Applying to the Program

Applicants are accepted on a rolling admission basis, but applicants are strongly suggested to apply by the following deadlnes:

• For the on-campus program: April 1 for Fall semester and November 1 for Spring semester.
• For the low-residency program: March 1 for the fall semester (commencing with the July residency). No applications will be accepted for spring semester.

The application form, which is available from the Office of Admissions for Graduate and Adult Baccalaureate Programs, must be completed and returned to the Admissions Office. International students should complete a special international application. In addition, an official transcript, an application fee, three letters of reference, as well as a written personal statement describing past experience and future objectives must be included.

Official Transcript

Transcripts must be submitted for all college work. A bachelor's degree is required for master's degree applicants; a master's degree is required for C.A.G.S. applicants. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution.

Letters of Recommendation

The required three letters of recommendation will be most beneficial if they are written by professionals, preferably in international, intercultural or related fields, who can comment on the applicant's work, interpersonal skills, motivation, flexibility, and academic ability. If the applicant has graduated with a bachelor's degree within five years, an academic recommendation is expected as one of the three.

Written Personal Statement

The applicant should be as specific as possible in outlining experiences that describe interactions with other cultures and/or living abroad, career goals and objectives, current professional skills, and how the applicant thinks the program will fit his or her needs.

Personal Interview

The application process is followed by a personal interview. However, if the applicant lives at such a distance from Cambridge that a personal interview would be a hardship, the interview can be arranged by telephone. The purpose of the interview is to provide applicants with an opportunity to explain and enhance their qualifications for admission. It is also an opportunity for discussing the program of study, determining what prerequisites might be required, and assessing overall goals and objectives. The Assistant Director of Advising and Student Services, Jana Van der Veer, will contact the applicant to set up the interview.

Transfer of Credit

A maximum of 6 credits of appropriate graduate level coursework, taken at an accredited institution prior to program admittance, may be transferred and applied toward degree requirements under the following conditions: the transfer of credit must be recommended by the student's faculty advisor and Program Director and approved by the Dean of the School and the Registrar, and the student must have received a grade of B or better. An official transcript from the College(s) awarding the credit must be submitted with a completed Transfer Credit Form, available from the Program Office or the Registrar's Office.

Special Tuition Credit for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

A special provision has been made for returned Peace Corps volunteers with regard to credit toward the C.A.G.S. or Master of Arts. Because the work of the Peace Corps volunteer is recognized as a particularly valuable and relevant learning experience, returning volunteers may submit documentation to apply for the equivalent of 6 graduate credits. Following acceptance into the program, returned Peace Corps volunteers must submit the following documentation:

• Description of Service, which may be obtained by calling the Peace Corps Office of Volunteer Support (800-424-8580, ext. 30);
• Description of Peace Corps Experience written in a 5-10-page typed statement that elaborates on the description of service, noting specific responsibilities, major learning experiences, language training and capabilities and personal reactions to the 2 years abroad; and
• Transfer of Credit Form, which may be obtained from the Intercultural Relations Program Office.

The decision regarding granting of credit is made in conjunction with the student's Faculty Advisor and the Program Coordinator. If credit is granted, it can be substituted for up to 6 elective credits. Students whose Peace Corps experience is approved for credit may not transfer in any additional credits above these six credits during their program of study.