International Relations

The Tufts University International Relations program offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in understanding the complexities of global affairs. Designed for those interested in diplomacy, international policy, security studies, human rights, and global development, the program equips students with critical analytical skills and a deep understanding of international systems, institutions, and cultures. Students will explore key issues such as international conflict and peacebuilding, international economics, environmental sustainability, and global governance, preparing them to navigate and address the pressing challenges facing the world today. The curriculum combines core courses in political science, economics, history, and international law with specialized electives that allow students to tailor their academic experience to their interests and career goals. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and research projects, fostering practical skills and real-world understanding. Students will benefit from Tufts' location near Boston, a hub for international organizations, NGOs, and diplomatic missions, providing myriad opportunities for engagement outside the classroom. The faculty comprises renowned scholars and practitioners who bring a wealth of expertise and real-world insights to their teaching and research. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in government, international agencies, non-governmental organizations, journalism, and academia, or to pursue advanced studies. The International Relations program at Tufts University commits to fostering a global perspective, critical thinking, and active engagement in global issues, empowering students to become informed and effective global citizens.

PhD students complete two fields of study, requiring four courses each. They are also required to take a course in comparative politics (P201), a course in IR theory (P200 or H204), and three methodology courses (P210:Research Design and Methodology, E213: Econometrics, and a third course of their choosing).

Students who have received their master’s degree at another institution must pass a total of at least twelve courses. Additional courses may be required if the student’s master’s degree was in a field other than international relations, or did not require statistics study. Nine of the twelve must be Fletcher courses, while three can be pursued through cross-registration at another institution. Those who possess a MALD generally pursue an additional four courses, for a total of twenty courses for the two degrees, unless the student develops a plan of study best achieved through additional coursework.

• Fulfill the PhD breadth requirement – at least two courses in two of the three Fletcher Divisions, and at least one course from the remaining Division. (MALD recipients have already completed the breadth requirement.)
• Demonstrate proficiency in a second language.
• Submit a master’s thesis for evaluation by a Fletcher faculty member. For MALD degree holders, this is the MALD thesis. For other students, this could be a master’s thesis written prior to enrollment at Fletcher.
• Pass a written comprehensive examination in each of the student’s selected fields of study, plus a one-hour oral examination that will focus on issues raised in the written examinations, and will integrate the fields of study. The comprehensive examinations test proficiency in the literature of the field.
• Successfully propose, research, and write a dissertation. The completed dissertation should bear evidence of independent research and should constitute a substantial contribution to the subject.
• Pass a public oral defense of the dissertation. This defense will be given after the dissertation has been accepted by the director and readers, and will cover the specific subject and general field of the dissertation.

PhD Candidacy

PhD students whose master’s degree was earned at another institution are reviewed for PhD Candidacy after they have completed at least eight Fletcher courses, presented their master’s thesis, and completed Fletcher’s foreign language proficiency exam. To be granted PhD Candidacy, students must have Fletcher grades averaging at least 3.6. (MALD recipients are granted PhD Candidacy when they are admitted to the PhD program.)

• Application for Admission
• Application Fee of $80 (Fee waiver eligibility)
• Official Academic Transcripts
• Two Letters of Recommendation (a third is optional)
• Essay 1
• Essay 2
• Essay 3 (Ph.D. applicants only)
• Resume
• Official Test Score Reports
• Evaluative Interview (optional)
• Scholarship Application (if applicable)
• Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal (Ph.D. candidates only, 1500 words)
• Master’s Thesis or Writing Sample (Ph.D. candidates only)
• List of Ph.D. programs to which you are applying (Ph.D. candidates only)

Scholarships

Annually, our PhD students have received competitive awards and fellowships, including:

• The Peter Ackerman Award
• Jennings Randolph Fellowship, United States Institute of Peace 
• Pre-Doctoral/Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
• Boren Award, NSEP Boren Program
• Doctoral Fellowship, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
• Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowship, Brookings
• Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, Center on International Cooperation, New York University
• Eisenhower-Roberts Doctoral Fellowship 
• Fulbright Fellowship, The Fulbright Program
• Morris Abrams Award in International Relations
• Vasey Fellowship, Pacific Forum CSIS
• PON Graduate Research Fellowship, Program on Negotiation, Harvard Law School
• Smith Richardson Strategy and Policy Fellowship
• Smith Richardson Pre-Doctoral Fellowship
• RAND Summer Associate

The International Relations program at Tufts University offers students a comprehensive education in the complexities of global politics, diplomacy, and international economics. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of international issues such as security, human rights, environmental policy, and economic development. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that includes courses in political science, history, economics, and regional studies, enabling them to analyze international phenomena from multiple disciplinary perspectives. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research projects, and studying abroad opportunities, fostering practical skills and real-world understanding. Tufts' location near Boston provides students access to numerous think tanks, governmental agencies, and international organizations, enriching their educational experience. The university also offers specialized tracks within the International Relations major, such as International Security, International Development, and International Politics, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career interests. Faculty members are recognized experts in their fields, often involved in groundbreaking research and policy advising. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, academia, and the private sector. Students are encouraged to develop language skills and regional expertise to enhance their competitiveness in the global job market. Overall, Tufts’ International Relations program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical training and global exposure, equipping students to address the pressing international challenges of the 21st century.