Programs/Requirements

Graduate Programs:

• International Affairs, M.A.
• Political Science, M.A.
• Urban Policy and Administration, M.A.

Admissions:

Who should I contact with questions about admissions?

For any questions about the application process, such as submitting transcripts, please contact the Admissions Office at grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu

What is the requird minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) for applications?

We require a minimum application GPA of 3.0. Because admissions are competitive, a 3.0 GPA is by no means a guarantee of admissions.

Should I apply since my GPA is less than 3.0?

If your GPA is below a 3.0, you can still apply if you think that your application is competitive in all other ways, and your GPA reflects extenuating circumstances. We take into consideration your full application, particularly the letters of recommendation, experience, and essays.

Can an undergraduate student apply for admissions before they marticulate?

Anyone can apply as long as their bachelor's degree is completed before beginning the program. But while they may submit an application before they are done with their B.A., no one can submit an application after the deadline.

I'm an International Student, am I required to take the TOEFL?

Yes, students who are visiting from other countries are required to take the exam.

Are there any exemptions to taking the TOEFL?

Yes, U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are not required to take the TOEFL exam. Furthermore, students that have obtained their undergraduate degree from a country where English is the official language are also exempt.

Do I need an external evaluation of my transcript if it was earned in a non-English speaking country?

Yes, the transcript evaluations are required for ALL students who obtained their degree from ANY school outside of the United States, even if the official language was not English.

Program Overview:

How many credits is the program?

Political Science requires 30 credits. International Affairs requires 33 credits. Urban Policy and Administration require 33 credits.

How long will it take to complete the program?

It depends on how many courses you take each semester. If you take 2-3 classes, you will graduate in about two years. If you want to finish in one year, you would have to take four classes for two semesters and two classes over the summer.

Is the comprehensive exam required?

Yes, for International Affairs. Political Science students have the option of writing a thesis or taking the comprehensive exam. It is not required for Urban Policy students.

Is a language exam required?

Only for International Affairs students, a language proficiency exam is given to students in a language other than their native language.

Status:

Is it possible to be a non-matriculated student in the progam?

Virtually all students in the program have been accepted into the program. In the past, we have also allowed non-matriculated students to take up to 15 credits of classes before committing to the program. Because we currently have so many students, as for Fall 2011, we are no longer taking non-matriculated students.