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Admission requirements

Admission criteria for the Master of Professional Studies program in the field of Global Development include at least two years of relevant professional experience, possession of an undergraduate degree granted by an institution of recognized standing, relevant academic preparation for graduate study in this program and clear professional objectives focused on global development or international agriculture and rural development, expressed in the statement of purpose. 

Applicants with limited professional experience will also be considered for admission, but must have a relevant degree and field work or other experience appropriate to the mission of our program. 

The regular application deadline is March 15. An additional early evaluation priority deadline has been added for December 15. Returning Peace Corps Volunteers may apply by either deadline date for Coverdell Scholarship consideration. All applications must be submitted through the Graduate School's online application process. 

Application requirements

  • A statement of purpose explaining why the applicant wishes to undertake graduate studies in their chosen field. The statement is given considerable weight in admission decisions.
  • Two letters of recommendation. Most weight is given to recommendations by teachers who can assess the applicant’s ability to meet high academic standards.
  • Complete transcripts from all educational institutions previously attended.
  • For international applicants, an official TOEFL score is required before the application will be reviewed by the field. Detailed TOEFL requirements and instructions are available through the Graduate School website.
  • GRE scores are not required or accepted.
  • A current CV or resume.
  • The application fee or fee waiver. In cases of extreme financial need please visit the Graduate School Application Fees website for instructions and information on requesting a fee waiver.

Admissions Process and Deadlines

Our priority application deadline for the MPS in Global Development is December 15th. Applicants who submit their materials by this date will receive an admissions decision by March 1st.
It’s important to note that applying by the priority deadline does not improve the likelihood of admission. All applications, regardless of when they are submitted, are reviewed according to the same admissions standards and procedures. The priority deadline simply ensures that applicants hear back sooner, allowing time to consider funding options and make informed decisions.
 
For those applying by the March 15th final deadline, admissions decisions will be made as part of the regular review process, but they will not be guaranteed to receive a decision before March 15th.
Internal funding opportunities, including departmental funding and assistantships, are reviewed once the final deadline has passed. No separate application is required for these funding opportunities unless otherwise stated for specific fellowships, which may have their own application process.
 
For applicants being considered for funding opportunities, they may be contacted directly by the admissions committee if further information is needed.
We understand that some students will be applying for external funding sources, and we encourage early applications to ensure they have ample time to plan accordingly.

Got questions?

Headshot of Derar Lulu
Derar Lulu

Graduate Field Coordinator

Department of Global Development

Derar Lulu
  • dl987 [at] cornell.edu
Ed Mabaya headshot
Ed Mabaya

Research Professor

Department of Global Development

Director, Humphrey Fellowship Program

Department of Global Development

Co-Director, Graduate Field of Global Development

Department of Global Development

Ed Mabaya
Applied Economics and Policy
Food and Agricultural Economics
International and Development Economics and Policy