Admission Requirements
Note: Application Portal Opens Sept. 16
Admissions to the M.A. in International Development Studies is competitive. Each year, the program receives more applicants than it can accommodate. We list a set of minimum admissions requirements below, but please note that meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
We do not require the GRE exam for admission but will consider scores if submitted.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent: An earned bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association, or an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree from a college or university recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education or Commission responsible for higher education in the country where the degree is earned. Please review the ; International Credential Requirements if you attended a higher education institution outside of the United States.
- Evidence of a strong undergraduate record, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.
- Evidence of demonstrated interest or experience in the field of international development, broadly understood. For a mid-career applicant, this might include work experience. For an early career applicant or recent graduate, it might include research experience, internships or volunteer work, study abroad, or community service (among other possibilities).
- English Language Proficiency Requirements: This program has English proficiency requirements for non-native English speakers that are higher than the minimum university requirements. The minimum scores for the M.A. in International Development Studies are TOEFL of 80+. See Ohio University's English Language Proficiency requirements . If your level of proficiency is not at the minimum level, you will be required to enroll in the Ohio Program of Intensive English. Financial aid cannot be used to pay for English language courses; you will have to cover the cost yourself.
Application Materials
For full consideration, all applicants must submit the following:
- Official transcripts: An official transcript for all undergraduate or previous graduate education. Applicants are required to submit one (1) official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, regardless of whether a degree was earned or the credits are reflected on a separate transcript as transfer credit. If original documents are not in English, applicants also must provide an official, certified copy of all documents translated into English. Failure to provide all documents will result in delays in processing your application materials.
- Diploma and/or Degree Certificate: If the submitted transcript does not specifically name the degree earned and the date it was earned, applicants must submit a registrar’s office (or equivalent office) certified or attested copy of the degree diploma and/or degree certificate.
- Application Fee: The non-refundable fee is $50 for U.S. applicants or $55 for international applicants. Applications cannot be processed and reviewed until the application fee is paid.
- Resume or Curriculum Vita: A resume or CV describing your professional background and experience, and communicating its relevance to international development.
- Personal Statement: A personal statement describing your experience, qualifications, and interest in International Development, and demonstrating your "fit" for the IDS program.
- Letters of recommendation. Three letters of recommendation that address your academic abilities and achievements. These may include letters from current/former professors or from former colleagues/supervisors in professional roles, among others.
- Required documentation of English proficiency as described above.
Note:You do not need to select an advisor on the application form. You can leave those fields empty.
International Applicants
The International Development Studies Program has historically attracted and immensely valued students from all over the world. See International Students Admissions .
International applicants need to submit a financial support form. It is recommended, but not required, to submit the financial support form with the application document. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services require that Ohio University establish that students have sufficient funds for the first year of study before a Form I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility can be issued. If you are admitted, then having a complete Financial Support Form on file will speed up processing of your Certificate of Eligibility.
For additional information regarding the application process to the Center for International Studies, please email international.studies@ohio.edu .
Application Deadline
Because of the number of core courses offered during the first (fall) semester, and our commitment to building a learning community in which students work together both inside and outside class, we only accept applications for entry during the fall semester, which typically begins the last week of August.
To be fully considered for financial aid and admission, the deadline for applications is Jan. 1. Applications received after Jan. 1 but before the final deadline of Jan. 15 will be considered, space permitting. An applicant’s files will typically not be reviewed until all supporting documents, such as official transcripts and TOEFL scores, have been received.