MS IRP-AMP Admission Requirements
CMIST welcomes applicants from diverse academic, professional, and personal backgrounds, and seeks those dedicated to making an impact in our ever-changing political world. Our admissions process is holistic in that we consider all aspects of the application equally to determine an overall fit with your background and goals to CMIST’s culture, curriculum, and community.
To that end, applicants to the MS IRP program also should demonstrate academic and/or professional excellence and preparedness for the rigors of the program. Minimum qualification for admission to the MS IRP program includes previous coursework, demonstrated ability, or equivalent work experience in the following areas:
- Analytical skills: An ideal applicant should demonstrate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Introductory courses in statistics, economics, and data analysis (STATA/R) are recommended.
- Team skills: An ideal applicant can work effectively with others in leadership, cooperative, and subordinate roles.
- Other skills: An ideal applicant will demonstrate experience or interest in international relations and political science
MS IRP-AMP Application
The accelerated version of the Master's program is only open to current Carnegie Mellon University students.
- Student Information Sheet: Complete fillable PDF and submit electronically (PDF format).
- Statement of Purpose (500-1000 words): State your purpose in undertaking graduate study in political science and international relations. Include your academic objectives, research interests, potential thesis topics, and internship and career goals. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application, or résumé/curriculum vita.
- Diversity Essay (500-1000 words): The Carnegie Mellon Institute for Security and Technology (CMIST), as well as the Dietrich College for Humanities and Social Sciences and broader CMU, value a dynamic and diverse community where all members are responsible for contributing to an intersectional, inclusive environment. Please take this opportunity to discuss how you will contribute to departmental, college, or campus-wide efforts to expand diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Optional Written Essay: If there are any special circumstances you would like the admissions committee to consider, highlight them in the optional essay. Use this essay to include information that you feel is important, but that you are unable to include elsewhere on the application. This would also be the place to address any gaps, fails, course retakes, etc., indicated on your transcript. There is no penalty for leaving this blank.
- Résumé / Curriculum Vita: A current outline of your education, research experience, internship experience, publications, scholarships awarded, prizes and honors received, society memberships, and extracurricular activities (PDF format).
- Transcripts: Unofficial Carnegie Mellon transcript, downloaded from SIO and submitted electronically to CMIST (PDF format). We require a minimum 3.0 GPA represented in your current undergraduate work. Please explain any gaps in your study, course fails or retakes in the optional essay.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from Carnegie Mellon faculty who can attest to the quality of your academic abilities. Letters should be submitted by recommenders directly to CMIST-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu via email (PDF format).
- Interview: Virtual or in-person interviews may be requested by CMIST for applicants in the final round of selection.