Direct Matriculation Program: Master’s in International Studies
Today’s world is more intertwined than ever before, with a growing necessity for strong international relations.
The Direct Matriculation Program: Master’s in International Studies allows qualified students with a strong interest in international studies to pursue a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree from our Krieger School of Arts & Sciences (our undergraduate school) and the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) (our graduate school) with campuses in Washington, DC; Bologna, Italy; and Nanjing, China.
Students who are admitted to the Direct Matriculation Program (DMP) are guaranteed admission into a two-year master’s degree from SAIS if they maintain the required academic standards and complete the necessary undergraduate courses. They may choose to start in any of these three cities for an immersive and global learning experience.
International Studies Tracks
Students must choose the five- or six-year option by the beginning of their sophomore year.
Six-Year Program (Traditional): Complete your undergraduate degree in four years, then complete the Master’s at SAIS in two years.
Five-Year Program: Complete your undergraduate degree in three years, then complete the Master’s at SAIS in two years.
Student and Faculty Spotlight
Narges Bajoghli
Assistant Professor
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Mahsa Amini’s death while in the custody of Iran’s “morality police” is spilling forth the language and tactics of a feminist revolution with reverberations in movements like #MeToo and the fight for abortion rights, writes Professor Bajoghli for Vanity Fair.
As an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins University, Austin had heard a lot about SAIS in his international relations courses and from other students who were also planning on attending the school.
All first-year applicants, regardless of intended major, are welcome to apply to the DMP: Master’s in International Studies. You must indicate you are applying to this program on your undergraduate application under the Hopkins Supplemental Questions section. You may only apply for admission to one DMP.
After submitting your admissions application, you will see a separate essay requirement appear in your applicant portal. You must submit an essay in response to the prompt: “Pick a global leader and discuss how they have shaped how you view the world. Please answer in no more than 300 words.”
Program & Eligibility Requirements
Complete Macro Economics and Micro Economics with a minimum grade of B- in each course
Maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA throughout their undergraduate years
DIRECT ADMISSION 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.
How do I find out if I’ve been admitted to the program?
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You will be notified of your acceptance into the program at the same time as your admissions decision. Please check Application Requirements & Deadlines for decision release dates.
Can I be admitted to Hopkins but not the DMP?
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Yes. You can be admitted to Hopkins but not the DMP. However, you may reapply to the program your sophomore year.
Note: All intended majors are eligible to apply to the DMP as first-year applicants.
Can I study abroad (at Nanjing/Bologna campus)?
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Students who select the five-year program can study abroad on a case-by-case basis. Students should discuss their plans with the International Studies Program Director before they submit an application to the Global Education Office (formerly the Office of Study Abroad). Only semester-long programs will be allowed.
Students who select the traditional six-year program, including four years at Homewood and two years at SAIS (either all in DC or a combination of Nanjing or Bologna and then DC), can study abroad with no restrictions.
DECISION
I was admitted to Hopkins under Early Decision, but I was not admitted into the DMP. What are my options?
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Under these particular circumstances, you can break your Early Decision agreement with Hopkins. If you choose to turn down your spot, you will forgo admission to Hopkins.
What if I change my mind about attending SAIS?
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Students are not bound to SAIS if accepted to the program and can decide if they no longer want to pursue the SAIS degree at the beginning of sophomore year.
FINANCIAL AID
How does financial aid work?
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Students pay SAIS tuition during their fourth and fifth years of study, although Homewood financial aid applies during their fourth year. Financial assistance for the fifth or sixth year is determined by SAIS and not guaranteed.
