Direct Matriculation Program: Master’s in International Relations (MAIR)

The Direct Matriculation Program: Master’s in International Relations gives qualified first-year applicants a unique path to earn a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins and a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). 

Through this consecutive five-year program, students begin their undergraduate experience on the Homewood campus in Baltimore and continue into advanced study through SAIS, with opportunities connected to Washington, DC; Bologna, Italy; and Nanjing, China. 

If you’re interested in international affairs, diplomacy, economics, security, development, human rights, or cross-cultural understanding, this program can help you start creating your path from your first year at Hopkins. 

Why This Program

Explore before you specialize 
You can apply to the DMP no matter what major you plan to pursue. At Johns Hopkins, you’ll have room to explore your academic interests while preparing for graduate study in international affairs. 

Move toward your goals faster 
The DMP allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five consecutive years. 

Study global issues in global places 
SAIS offers a global academic community with campuses in Washington, DC; Bologna, Italy; and Nanjing, China. 

Is This Program Right For You?

This program may be a good fit if you’re interested in questions like: 

• How do countries work together to respond to global challenges? 

• What shapes foreign policy, diplomacy, and international security? 

• How do economics, history, culture, and politics intersect? 

• How can policy improve lives across communities and borders? 

• What role do language, culture, and regional expertise play in global decision-making? 

Students interested in diplomacy, public service, global development, international economics, human rights, law, journalism, research, nonprofit work, or policy careers may find this pathway especially meaningful. 

You do not need to have every step figured out before you apply. The DMP is designed for students who are ready to begin exploring international affairs with focus, curiosity, and purpose. 

Program Pathway

Years 1–3: Undergraduate study at Homewood 

Students begin their undergraduate experience at the Homewood campus in Baltimore. During this time, they complete undergraduate coursework, explore their academic interests, and prepare for the required SAIS prerequisites. 

DMP students may pursue any undergraduate major, as long as they complete the required coursework and maintain the required GPA. 

Years 4–5: Graduate study through SAIS 

After three years of undergraduate study, students continue into the two-year Master’s in International Relations program through SAIS. 

Students may study in Washington, DC, or attend one of the SAIS international campuses for the first year, followed by 2–3 semesters at the DC campus. 

Degree Outcome 

Students who successfully complete the program earn a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins and a Master’s in International Relations from SAIS in five consecutive years. 

What You’ll Study 

Through SAIS, students examine international affairs through politics, economics, history, regional studies, language, and policy analysis. 

The Master’s in International Relations is designed for students who want to understand how decisions are made across countries, institutions, and communities, and how those decisions shape people’s lives around the world. 

Ask a DMP Student

Wondering what it’s like to plan for SAIS while studying at Homewood? Connect with a current student and hear how they’re building their path in international affairs.

How To Apply

All first-year applicants, regardless of intended major, may apply to the DMP: Master’s in International Relations. To be considered, indicate your interest in this program in the Hopkins Supplemental Questions section of your undergraduate application. 

You may only apply for admission to one DMP. 

After you submit your application, you will see a separate DMP essay requirement in your applicant portal. You must submit an essay in response to the prompt below. 

Additional Essay Prompt

Describe your reasons for applying to the Direct Matriculation Program. What experiences have prepared you for participating in this accelerated consecutive degree program that combines undergraduate and graduate study in international affairs? Please answer in 400–500 words.

Admissions Plan	DMP Essay Deadline
Early Decision I	November 16, 2026
Early Decision II	January 15, 2027
Regular Decision	January 15, 2027

Program & Eligibility Requirements

• Complete Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and any Johns Hopkins statistics course with a B- or higher before beginning at SAIS 

• Maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA throughout their undergraduate years 

• Continue directly into SAIS after their undergraduate study 

This is a consecutive five-year program. Once matriculated at Johns Hopkins, admitted DMP students cannot defer their enrollment at SAIS or take a gap year before beginning the graduate portion of the program. 

Financial Aid and Tuition

Students pay SAIS tuition during their fourth and fifth years of study. Homewood financial aid applies during the fourth year. Financial assistance for the fifth year is determined by SAIS and is not guaranteed. 

For questions about graduate financial aid, visit the SAIS Office of Financial Aid. 

FAQ

• APPLYING
• ADMISSIONS DECISIONS
• FINANCIAL AID

APPLYING

Who can apply to the Direct Matriculation Program: Master’s in International Relations?

Open Close

All first-year applicants to Johns Hopkins may apply to the Direct Matriculation Program: Master’s in International Relations, regardless of intended major.

Applicants must indicate their interest in the program in the Hopkins Supplemental Questions section of the undergraduate application.

Do I need to major in International Studies to apply to the DMP: Master’s in International Relations?

Open Close

No. Students may apply to the DMP: Master’s in International Relations regardless of intended major.

All intended majors are eligible, as long as students complete the required coursework and maintain the required academic standards after enrolling at Hopkins.

Can I apply to more than one Direct Matriculation Program at Johns Hopkins?

Open Close

No. First-year applicants may apply to only one Direct Matriculation Program.

How do I apply to the DMP: Master’s in International Relations?

Open Close

To apply to the DMP: Master’s in International Relations, indicate your interest in the program in the Hopkins Supplemental Questions section of your undergraduate application.

After you submit your application, you will see a separate DMP essay requirement in your applicant portal.

Is there an additional essay for the DMP: Master’s in International Relations?

Open Close

Yes. Applicants to the DMP: Master’s in International Relations must submit an additional essay through their applicant portal after submitting the undergraduate application. 

The essay prompt is: 

“Describe your reasons for applying to the Direct Matriculation Program. What experiences have prepared you for participating in this accelerated consecutive degree program that combines undergraduate and graduate study in international affairs?” 

The essay should be 400–500 words. 

When is the DMP essay due?

Open Close

The DMP essay deadlines are: 

Admissions Plan	DMP Essay Deadline
Early Decision I	November 16, 2026
Early Decision II	January 15, 2027
Regular Decision	January 15, 2027

I’m applying Early Decision. Can I also apply to the DMP: Master’s in International Relations?

Open Close

Yes. Early Decision applicants may apply to the DMP: Master’s in International Relations. 

Students who apply Early Decision and are admitted to both Johns Hopkins and the DMP follow the same Early Decision Agreement policy. 

ADMISSIONS DECISIONS

When will I find out if I was admitted to the DMP?

Open Close

Applicants are notified of their DMP decision at the same time as their Johns Hopkins undergraduate admissions decision. 

Check Application Requirements & Deadlines for decision release dates. 

Can I be admitted to Johns Hopkins but not the DMP?

Open Close

Yes. Applicants can be admitted to Johns Hopkins without being admitted to the DMP. 

Students who enroll at Johns Hopkins may reapply to the program during their sophomore year. 

If I apply Early Decision and am admitted to Johns Hopkins but not the DMP, am I still bound to attend Hopkins?

Open Close

If you are admitted to Johns Hopkins through Early Decision but are not admitted to the DMP, you may break your Early Decision agreement with Johns Hopkins. 

If you choose not to enroll, you will forgo admission to Johns Hopkins. 

FINANCIAL AID

How does tuition work for the DMP: Master’s in International Relations?

Open Close

Students pay SAIS tuition during their fourth and fifth years of study. 

Homewood financial aid applies during the fourth year. Financial assistance for the fifth year is determined by SAIS and is not guaranteed. 

Does Homewood financial aid apply during the SAIS portion of the DMP?

Open Close

Homewood financial aid applies during the fourth year of study. 

Financial assistance for the fifth year is determined by SAIS and is not guaranteed. 

Is financial aid guaranteed for the fifth year of the DMP?

Open Close

No. Financial assistance for the fifth year is determined by SAIS and is not guaranteed. 

Students and families should review SAIS financial aid information when considering the program. 

Where can I learn more about SAIS financial aid?

Open Close

For more information about financial assistance during the graduate portion of the program, visit the SAIS‘ Office of Financial Aid. 

• PROGRAM EXPERIENCE
• ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
• DIRECT ADMISSION TO SAIS

PROGRAM EXPERIENCE

How long is the DMP: Master’s in International Relations?

Open Close

The DMP: Master’s in International Relations is a consecutive five-year program. 

Students complete three years of undergraduate study at Johns Hopkins, then continue into the two-year Master’s in International Relations program through SAIS. 

What degrees do students earn through the DMP: Master’s in International Relations?

Open Close

Students who successfully complete the program earn a bachelor’s degree in their choice from Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. 

Where do DMP students study?

Open Close

DMP students begin their undergraduate study on the Homewood campus in Baltimore. 

After three years of undergraduate study, students continue into the Master’s in International Relations program through SAIS. Students may study in Washington, DC, or attend one of the SAIS international campuses for the first year, followed by two to three semesters at the DC campus. 

Can DMP students study abroad?

Open Close

DMP students may study abroad on a case-by-case basis. 

Students should discuss their plans with the International Studies Program Director before submitting an application to the Global Education Office. Only semester-long study abroad programs are allowed. 

Can I take a gap year before attending SAIS?

Open Close

No. The DMP: Master’s in International Relations is a consecutive five-year program. 

Students cannot defer their enrollment at SAIS or take a gap year before beginning the graduate portion of the program. 

Can I change my mind about attending SAIS after I enroll at Johns Hopkins?

Open Close

Yes. Students are not bound to attend SAIS if they are accepted to the DMP. 

Students may decide at the beginning of sophomore year that they no longer want to pursue the SAIS degree.  

Can I pursue a different master’s program at SAIS instead of the Master’s in International Relations?

Open Close

No. The DMP: Master’s in International Relations is only for the Master’s in International Relations program. 

Students interested in a different master’s program at SAIS should consider Direct Admission instead. 

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

What GPA do DMP students need to maintain?

Open Close

DMP students must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA throughout their undergraduate years to remain eligible for guaranteed admission to SAIS. 

Are DMP students guaranteed admission to SAIS?

Open Close

Students admitted to the DMP are guaranteed admission to the two-year Master’s in International Relations program at SAIS if they maintain the required academic standards and complete the required undergraduate coursework. 

DIRECT ADMISSION TO SAIS

What is the difference between the DMP and Direct Admission to SAIS?

Open Close

The DMP: Master’s in International Relations is for first-year undergraduate applicants who want to also apply for a planned five-year bachelor’s/master’s pathway when they apply to Johns Hopkins. 

Direct Admission to SAIS is for current Johns Hopkins undergraduates who decide later that they want to pursue a participating master’s program at SAIS. 

Who is eligible for Direct Admission to SAIS master’s programs?

Open Close

Johns Hopkins undergraduates from the Whiting School of Engineering or Krieger School of Arts & Sciences with a cumulative 3.3 GPA are eligible for direct admission to participating master’s programs at SAIS. 

Another pathway TO MASTER’S PROGRAMS

Hopkins undergrads with a cumulative 3.3 GPA from the Whiting School of Engineering or Krieger School of Arts & Sciences are eligible for direct admission to a participating master’s program at SAIS. 

Learn More

International Studies Insider

Far From Homewood: My Senior Year in Bologna, Italy With the JHU-SAIS Direct Matriculation Program: International Relations

by Sofia G.

The DMP: International Relations at Hopkins

by Harvey M.

A Day in the Life of a Policy Intern in DC

by Stephanie N.

Hopkins Insider