International Affairs & Public Policy
Read our International Affairs
and Public Policy guides to learn how to prepare and apply to these fields. Visit our library to read Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
Explore the Profession
Discover whether this profession matches your interests, skills and abilities and meets your lifestyle expectations:
- Research Career Opportunities in International Affairs
- Learn about the Curriculum at International Affairs schools
- Read details about Education for Public Service Careers
- Discover the differences between the MPA and MPP degrees
- Stay current on domestic and foreign policy issues by reading the New York Times or other publications
Get Experience & Prepare
Confirm your interest, prepare academically and develop the necessary skills and experience:
- Explore your field of interest through relevant classes, majors & minors at UCSD, including Public Service
- Take any classes that specific schools might require, including economics, political science, area and cultural studies, foreign languages or urban studies
- Strongly consider Study Abroad, the UCDC Program, or the Peace Corps
- Gain experience through Internships, Jobs, or other Experiential Learning opportunities
- Consider the Academic Internship Program for service-learning and community engagement
- Join an international or policy-related Student Organization or Professional Association
- Develop communication and leadership skills through Express to Success
- Gain leadership experience through Student Government or your College
Apply to Schools
Most graduate school applications occur in the late fall/early winter of the academic year before you want to start. You will need to identify programs that match your interests and complete an application. Some steps take time so plan ahead!
- Schools & Programs – Use the links below to identify programs with a curriculum, faculty, facilities and services which match your needs. Consider your likelihood of admission and cost.
- GradSchools.com and Petersons.com - search by degree level, field and location (US or Int’l)
- Search by Specialty:
- GradSchools.com
International Affairs
Nonprofit Academic Centers
Public Affairs and Administration
Public Policy
Science, Engineering and Public Policy
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Attend our Graduate School Fair to learn about programs from school representatives
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Consider relevant Rankings
- Workshops – Watch our Calendar for preparation and application how-to sessions
- Applications – Carefully prepare and submit applications to individual schools before the deadline
- GRE – Prepare for and take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Letters of Recommendation – Get to Know Writers and Collect Letters
- Application Essay – Write your Personal Statement and get a Critique
- Resume – Write your Resume and have it reviewed by a Career Advisor
- Financial Aid & Fellowships – Learn how to Pay For School
For additional help with your professional & graduate school preparation and application come into the Career Services Center or contact your Professional & Graduate School Advisors.