M.A. in Sustainable International Development:
Admissions

Since its founding in 1993, the two-year MA/SID degree program has welcomed students from over 80 countries and has gained international recognition as a leader in the training of development professionals. The program is selective, with nearly a thousand applications received last year for 85 seats.

The MA Admissions Committee accepts and reviews applications for the next incoming class on a rolling basis until the class is full. We strongly encourage applicants to submit their completed applications as early as possible. Applicants who apply early can expect to receive a final decision from the Admissions Office by mid-February. Detailed instructions on applying to the MA/SID degree can be found by clicking here. If you are interested in applying to the MA/SID one-year Accelerated Track option for development professionals with at least five years of mid-level management experience, please click here.

Before we can review your application, we will need to receive the following materials.

1. Programs in Sustainable International Development Application form - This form can be completed on-line or downloaded from the website and forwarded to the Heller Admissions Office by mail or fax.
   
   
2. Statement of Purpose – This two to three page statement, discussing your reasons for applying to the MA/SID program, your career goals and relevant experience, is a very important part of your application. Since an in-person interview for international applicants is not always possible, the Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to present yourself to the Admissions Committee.
   
   
3. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
   
   
4. 3 Letters of Recommendation with accompanying completed Brandeis University Recommendation form. Please consult our detailed instructions on applying to the MA/SID if you have any questions about whom you should ask to provide your recommendations. Letters MUST be submitted directly to the SID Admissions Office by the recommender. Click here to download the recommendation form in PDF format.
   
   
5. Certified Academic Transcripts from your undergraduate and any graduate studies - These must be original transcripts sent to the Heller Admissions Office directly from the issuing university. In the case that an original transcript is not available, the university may send a certified copy.
   
   
6. All international applicants MUST submit an official International TOEFL or IELTS score with their applications. Please request that an official score report be sent directly to the Admissions Office. In certain situations, alternate certification of English proficiency documentation may be acceptable. The applicant should inquire with the Admissions Office if they feel that the test requirement should be waived.
   
   
7. US$55 Application fee – Check should be made payable to Brandeis University. (This fee is waived for applicants from developing nations and for current and returned Peace Corps, AmeriCorps and City Year volunteers.)
   
   
8. An in-person Interview is now required for ALL U.S.-based applicants. Following an initial review by the Admissions Committee, we will contact qualified applicants to schedule a visit.
   

For further details about these materials, click here.

For a checklist to assist you in gathering your materials, click here.

Please contact our office at any time should you have questions concerning the application process or the MA/SID degree program.

Sincerely,
James Sabourin, Director of Admissions Management
Admissions and Recruitment
Telephone: 781-736-3820
Fax: 781-736-2774
Email: HellerAdmissions@Brandeis.edu

The following links will assist you with the application process:

Application
Estimated Expenses
Financial Aid
Scholarships
Frequent Questions
Accelerated Track Admissions Process
Contact Admissions Office

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