world. Students are trained to evaluate global problems and frame solutions using a variety of disciplines. The knowledge and skills acquired at Fletcher prepare individuals for a wide range of career paths.

Fletcher's unique interdisciplinary curriculum combines theory and practice. Fletcher trains students to develop a thorough and nuanced grounding in the latest political, economic, business, and legal thinking and apply it professionally to shape international events. A Fletcher education is oriented toward problem-solving, whether big global public policy challenges such as climate change, or narrower issues such as the impact of transnational crime on peace processes, or the barriers to financial inclusion in the least developed countries.

We also step back and ask deeper questions – questions about who defines the problems and identifies the range of possible solutions. Our educational philosophy, while impact-oriented, is not simply a matter of finding solutions to well-defined problems, but also understanding why the problem exists and from whose perspective it even is a problem. We work from the assumption that contemporary international challenges are best understood and addressed from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Fletcher's courses are organized in three divisions: International Law and Organizations; Diplomacy, History, and Politics; and Economics and International Business. Coursework from each division ensures breadth and interdisciplinary study. Students build expertise in a particular area by selecting one or two concentrations from 11 Fields of Study, depending on their degree program and requirements. Courses can be broadly categorized as theoretical, policy-focused, or skills-oriented, with most courses embodying two or all three of those elements. Students tailor their program to meet specific academic, personal and professional goals. Students may acquire expertise in such areas as:

• Business (accounting, management, marketing, financial analysis, corporate governance, law)
• Diplomacy (statecraft, theory, practice, communications, negotiation)
• Energy and environment (climate change, energy policy, environmental economics, and water diplomacy)
• Financial Analysis and Accounting (balance sheets, cash flow analysis, reporting)
• Information and Communication Technology (policy analysis, GIS, social network analysis, public diplomacy)
• International Development (development economics, program design, microfinance, log frames, results frameworks)
• International Finance (project finance, governance, financial instruments, monetary and exchange rate policy)
• International Law (legal order, comparative legal systems, international institutions, business transactions, trade, human rights)
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (theory, practice, mediation)
• Policy Analysis (fiscal, monetary, security, health, technology, communications, energy and environment, decision making)
• Project Management (proposal development, budgeting, financial statement analysis, monitoring and evaluation)
• Research Methods (quantitative analysis, field data collection, survey design, analytical frameworks)
• Statistical and Economic Analysis (regression analysis, statistical reasoning and inference)

Each year Fletcher graduates accept challenging positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, as well as with international organizations. Fletcher prepares students for careers in applied research, business, development, economics, foreign affairs, international law, and policy analysis. Among the most popular career fields are:

• Banking & Finance
• Conflict Resolution
• Consulting
• Development
• Diplomacy
• Economic Policy (fiscal and monetary)
• Energy & Environment Policy
• Entrepreneurship
• Governance & Rule of Law
• Human Rights and Criminal Justice
• Humanitarian Assistance
• International Public Law
• Microfinance
• Negotiation & Mediation
• Political Risk & Intelligence
• Project Management & Evaluation
• Refugees & Migration
• Research & Think Tanks
• Technology & Innovation
• Transitional Justice
• Security & Military Affairs

The most intellectually stimulating, personally rewarding, and professionally profitable connections you will make at Fletcher will be those you forge with your classmates. Students come to Fletcher from all over the world; more than 40 percent of the student body comes from outside of the US, including citizens of more than 80 countries. Students come from professional backgrounds ranging from investment banking to public service, the military, and international development.

The wide array of ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, political opinions, and personal and professional experiences creates a dynamic classroom environment. It reinforces the multi-disciplinary approach we value, namely that today’s international challenges are best understood and tackled from multiple perspectives. Fletcher students have impressive academic credentials and life experience, and a shared passion for making a difference in the world. When you choose to study at Fletcher, you are joining a dynamic, close-knit community that spans the globe.

Fletcher has long been known for the enduring networks that are built here. Students often say that the opportunity to interact academically, professionally, and socially with others at the School is one of the most rewarding aspects of their Fletcher experience. The academic and professional connections you make, as well as the personal friendships you develop during your studies at Fletcher, are the foundation of your network.

Additionally, Fletcher's 8,000+ living alumni are active players on the global stage, eager to share with current students their experiences and contacts in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The Office of Career Services regularly engages alumni to serve as panel speakers, attend networking events, host site visits, provide career guidance, and offer jobs/internships.

After graduating from Fletcher there are many opportunities to stay engaged with Fletcher through events sponsored by the 70+ alumni clubs around the world, and through the Office of Alumni Relations. The intellectual and social community that coalesces at Fletcher impacts the academic, personal, and professional lives of our students and alumni over the course of a lifetime.

Graduate school is a significant investment, and it is important for applicants to develop a financial plan before enrolling. Fletcher offers scholarship aid to over 90% of those who apply for it, determining individual awards through consideration of candidates' academic and professional merit, as well as their financial need. The middle 50% of scholarship awards are in the range of $8,000 - $18,000 per academic year. While several full scholarships are given to outstanding candidates, such awards are rare, and it is imperative that applicants research additional sources of funding. US citizens and permanent residents can apply for federal student educational loans, and most applicants contribute funds from personal savings or family support. Applicants are further encouraged to research external scholarship opportunities, many of which have application deadlines around or before Fletcher's own deadline.

Fletcher also awards several scholarships to finance the second year of study for MALD candidates, for which students may apply during their first year of study. In addition, many Fletcher graduates are eligible for Tufts' Loan Repayment Assistance Program, a loan forgiveness program for graduates pursuing public service careers.

Fletcher's unique location provides the best of both worlds: the friendliness and vitality of a classic college town and the urban influence of nearby Boston. Boston is an academic and intellectual capital, home to some of the greatest universities in the world, the headquarters of many NGOs and non-profits, a center for international business and finance, a centerpiece of US history, and a diverse, multi-cultural, safe and livable community.

From Fidelity Investments to Oxfam America to over 35 consular offices, Boston offers a wealth of professional opportunities. Many of the world’s leading private, public, and nonprofit organizations maintain their headquarters in Boston, providing Fletcher students with invaluable resources to find internships and employment, and to establish networks of professional contacts. Home to more than 60 distinguished colleges and universities; the Boston area boasts the largest concentration of international students in the world, providing an unparalleled environment for study and research.

In Boston, you will discover one of America's most cultural and stimulating cities. Recreational activities are abundant and range from historical sites and renowned museums, to world class shopping, sports, theatre and restaurants. Less than two hours away, you can find the beaches of Cape Cod, or the mountains and trails of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. New York City is a comfortable train or bus ride away, and Washington, D.C. is also only a short trip from Boston.

The average age is generally around 27. The fall entering class typically has students ranging in age from 21 to 55.

Fletcher offers 11 degree programs:

• Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD): A two-year, highly flexible, interdisciplinary, professional degree in international affairs.
• Master in Global Affairs (MGA): A sixteen-month degree program focused on skill building and professional development.
• Master of International Business (MIB): A two-year hybrid international business, international affairs degree program.
• Master of Arts (MA): A one-year degree program designed for mid-career or senior level professionals with eight or more years of professional experience.
• Master of Laws (LLM): A one-year program in international law for professionals practicing law or for those eligible to practice law.
• Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA): A two-year joint degree program with the College of Europe for students interested in the opportunity to study on both sides of the Atlantic. The two-year program consists of one year of study at both The Fletcher School and The College of Europe, including a high-level internship as part of the curriculum.
• Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance (MAHA): A one-year joint degree offered by The Fletcher School and the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, geared toward mid-career professionals with significant field experience in humanitarian assistance. Candidates apply through the Friedman School.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): An interdisciplinary, advanced study of international affairs.
• Global Master of Arts Program (GMAP): A twelve month program designed for mid-career or senior level professionals with eight or more years of professional experience. Courses are conducted through a combination of Internet-mediated instruction and three two-week residencies.
• Master of Global Business Administration (GBA): Designed for early- to mid-career professionals, this degree allows students to engage with business and international affairs faculty, and each other, through live and recorded class sessions.
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Public Policy (MS): Offered jointly by The Fletcher School and the Department of Computer Science in the School of Engineering, this program marries technology and policy with a focus on international issues and responses, including a wide range of in-depth cybersecurity policy focus areas that range from development to national security.

Fletcher students in the MALD, MA, MIB, and LLM programs are eligible to pursue their degree part-time beginning in the academic year 2022-2023. By applying to the degree program as a part-time student, US nationals are eligible to take a minimum 6.0 credits (2 courses) per semester over the course of their degree; international students must take a minimum 9.0 credits (3 courses) per semester in order to maintain visa compliance. Students must select the full-time or the part-time option during the admissions process. Part-time status may not be available for students in joint and dual degree programs. Once enrolling on a part- or full-time basis, students cannot change their enrollment status. Part-time students should be aware that most classes at Fletcher take place during working hours.

The option for part-time status for these programs is a pilot program and is being made available to offer students more flexibility in meeting degree requirements over a longer duration. The pilot program will be offered for two academic years, after which it will be reviewed. Students accepted into the pilot program will be allowed to finish their degree program on part-time status regardless of whether the program is renewed for the third year.

The MS in Cybersecurity and Public Policy (CSPP) allows students to attend part-time; the degree must be completed within four years of matriculation. The GBA and MGA can also be completed on a part-time basis, over a period of 16-24 months for the GBA, and a maximum of 30 months for the MGA.

Part-time MGA students need to take a minimum of 2 full-credit classes (6 SHUs) per term, including during two summer terms. International students must pursue the program on a full-time basis to maintain their immigration status. Students must select the full-time or the part-time option during the admissions process. Once enrolling on a part- or full-time basis, students cannot change their enrollment status unless there are compelling circumstances. The maximum time to complete the MGA degree part time is 30 months. Students who are enrolled on a part-time basis will not be permitted to audit any courses. Part-time students should be aware that most classes at Fletcher take place during working hours.  

Fletcher currently offers the following formal dual degree programs:

• MALD/JD - Harvard Law School, Harvard University
• MALD/JD - University of California, Berkeley School of Law
• MALD/MBA - Tuck School of Business Administration, Dartmouth College
• MALD/MBA - HEC MBA Program, HEC School of Management (Paris, France)
• MALD/MBA - Instituto de Empresa (Madrid, Spain)
• MALD/MBA - China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) (Shanghai, China)
• MALD/MAIS - Diplomatische Akademie Wien & - Vienna School of International Studies (Vienna, Austria)
• MALD/MIA - University of St. Gallen (St. Gallen, Switzerland)
• MALD/MA - Department of Urban and Environmental Policy, Tufts University
• MALD/MS - Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University
• MALD/MA or BA - Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University
• MALD/MS - School of Engineering, Tufts University
• MA/MD - School of Medicine, Tufts University
• MA/DVM - Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University
• LL.M./MIL - University of St. Gallen, Switzerland
• LL.M/LL.B - Jindal Global Law School (Sonipat, India)
• LL.M/LL.B - Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (Mexico City)

Fletcher currently offers the following formal joint degree programs:

• Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs - College of Europe (Bruges, Belgium or Warsaw, Poland)
• Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance - Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Public Policy - School of Engineering (Department of Computer Science), Tufts University

MIB degree candidates may pursue a joint degree with a law school or other non-business school. LLM degree candidates may pursue a joint degree with the MALD requiring five semesters of study.

All students interested in joint degree programs must apply to The Fletcher School and the partner institution separately. Each school/department will admit students according to their own policies and qualifications. Financial aid will be determined by the school in which the student is registered.

Read more about joint and dual degree programs.

The interview program runs from September-December. To schedule an interview, please click on the below link.

Click here to schedule an interview.

PhD program interviews may be arranged by contacting the Office of Admissions (617-627-3040 or fletcheradmissions@tufts.edu).

Applicants to the MALD, MGA, MIB, LLM, MA, and PhD programs must submit the following materials:

• Application form
• Application fee of $80 (Fee waiver eligibility)
  Applicants affiliated with the following academic and service programs are eligible for fee waivers: McNair Scholars; currently enrolled Tufts undergraduates; Americorps (currently serving); Peace Corps (currently serving); Teach for America (currently serving); Truman Scholars; Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance Associates; IIPP Fellows: PPIA Fellows: Pickering Fellows; Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program; Rangel Fellows; Map Your Future candidates
• Academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• Two letters of recommendation(a third is optional)
• Resume
• Essay 1
• Essay 2
• Essay 3 (for PhD applicants only)
• Official GRE or GMAT scores (optional)
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable)
• Scholarship Application (if applicable)

PhD applicants must also submit: 

• PhD dissertation proposal (1,500 words)
• Master's thesis or writing sample
• List of programs you are applying to
• Name(s) of Fletcher professor(s) you have had contact with

Please review the Application Requirements for more detailed information about the specific program to which you are applying.

Applicants are asked to note the relevant deadlines and to ensure that all required materials arrive before the deadline. The Committee on Admissions will not review an application file until it is complete.

Occasionally, because of a processing delay with the testing organizations or because a recommender submits a letter late, materials will arrive after the deadline. Provided that the applicant completes his/her portion of the application by the appropriate deadline, the Committee on Admissions will make every effort to read and review the file once the late material is received.

Please submit academic transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. If you participated in a study abroad program and those grades are not listed on your transcript, you must submit a transcript with grades from the host institution. If you are currently enrolled in an academic program, please submit a report of mid-year grades as soon as it becomes available. Do not postpone the submission of your application if mid-year grades are the only part of your application that remains incomplete. Send a transcript that is complete at the time you submit the application and send mid-year grades when they become available.

Official transcripts in hard copy may be mailed directly to the Admissions Office, or scanned copies of official transcripts may be uploaded through the online application. Applicants who submit a scanned copy of an official transcript will be required to submit original official transcripts if they enroll.

The Fletcher School grants application fee waivers to applicants affiliated with the following academic and service programs:

• McNair Scholars Program
• Americorps (currently serving)
• Peace Corps (currently serving)
• Teach for America (currently serving)
• Teach for India (currently serving)
• Teach for China (currently serving)
• Truman Scholars Association
• The Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance
• IIPP
• PPIA
• Pickering Fellowship
• Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program
• Rangel Fellows
• Map Your Future candidates
• Currently enrolled Tufts undergraduates

• The GRE or GMAT exam is not an application requirement for any Fletcher degree program, though applicants who wish to submit score reports as part of their application are welcome to do so.
• International Students -
  If your native language is not English and you have not earned a university degree (undergraduate degree, or graduate degree lasting two or more years) in which English was the language of instruction, you are required to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A score of 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) (with sub-scores of 25 on each section) or 7 on the IELTS (with sub-scores of 7 on each section) is generally considered evidence of sufficient English language ability for graduate study at Fletcher. Students who have achieved C1/C2 proficiency on the Cambridge English Assessment can also have the English testing requirement waived. Contact fletcheradmissions@tufts.edu for information on how to document your C1/C2 proficiency.

Note for dual degree applicants

In lieu of the GRE/GMAT, MA/MD applicants may submit MCAT scores, and BA/MALD applicants may submit SAT scores, though doing so is optional.

Non-native English speakers will succeed in Fletcher's rigorous curriculum only if they have sufficient English language ability. The scores listed below are generally considered evidence of sufficient English language ability for graduate study at Fletcher. Occasionally we will admit a student with a score just below the listed minimum but require that the student complete additional language training before enrolling. Minimum acceptable scores are as follows:

• TOEFL: 100 (with sub-scores of 25 on each section)
• IELTS: 7.0 (with sub-scores of 7 on each section)

In addition, Students who have achieved C1 Advanced or C2 proficiency on the Cambridge English Assessment can also have the English testing requirement waived. Contact fletcheradmissions@tufts.edu for information on how to document your C1/C2 proficiency.

Admitted students may request a one-semester or one-year deferral. Deferrals requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be granted for a unique employment opportunity, special fellowship program, approved joint degree program, or family or medical emergency; deferrals are generally not granted for financial reasons. The granting of deferrals beyond one year is extremely rare.

Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to the Director of Admissions at The Fletcher School, and should be made before the enrollment decision deadline specified in the admissions letter. Requests for a deferral due to unanticipated changes in student circumstances will be accepted on a case-by-case basis after that deadline. If a deferral is granted, students must submit a $2,000 non-refundable deferral deposit, in addition to the $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit (for a total of $2,500). Admitted students whose future plans remain uncertain, or those with insufficient funds, are advised to decline the offer of admission and reapply at a later date when circumstances may be more certain or stable.