Strategies For Success: Fletcher School Admissions

how to get into fletcher school of law and diplomacy

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University is a graduate school of international affairs. Founded in 1933, it is one of the oldest graduate schools of international relations in the United States. The school offers a broad professional education in international affairs, with a focus on law and diplomacy. The school's mission is to prepare students for diplomatic service and to provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex global challenges. The admissions process at Fletcher is highly selective, and applicants are evaluated based on a range of factors, including academic performance, professional experience, exam scores, and recommendations. The school offers a flexible and interdisciplinary approach to its programs, allowing students to tailor their education to meet their international interests and career goals.

Characteristics Values
Type of School Graduate school of international affairs
Location Medford, Massachusetts
Founding Date 1933
Student Body Over 600 students
Student Body Diversity 36% international students from 70 countries; 25% U.S. minorities
Faculty Economists, international law theorists, diplomats, historians, and political scientists
Faculty-Student Ratio 1:8.6 (as of 2013)
Divisions of Classes International Law and Organizations; Diplomacy, History, and Politics; Economics and International Business
Admission Requirements Law school and undergraduate grades, legal and other professional experience, exam scores, TOEFL/IELTS scores, recommendations, writing sample, fluency in English
Application Fee $85
Application Materials Official academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, supplemental essay, resume
Optional Application Materials Evaluative interview, scholarship application
Early Notification Deadline November 15
Academic Focus International relations, negotiation, conflict resolution, human security
Research Centers and Institutes The Center for International Environment and Resource Policy (CIERP); The Edward R. Murrow Center of Public Diplomacy; The Fares Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies; The Hitachi Center for Technology and International Affairs; The Institute for Business in the Global Context (IBGC)

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Application requirements

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy is a graduate school of international affairs of Tufts University, located in Medford, Massachusetts. It is the oldest graduate-only school of international affairs in the United States, with a diverse student body of over 600 students, including a large number of international students.

The school offers a broad professional education in international affairs, with a focus on law and diplomacy. The three divisions of classes offered at the school are:

  • International Law and Organizations
  • Diplomacy, History and Politics
  • Economics and International Business

The application requirements for the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy are as follows:

  • Applicants must complete the online application form and submit an $85 application fee.
  • Official academic transcripts from all previous education are required.
  • Two letters of recommendation are necessary, and a third is optional.
  • A personal statement and supplemental essay are required, allowing applicants to showcase their writing skills and explain their interest in the program.
  • A resume or CV should be provided, detailing any relevant professional experience.
  • Official TOEFL/IELTS test scores are required for international students whose native language is not English and who have not earned a degree from an English-speaking institution.
  • An evaluative interview is optional but may be requested by the admissions team.
  • Applicants may also choose to submit a scholarship application, if applicable.

The admissions team at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy considers a range of factors when reviewing applications, including academic performance, exam scores, professional experience, recommendations, and writing samples. The school seeks students with strong academic backgrounds and a demonstrated interest in international affairs, law, and diplomacy.

The school also offers a range of programs and specializations, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. The International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (INCR) program, for example, equips students with essential negotiation and conflict resolution skills through lectures, simulations, diplomatic exercises, and real-world case studies.

Additionally, the school's location in Medford, near Boston, provides a multicultural and intellectual environment, with numerous professional opportunities for internships and employment.

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The school's history

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, located in Medford, Massachusetts, is the graduate school of international affairs of Tufts University. Founded in 1933 with a bequest of over $3 million from Austin Barclay Fletcher, the school is one of America's oldest graduate schools of international relations.

Operating under the joint administration of Harvard University and Tufts College, the school's initial aim was to prepare students for diplomatic service and to teach them the principles of international law and diplomacy. Tufts College assumed exclusive responsibility for the administration of the school in 1935.

The Fletcher School's International Security Studies Program (ISSP) was established in 1971 with financial support from the Scaife Family Charitable Trust. The program was founded during the tenure of Dean Edmund A. Gullion, a former diplomat in Vietnam and deputy director of the U.S. Disarmament Administration. The ISSP offers a formalized program with an expanded course offering, including studies in security policy development, crisis management, military strategy, and intelligence.

The school employs more than 30 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty members, including economists, international law theorists, diplomats, historians, and political scientists. Notable professors include Tara D. Sonenshine, former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, and James Stavridis, retired Admiral and former Commander of the United States Southern Command and United States European Command.

The school has a vibrant on-campus community and offers a flexible and rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:8.6 as of 2013, The Fletcher School provides a personalized educational experience for its students.

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Location benefits

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy is located in Medford, Massachusetts, and is the graduate school of international affairs of Tufts University. The school's location in Medford provides several benefits and advantages to its students and faculty.

Firstly, Medford is a vibrant and diverse community that offers a rich cultural experience. The city is home to people from various backgrounds and nationalities, which aligns with the school's diverse student body, comprising international students from 70 countries and a significant number of US minorities. This cultural diversity fosters an inclusive and enriching environment, allowing students to broaden their perspectives and gain valuable insights into different cultures and traditions.

Secondly, the location provides easy access to a wide range of professional opportunities, especially in the fields of law, diplomacy, and international relations. Being situated in the Greater Boston area, students can benefit from the region's strong legal and political landscape. Boston is home to prominent law firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and international companies, offering valuable internships and career prospects. The proximity to these institutions enhances the school's ability to provide practical, real-time training and networking opportunities, helping students build valuable connections and gain relevant work experience.

Additionally, Medford's proximity to other academic institutions fosters a collaborative environment. Students at Fletcher can benefit from the expertise and resources of nearby universities, such as Harvard University, with which Fletcher initially had a joint administration. This proximity encourages interdisciplinary collaborations, guest lectures, and joint research projects, enriching the academic experience and expanding the range of courses and specializations available to students.

Furthermore, the location provides access to a wealth of cultural and historical resources. Medford and the surrounding areas offer a variety of museums, libraries, and cultural centres that enhance the educational experience. Students can explore diverse art collections, attend lectures and exhibitions, and engage with historical sites, enriching their understanding of diplomacy, international relations, and the social sciences.

Lastly, the natural environment surrounding Medford offers recreational and research opportunities. The region boasts beautiful landscapes, parks, and outdoor spaces that provide a refreshing break from academic life. Additionally, the nearby coast and ecological reserves serve as ideal locations for field research, especially for students focusing on environmental policy and international environmental issues, which is a key area of research for the school.

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Available programs

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy is a graduate school of international affairs of Tufts University, located in Medford, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest graduate schools of international relations in the United States. The school offers a broad professional education in international affairs, with a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach.

The school is divided into three divisions of classes: "International Law and Organizations", "Diplomacy, History and Politics", and "Economics and International Business". Students are encouraged to take classes outside their area of concentration to benefit from exposure to peers with varied interests and backgrounds.

The International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (INCR) program is a standout offering, rooted in interest-based bargaining. The program goes beyond negotiation skills to help students build processes to examine, understand, and work through differences. Students participate in lectures, practical simulations, diplomatic exercises, and real-world case studies. The Mediation Practicum, for example, takes students to a Massachusetts small claims court to develop their understanding of mediation complexities.

The International Law LL.M. program prepares attorneys for work in the evolving field of international law. The program takes an integrative approach, with a core of international law courses complemented by courses in diplomacy, political science, economics, and international business, depending on student interests. The small, individualized program allows students to tailor their academic interests and career goals with the support of a faculty mentor.

The school also offers a flagship master's degree in international affairs that is highly flexible and can be customized to meet academic and professional goals. The Master of International Business (MIB) program, for instance, prepares aspiring leaders to address global challenges and make an impact through business innovations.

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Career prospects

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, founded in 1933, is the graduate school of international affairs of Tufts University, in Medford, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest graduate schools of international relations in the United States. The school offers a flexible and rigorous master's degree in international affairs that can be tailored to meet students' academic and professional goals.

The school's flagship master's degree in international affairs prepares aspiring leaders to address global challenges and make an impact through business innovations. The program is designed for mid-career professionals who wish to remain in the workforce while earning an elite global affairs degree in just one year.

The school has a diverse student body, with around 36% international students from 70 countries and a quarter of US minorities. This diversity enriches the experience both inside and outside the classroom. The school's faculty includes economists, international law theorists, diplomats, historians, and political scientists, all of whom hold terminal degrees in their respective fields.

The Fletcher School offers excellent career prospects for its graduates. The school's Career Services provides extensive support, with more than half of the job leads coming from alumni and guest speakers. The school also offers a required 10-week course in the first semester, where students develop a career plan and learn essential skills for marketing themselves.

Graduates of the Fletcher School have gone on to pursue opportunities in various sectors, including the private sector, with roles in finance, business, and consulting organizations, as well as in the nonprofit sector. The school's strong alumni network, known as "Fletcherites," is a valuable resource for students, with alumni actively helping current students and graduates find job opportunities.

Additionally, the school's research centers and institutes, such as the Center for International Environment and Resource Policy (CIERP) and the Edward R. Murrow Center of Public Diplomacy, provide opportunities for students to get involved in interdisciplinary research and gain practical experience through internships. For instance, some students have received internship offers from the US Department of State, allowing them to work in US embassies and consulates worldwide or in State Department offices in Washington, DC.

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, with its distinguished faculty, flexible programs, and robust career services, prepares its students to achieve their international interests and career goals. The school's alumni network and research opportunities further enhance the career prospects of its graduates, enabling them to make an impact in their chosen fields.

Frequently asked questions

Applicants are selected based on their law school and undergraduate grades, legal and other professional experience, exam scores, TOEFL scores, recommendations, and a writing sample. Fluency in English is required, and non-native speakers must submit TOEFL/IELTS scores. The application checklist includes an application form, application fee, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a supplemental essay, a resume, and an optional evaluative interview.

The Fletcher School offers three divisions of classes: "International Law and Organizations," "Diplomacy, History and Politics," and "Economics and International Business." The school also has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for International Environment and Resource Policy (CIERP), the Edward R. Murrow Center of Public Diplomacy, the Fares Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies, and the Hitachi Center for Technology and International Affairs.

The Fletcher School is the oldest graduate-only school of international affairs in the United States, with a diverse student body and a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to education. The school's location in Medford, Massachusetts, offers a tranquil college town environment while also providing access to the urban and intellectual center of Boston, which is home to many international students and leading organizations, providing valuable resources for internships and employment.

The Fletcher School aims to prepare students for diplomatic service and to provide a fundamental knowledge of international law, economics, and geography as they relate to international relations. The school offers rigorous yet flexible programs that allow students to tailor their education to meet their international interests and career goals. The school's International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (INCR) program, for example, helps students develop negotiation and conflict resolution skills to navigate complex global challenges.

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