Center for Global & International Studies

How to Apply to the M.A. Program

Admission Information

We admit students for fall and spring semesters. The application deadline is June 1 for fall admission and November 15 for spring admission.

To be considered for admission to KU's Master of Global and International Studies program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with undergraduate degree requirements similar to those of the University of Kansas. Additionally, with few exceptions, applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average (on a scale in which A = 4) in their bachelor's degree. Please note: while a 3.0 GPA is the minimum requirement, admitted students generally have higher GPAs.

If you'd like to learn more about the Master of Arts in Global and International Studies and/or the admissions requirements, attend our upcoming prospective student information session at the Edwards Campus. Click here for details.

Application Materials

All application materials must be received before your application for admission can be evaluated. A complete application consists of the following:

1. Completed application form and application fee submitted online (preferred) or via a US check payable to The University of Kansas. To apply online or to download a paper application, go to https://www.applyweb.com/apply/ukansg/ . The application fees are as follows: domestic online $45.00, international online $55.00; domestic paper $55.00, international paper $60.00.
   
   
2. One copy of each of your official college transcripts sent directly from the institutions to the Global and International Studies Program (address below). Please note: if you have transfer credit towards your bachelor's degree, you will need to have official transcripts sent from those institutions as well.
   
   
3. Three letters of recommendation sent directly from your references, accompanied by the signed Global and International Studies reference form available here (pdf). At least one academic reference is preferred, and all references should be able to speak to your potential to be successful as a graduate student as indicated on the form. Specific information about your past performance in academics or related activities offers the best support to your application.
   
   
4. A 500-1000 word essay describing relevant aspects of your background and addressing how this program will help you meet your academic and professional goals. We encourage you to be as clear as possible about the relationship between this particular program and your interests and goals; just noting a long-standing interest in international issues or travel is not a compelling reason for admission.
   
   
5. A copy of your current résumé.
   
   
6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results from the general test—verbal, analytical, and quantitative sections—are required for most applicants, including international applicants; LSAT or GMAT results are acceptable substitutes. Information about taking the GRE is available at www.gre.com. See the Global and International Studies FAQs for information on who may qualify for a waiver of the GRE requirement.
   
   
7. International students must submit TOEFL scores taken within the past two years. The Applied English Center will also test all international students on their English proficiency upon arrival at the University of Kansas, regardless of TOEFL scores. Information about the minimum acceptable English scores is available through the KU Office of International Programs at http://www.international.ku.edu/~oip/students/mepr/. Please note that because the Global and International Studies courses are reading and writing intensive, applicants scoring below the levels required for regular admission are unlikely to be accepted to the program.

Submit your application and application fee online as directed in #1 above. All other materials should be sent to:
University of Kansas Edwards Campus
Global and International Studies Applications
12600 Quivira Road
Overland Park, Kansas 66213