I am considering an Masters in International Relations, and I have some questions about my chances (it’s vague, so I wasn’t sure if I should post in “What are my chances.”
Here’s what one program says: "A strong MPA or MA IR candidate has
several years of relevant work experience,
strong undergraduate coursework in economics and other social science disciplines,
a clear understanding of their career goals as they relate to this field of study."
I graduated several years ago, but I do not know if they would consider my work relevant. I’ve been working for a large international Christian organization. I’m actually currently on an overseas assignment now. My work has been globally focused and being overseas is what made me consider a MAIR, but I don’t know if the religious nature of my experience will be a help or a hindrance to acceptance that prefers related experience.
As far as undergrad coursework, I studied humanities and not social sciences.
I think I have that one.
Basically, I am trying to decide if I am in a place to even bother applying now or if I should get more volunteer experience in other areas and maybe some econ classes under my belt before applying? Would other areas make up for the lack of social sciences? Would good test scores help? Is it hopeless?
Did you take any economics classes in undergrad? If not, can you do so now?
Good test scores always help but if you don’t have the background it’ll be difficult. However, a few missing classes can always be taken one at a time while you work.
The organization is not so important as what you did there - so you saying you worked for a large international Christian organization says nothing. What did you do there? Were you a missionary? Did you build infrastructure in research poor regions? Teach English to underprivileged kids? Administer a microfinance program for women? Being a missionary may or may not qualify for most IR programs, but the other kinds of work definitely would, even if you did it for a religious organization.
You don’t have that, so you need to get it. You should probably take some economics and other social science classes (sociology and political science are probably best) to become more competitive.
Other areas can’t make up for the lack of social sciences, because IR (despite being interdisciplinary) is based largely on the social sciences and an understanding of basic economics and social science is necessary to achieve. Test scores won’t demonstrate that, so they can’t substitute. However, it’s possible that there are some programs that don’t ask for the econ and soc sci, so you could also look for those.
Thanks! Yeah I meant to mention the nature of my work initially. My roles have involved teaching English, communications work, working with NGOs, budgeting and finance work for projects stateside and international, and fundraising.
If I am going to pursue more classes, does it matter so much where I get them or just that I get them?
