Admissions | Center for Middle Eastern Studies

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Why Apply to CIR?

Intensive One-Year Program

CIR offers a fast-paced, one-year master’s program in International Relations.

Small Cohort, Personalized Mentorship

Cohorts of around 75 students allow for seminar-style classes and close advising.

Funded Field Research Opportunities

Summer funding is available for field research and internships that deepen students’ skills.

Faculty Access & PhD Advising

Close advising from preceptors and faculty thesis advisors helps students develop both a research project and a strong academic record.

Career & Professional Outcomes

CIR has a remarkable track record both in placing students into the world’s best doctoral programs and in sending them on to professional success.

90%+

Placement Rate

Most of our graduates are employed full-time or pursuing PhDs within 9 months of graduation.*
(Based on 2020–2023 cohorts, with an average 90% response rate)

7+

Career Sectors

CIR alumni pursue careers across more than seven major sectors, including government, NGOs, international organizations, consulting firms, and leading research institutions.

3

Core Seminar Options

Students choose two of three foundational core seminars.

75

Students per Cohort

CIR maintains small cohort sizes to support personalized advising and seminar-style engagement.

5

Fields of Study

Students explore five key areas of International Relations as part of the distribution requirement.

1 Year

Completion

The CIR MA program is designed for completion in just one year of full-time study.

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How To Apply

Application Rounds

There are three application rounds:

Early Action – November 14th
Round 1 – January 7th
Round 2 – June 23rd

Admissions Events

Want to learn more? Meet our admissions team and program academic staff at a virtual event. View a list of events.

Application Requirements

Applications are submitted through the Division of the Social Sciences. Required documents include:

Unofficial transcripts
Candidate statement
Writing sample
Resume/CV
Three letters of recommendation
Short answer essay
TOEFL/IELTS scores (if required)
Application fee

Learn more about our application requirements.

Bangchen Ruan, MA'20 (CIR)

“The University of Chicago has been my dream school since high school...It's one of the few institutions in the country that still emphasizes the importance of grand theory and groundbreaking ideas. While much of modern research focuses on hypothesis testing with novel quantitative methods, UChicago continues to value the generation of new hypotheses and theories.”

Financial & Career Support

At CIR, we are committed to your success, offering robust financial support to make your education accessible as well as comprehensive career services, both during and after your program, to launch your impactful career.

Scholarship & Financial Support

We strive to make a world-class education accessible. Most admitted MA students receive partial tuition scholarships from the Division of the Social Sciences, and a limited number of full-tuition Dean's Opportunity Scholarships are available. Beyond tuition, students can explore on-campus student employment and Research Assistant roles to gain experience and help offset living costs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Specialized Career Development

Our dedicated MA Career Services office provides personalized, year-round guidance exclusively for Social Sciences master's students. Benefit from one-on-one advising, career workshops, employer information sessions, and exclusive tools like MA Connect for job and internship searches.

EXPLORE CAREER SERVICES

Thesis and Internship Funding

We also offer competitive internal funding for internships and thesis research, ensuring you gain valuable real-world experience during your studies.

THESIS AND INTERNSHIP FUNDING

Proven Career Outcomes

CIR's commitment to your professional success is reflected in our consistently high placement rates. Graduates consistently secure influential positions and pursue advanced doctoral studies, leveraging the rigorous analytical skills honed at CIR.

SEE WHERE OUR ALUMNI GO

Student Conversations

Learn more about the CIR experience through these first year CIR student stories:

Olha Droniak, First Year CIR Student

"I am grateful to have received the Dean's Opportunity Scholarship...This support has not only made my education possible but has also empowered me to contribute to my field and advocate for Ukraine on the global stage in the future."

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Benjamin Beegan, First Year CIR student

“CIR allows you to pick an advisor for your thesis outside of the immediate CIR faculty, I can ask a professor in theory or in environmental science programs.”

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Furqan Khan, First Year CIR Student

Furqan Khan, from Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, chose CIR for its strong research training, tailored courses, and stimulating intellectual environment.

READ MORE

We Are Distinctly UChicago

There’s something special about the University of Chicago and its intellectual community—from its drive to discover, its determination to learn, and its work to transform the lives of its students, the community and the world.