Law and Diplomacy

The Tufts University Law and Diplomacy program offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for impactful careers in international law, diplomacy, policy analysis, and global governance. This program integrates the study of legal principles with diplomatic practice, fostering a deep understanding of the complexities of international relations and law. Students engage with core subjects such as international law, diplomatic history, conflict resolution, human rights, and international organizations, equipping them with the critical skills needed to navigate and influence the global arena. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through simulations, negotiations, and internships, providing practical exposure to real-world diplomatic challenges. Faculty members are renowned scholars and practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and supporting their academic and professional growth. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to enhance their understanding through courses in political science, economics, history, and languages. Graduates of the Law and Diplomacy program often pursue careers in government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, law firms, and private sector entities involved in international affairs. They are well-prepared to address pressing global issues such as security, trade, human rights, and environmental sustainability. The program's location within Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy enriches the educational experience by emphasizing the interconnectedness of diplomacy and policy affecting global health, development, and sustainability. With a strong emphasis on research, critical thinking, and intercultural communication, the program aims to develop knowledgeable, ethical, and globally minded professionals ready to make a positive impact on international society. Students also benefit from the university’s extensive network of alumni and partnerships worldwide, offering valuable opportunities for mentorship, internships, and collaborative projects. Whether aspiring to work in international law, diplomatic service, or global policy analysis, students graduating from this program will possess the expertise, ethical grounding, and practical skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

All MALD students must complete 16 course credits in order to receive their degree. The following criteria must also be met within those 16 courses:

- Two Fields of Study (between 3 and 4.5 courses each)

- Satisfy all Breadth Requirements*:

• One ILO Course from a designated list (see Course Bulletin for listing)
• Two DHP Courses (one course from a designated list. Please see the Course Bulletin for more details. 
  For the second credit in the DHP division, MALD and MIB students may choose any course(s) with a DHP designation with the exception of DHP P203: Analytic Frameworks for Public Policy Decisions which cannot be offered to meet the DHP division requirement.)
• E 201: Intro to Economic Theory OR E 211: Microeconomics OR pass the E 201 Equivalency Exam** and take a higher level EIB course from the following list: E211, E212, E213, E214, E218, E220, E221, E230, E240, E241, E242, E246, E247, E248, and E262
• Pass the Quantitative Reasoning Exam** OR take one of the following courses: DHP P203, EIB B205, B206, E210m, E213, E218, and B262

- Fulfill the language requirement and exams

- Complete a Capstone Project

- Participate in the Professional Development Program (PDP) nine-week course

*Courses used to satisfy the Field of Study requirements can be used to satisfy the Breadth Requirements. However, courses in each Field of Study cannot overlap.

**In cases when an equivalence exam is offered by Fletcher (i.e. E201, B205, B206, E210m, E212 and E217m) students may only gain equivalence by passing the equivalence exam. When an equivalence exam is not offered, students who have previously completed graduate level work equivalent to Fletcher School courses may apply for a certification of equivalency for those courses.  Such equivalence requires the written approval of the professor teaching the Fletcher course for which equivalency is desired.  Equivalency does not constitute transfer credit; it does not entitle the student to count that course for credit; nor does it affect normal distribution requirements.  The option to obtain equivalency for a required course exists only for the purpose of eliminating the necessity of repeating course work previously taken.  It is notintended that students may obtain equivalency for required courses through cross-registration in similar courses at Harvard or elsewhere during the academic year.

• 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)

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Fletcher Scholarships

The Fletcher School awards over $7 million in scholarship aid annually. Fletcher Scholarships are for tuition only and are awarded on the basis of merit and need to both U.S. citizens/permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens. Financial need is determined through an evaluation of an applicant’s resources, which includes income and asset information. Merit is assessed through the application for admission.

The Fletcher School is committed to providing scholarship assistance to as many students as possible; however, our resources are limited. While over ninety percent of the candidates requesting scholarship aid receive at least partial funding, Fletcher students need to formulate a financial plan that does not rely solely on Fletcher scholarship aid. Fletcher scholarships typically range from $5,000 per academic year up to full tuition. The middle 50 percent of scholarships awarded are in the $8,000 to $18,000 range. Please note that Fletcher offers very few full tuition scholarships, and assistance to support living expenses is not available.

All applicants seeking scholarship aid must submit a complete Fletcher Scholarship Application (included with the Application for Admission) by January 10. By completing the scholarship application, applicants are eligible for all Fletcher scholarships. All scholarship recipients (including Early Notification candidates) are notified at the Regular Decision deadline. Scholarships are renewable in the second year for those students who maintain full-time status and remain in good academic standing. In the event that a student's tuition charges are reduced, the Fletcher Scholarship will be pro-rated accordingly.

Tuition scholarships are granted on the basis of need and merit to PhD students in the coursework phase of their degree. Some stipend funding may also be available and, as scholarships are not tied to research or teaching responsibilities, students may arrange their own preferred work during the academic year.  Scholarships are also available for the Enrollment Fee paid by PhD students who have completed their coursework. Applicants for admission to the PhD program should complete the scholarship application form on the online application.

HARGENS FELLOWSHIP

In addition, The Fletcher School is pleased to offer the Hargens Fellowship, a two-year, full tuition scholarship for study in the MALD program. Hargens Fellows are selected on the basis of merit and financial need. Emphasis in the selection process will be placed on exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to the field of international affairs. Both international students and United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible. All MALD applicants who submit the Fletcher Scholarship Application are considered for the Hargens Fellowship. Support for the Hargens Fellowship Program was generously provided by the estate of George B. and Helen J. Hargens.

ROBERT F. MEAGHER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

The Fletcher School is pleased to offer the Robert F. Meagher Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship honors Professor Emeritus Robert F. Meagher, who dedicated his career at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy to the study, teaching and implementation of the theories of international law, and economic and social development. The scholarship covers tuition and provides a small living stipend. Robert F. Meagher Scholars are selected on the basis of merit and financial need. Candidates for admission who submit a Fletcher Scholarship Application will be considered. A separate application is not required.

The Tufts University Fletcher School offers a distinguished joint degree program in Law and Diplomacy. This program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in international law, diplomacy, and related fields by providing a comprehensive curriculum that integrates legal principles with diplomatic practice. The program typically combines courses in international law, international relations, diplomatic history, negotiation, conflict resolution, and policy analysis. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships, simulations, and research projects, often collaborating with international organizations, government agencies, and NGOs.

The Law and Diplomacy program at Tufts emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of international affairs. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for careers in international law firms, government diplomatic services, international organizations such as the UN or WTO, and private sector entities engaged in global affairs. The program also offers specialized seminars, workshops, and language training to enhance students’ diplomatic and legal competencies.

Admission to the program is competitive, requiring a strong academic record, relevant experience in international law or diplomacy, and clear motivation for pursuing a career in these fields. The joint degree typically takes four years to complete, with students earning both a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Law and Diplomacy. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students to support their studies.

The Fletcher School's location in Medford/Somerville allows students to benefit from proximity to governmental and international institutions in the Boston area. The program fosters a diverse and inclusive community of scholars and practitioners from around the world, promoting a global perspective on legal and diplomatic issues. Alumni of the program often go on to influential positions within international organizations, embassies, law firms specializing in international law, and academia, making it a highly regarded pathway for future leaders in global affairs.