Graduate IPED Frequently Asked Questions

36 credit hours (typically 12 courses) are required to complete the MA in International Political Economy and Development. A full-time student will complete their degree in three semesters.

Yes. About 10 to 20 % of our study body is part-time. Part-time students may pursue their studies at the pace that best fits their own schedule and needs. In addition, the majority of IPED courses are offered in the evenings between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. This schedule is designed to accommodate our working students and those who choose to study part time for other reasons.

At this time, there are no online courses available.

At this time, students are only admitted for matriculation into the Fall semester. Those who need a later start date should apply for admission for the following Fall semester.

Please view the academic calendar.

Admission into the IPED program is competitive. Out of around 200-250 applications to the IPED program each year, 25 to 30 students are accepted. Thus, the acceptance rate is around 12-15%. All applicants should have a B (3.0) or better average during prior coursework, and matriculated students generally score at least 154 on the quantitative section of the GRE, 156 on the verbal section, and 4.0 on the analytical GRE.

Each year, a maximum of 30 students are accepted into the IPED program. Of these, between 30-40% are international students. The average student is in their late twenties. A majority have international work experience (Peace Corps, JVI, etc.).

To get an idea of tuition rates, please refer to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Tuition page.

The IPED offices, as well as the majority of IPED classes, are located at the Rose Hill (Bronx) campus. However, a few elective courses are offered at the Lincoln Center (Manhattan) campus.

The Masters Degree in International Political Economy and Development is housed within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Prospective students are welcome to visit Fordham University's campus. During a visit, prospective students may have the opportunity to speak with current students, sit in on a class, and speak with faculty. For more information on setting up a visit, please contact us at [email protected]. For those wishing to tour the campus, the Undergraduate Admissions Office offers campus tours on a regular basis.

Please visit the IPED Admission Deadlines page.

The majority of required application materials may be submitted online by uploading the files to the online application system, such as the Statement of Purpose, Resume, and Recommendation Letters. Official transcripts and score reports for the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS may be requested (from the appropriate institution) online and sent directly via secure electronic delivery to the Office of Admissions at [email protected].

If electronic delivery is not available, please request the original documents be sent in a sealed envelope to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Fordham University
Keating 216
441 East Fordham Road
Bronx, New York 10458

The following elements are required in your application:

• Evidence of your having the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree with a B or better average;
• A 500 to 1500 word statement of purpose;
• Transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework;
• Three letters of recommendation;
• The general aptitude scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Students who do not wish to be considered for merit-based financial aid may substitute LSAT or GMAT scores in place of the GRE.
• Score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if you are an international applicant

The Statement of Purpose should be between 500-1500 words. A two-page essay is generally acceptable. Please note, which, if any, fellowships you are applying for.

Other than the Statement of Purpose, no additional writing sample is required. However, applicants who wish to submit further evidence of their writing capabilities may submit a writing sample during the online application process.

Recommendations should be written by either professional or academic sources. Former supervisors and professors are good options. Though not necessarily required, it is suggested that at least one recommendation come from an academic source and at least one from a professional source.

In order to be considered for merit-based financial aid, all applicants must submit current GRE scores. If an applicant wishes to be considered for admission without merit-based financial aid (they may still apply for student loans), LSAT or GMAT scores may be submitted in place of the GRE. In order to be considered for admission, all applicants must submit scores from one of these tests.

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences' (GSAS') school code for GRE scores is: 2259 (no department code is necessary). GSAS' school code for TOEFL scores is: 2259. GMAT and LSAT scores should be sent directly to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Fordham University
Keating 216
441 East Fordham Road
Bronx, New York 10458

The majority of required application materials may be submitted online by uploading the files to the online application system, such as the Statement of Purpose, Resume, and Recommendation Letters. Official transcripts and score reports for the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS may be requested (from the appropriate institution) online and sent directly via secure electronic delivery to the Office of Admissions at [email protected].

If electronic delivery is not available, please request the original documents be sent in a sealed envelope to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Fordham University
Keating 216
441 East Fordham Road
Bronx, New York 10458

For merit-based financial aid, all you need to do is check "Yes" to the financial aid question on the online application. In addition, some specific fellowships require that you indicate your interest in your Statement of Purpose. Check for further information on these fellowships.

For non-merit based financial aid (such as student loans), please refer to the Financial Aid Office for information on how to submit the FAFSA and apply for student loans.

All applications are routed to the GSAS Office of Admissions. Thus, if you wish to verify that all of your application materials have been received, please contact the Office of Admissions at either [email protected] or 718-817-4416

Likewise, if you wish to check on the status of your application or you have questions regarding the acceptability of particular application documents, please refer to the above contact information.

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is pleased to waive its application fee for the following: 

• AmeriCorps Members
• Current Fordham Employees
• Current Fordham Students
• Current Serving Members or Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Fulbright Scholars
• Jesuit Volunteer Corps Members
• McNair Scholars
• Peace Corps Volunteers
• Project 1000 Scholars
• TRIO Scholars 

If you have other reasons for seeking a GSAS application fee waiver, kindly direct your request in writing to the GSAS Director of Admissions at [email protected]. Please be sure to include your first and last name as it appears on your application; application reference number; and academic program of interest.

Admission decisions are usually made around mid-March and notifications sent out by email as well as regular mail soon after.

For questions about the IPED program (requirements, fellowships, faculty, etc.), please contact the IPED Office:

The Graduate Program in International Political Economy and Development
Fordham University
Dealy Hall, Room E-517
441 E. Fordham Road
Bronx, New York 10458

Tel: 718-817-4064
Fax: 718-817-4565
Email: [email protected]

For questions regarding the application process specifically (receipt of materials, status, etc.), please contact the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Office of Admissions:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Fordham University
Keating 216
441 East Fordham Road
Bronx, New York 10458

Phone: 718-817-4416
Email: [email protected]

If in doubt as to which office to direct your questions, contact the IPED office and we will direct your inquiry to the proper office.