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MPS in International Development: Admission Requirements

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DATES: Application deadline is April 15 for admittance into the Fall semester.

All applications must be submitted through the Graduate School's online application process. - APPLY NOW

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Admission criteria for the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in International Development (ID) program include professional experience and performance. The field will normally only consider applicants who have at least two years of development work experience.

Application Requirements

  • A statement of purpose explaining why the applicant wishes to undertake graduate studies in their chosen field. (This is given considerable weight in admission decisions.)
  • 2 letters of recommendation. (Most weight is given to recommendations by teachers who can assess ability to perform at a high academic level.)
  • Complete transcripts from all educational institutions previously attended.
  • For international applicants, an official TOEFL score is required before the application will be reviewed by the field. Detailed TOEFL requirements and instructions are available through the Graduate School website.
  • GRE scores are not required, but useful for evaluation.
  • A current CV or resume.
  • The application fee or a letter requesting a fee waiver and the reasons, if appropriate.

Financial Requirements

A nonrefundable fee is required at the time of application. Current tuition and estimated living expenses for graduate study is available through the Graduate School website.

Applicants need to obtain their own funding, at least for the required two semesters of coursework. For those who wish to study for additional (non-required) semesters there are some limited possibilities for financial support, such as teaching assistantships that may become available in appropriate departments or fields, and through the International Agriculture Program. These are competitive. There are also several Cornell sources of financial support for research and special project expenses that are awarded competitively. For instance, the Graduate School offers summer grants to students needing research travel support.