Fletcher School: Law, Diplomacy, And Your Future

why go to fletcher school of law and diplomacy

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, founded in 1933, is the oldest graduate-only school of international affairs in the United States. The school offers a broad professional education in international affairs, with a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach. Students can choose from over 170 courses across three divisions: International Law and Organization (ILO); Diplomacy, History and Politics (DHP); and Economics and International Business (EIB). The school's location in Medford, Massachusetts, offers the best of both worlds: a classic college town and the urban influence of nearby Boston, a multicultural city with a large concentration of international students. Boston is also home to many leading organizations, providing Fletcher students with valuable resources for internships, employment, and networking. The school's rigorous yet flexible programs allow students to tailor their graduate education to meet their international interests and career goals, with the support of a diverse faculty of globally sought-after experts.

Characteristics Values
Oldest graduate-only school of international affairs in the US Founded in 1933
Multi-disciplinary approach Over 600 students
Three divisions of classes 36% international students
Small, individualized program 25% US minorities
Faculty of globally sought-after experts 1:8.6 faculty-student ratio
Located in a multicultural city
Offers internships and employment opportunities
Flexible programs
Research centers and institutes

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The school's mission is to offer a broad professional education in international affairs

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, founded in 1933, is the oldest graduate-only school of international affairs in the United States. The school's mission is to offer a broad and rigorous professional education in international affairs, with a flexible and interdisciplinary approach that allows students to tailor their graduate education to meet their international interests and career goals.

Fletcher's flagship master's degree in international affairs is highly flexible and can be customized to meet students' academic and professional goals. The school offers 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, benefiting from exposure to peers with varied interests and professional backgrounds.

The school has a diverse student body, with around 36% international students from 70 countries and a quarter of US minorities. The small student-to-faculty ratio of 1:8.6 ensures that students receive personalized guidance and support. The faculty includes economists, international law theorists, diplomats, historians, and political scientists, offering a wealth of expertise and experience.

Fletcher's location in Medford, Massachusetts, provides a tranquil college town environment while being near Boston, a multicultural city with a large concentration of international students and a wealth of professional opportunities. Boston is home to many leading private, public, and nonprofit organizations, providing valuable resources for internships, employment, and networking.

With its innovative and collaborative approach to the study and practice of international affairs, Fletcher equips students with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complex challenges of an ever-evolving global society. The school's research centers, such as the Center for International Environment and Resource Policy (CIERP) and the Institute for Business in the Global Context (IBGC), further enhance its commitment to addressing global issues through interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

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The school is distinctive for its collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, located in Medford, Massachusetts, is distinctive for its collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to education. This graduate school of international affairs offers a broad professional education to its students, with a focus on maintaining stability and prosperity in an increasingly globalised and complex world.

The school achieves this through its 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, allowing them to benefit from exposure to peers with diverse interests and professional backgrounds. This interdisciplinary approach is further enhanced by the school's research centres and institutes, such as The Center for International Environment and Resource Policy (CIERP) and The Institute for Business in the Global Context (IBGC), which foster collaborative and innovative research.

The faculty at Fletcher is comprised of globally-renowned experts, including economists, international law theorists, diplomats, historians, and political scientists. With a low faculty-to-student ratio, students receive personalised guidance and mentorship, allowing them to tailor their educational experience to their unique academic interests and career goals. This flexibility ensures that students can pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

The diverse student body, with a significant proportion of international students and US minorities, further enriches the collaborative environment at Fletcher. The school's location, between a tranquil college town and the vibrant, multicultural city of Boston, provides a unique blend of academic and cultural opportunities. Boston's status as an intellectual hub, with numerous distinguished colleges and a high concentration of international students, enhances the resources available to Fletcher students for internships, employment, and professional networking.

Overall, the collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy creates a dynamic and enriching educational experience. By bringing together students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and encouraging interdisciplinary exploration, Fletcher fosters a community that is well-equipped to address the complex challenges of an ever-evolving global society.

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The school has a diverse student body and a low faculty-to-student ratio

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy has a diverse student body, with around 36% of its students being international, representing 70 countries, and about a quarter of the students being US minorities. This diversity enriches the experience inside and outside the classroom, providing a global perspective and a unique bond within the student community. The school's location in Medford, Massachusetts, also offers the best of both worlds, with the tranquility of a college town and the urban influence of nearby Boston, a multicultural city with a large concentration of international students and professional opportunities.

In addition to its diverse student body, Fletcher boasts a low faculty-to-student ratio, which was 1:8.6 in 2013. This low ratio ensures that students receive personalized attention and support. Each student in the LL.M. program, for example, has a faculty mentor who guides them on career paths, selecting classes, and thesis development. The school's faculty members are distinguished experts and practitioners in their fields, including economists, international law theorists, diplomats, historians, and political scientists. They are constantly engaged in meaningful research and innovative efforts, contributing to a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

The interdisciplinary nature of Fletcher's programs further enhances the student experience. Students are encouraged to take classes outside their area of concentration, exposing them to diverse perspectives and benefiting from the varied backgrounds of their peers. This collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach is a distinctive feature of the school's education, with classes offered in International Law and Organizations, Diplomacy, History, Politics, and Economics and International Business. The flexibility of the programs allows students to tailor their graduate education to meet their specific international interests and career goals.

The combination of a diverse student body and a low faculty-to-student ratio creates a unique and enriching academic environment at Fletcher. Students have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of perspectives and form connections with both faculty and peers, fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating community. This, coupled with the school's distinguished faculty and flexible, interdisciplinary programs, makes Fletcher a top choice for those seeking a world-class education in international affairs and a strong foundation for their future careers.

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The school is located in a classic college town, with the urban influence of nearby Boston

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy is located in Medford, Massachusetts, a classic college town. The school is a short distance from Boston, one of America's most historic and influential cities. This location offers students a unique blend of academic and urban experiences.

Medford is a quintessential college town, with a vibrant academic community and a rich intellectual history. The town is home to Tufts University, which administers the Fletcher School, as well as a diverse range of other educational institutions, creating a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. The presence of multiple colleges and universities in Medford fosters a strong sense of academic collaboration and cross-institutional dialogue, enriching the student experience.

Being situated in a college town provides students with a wealth of academic resources, libraries, and cultural offerings that cater specifically to the educational community. Medford's focus on academic life creates a unique environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and promotes a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and scholars. The town's vibrant campus culture, with its diverse student population, also contributes to a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, enhancing the overall educational experience.

While Medford offers the benefits of a classic college town, its proximity to Boston brings a whole new dimension to the student experience. Boston is a thriving urban centre, known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and academic excellence. The city is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, contributing to its reputation as a hub of intellectual pursuits and innovation. Students at the Fletcher School can easily access the diverse cultural offerings of Boston, including museums, art galleries, theatres, and historical sites, providing a wealth of opportunities for enrichment beyond the classroom.

The urban influence of Boston also extends to its role as a centre for international affairs, business, and diplomacy. As one of the oldest graduate schools of international relations in the United States, the Fletcher School benefits from its proximity to Boston's diplomatic and international business communities. Students have the unique opportunity to engage with professionals in these fields, attend lectures and conferences, and gain first-hand exposure to the practical aspects of their academic pursuits. The city's diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere, shaped by its long history of immigration and cultural exchange, further enhances the learning experience for students interested in international affairs and diplomacy.

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The school has a range of research centres and institutes that conduct interdisciplinary research

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy has a long and distinguished history, founded in 1933 with the bequest of Austin Barclay Fletcher, who envisioned a school to prepare people for diplomatic service. The school has a strong focus on research, with faculty members constantly immersed in meaningful and innovative research endeavours. This is reflected in the numerous research centres and institutes that conduct interdisciplinary research across a wide range of contemporary global issues.

One such research centre is the Center for International Environment and Resource Policy (CIERP), which conducts interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research on pressing environmental issues. This centre addresses the complex challenges posed by an ever-changing global environment, such as climate change, resource depletion, and sustainability.

The Edward R. Murrow Center of Public Diplomacy is another notable institute, established in memory of the renowned journalist and former head of the United States Information Agency. This centre focuses on the practice and theory of public diplomacy, exploring its role in international relations and global communication.

The Fares Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies enriches the academic community by organising public lectures, conferences, and roundtables to foster a deeper understanding of the Eastern Mediterranean region and its unique challenges. This centre promotes cultural awareness and encourages interdisciplinary dialogue.

Additionally, the Hitachi Center for Technology and International Affairs addresses the management of innovation and technological change, along with economic and financial integration. This centre recognises the impact of technology on international affairs and seeks to prepare students for a world driven by technological advancements.

The Institute for Business in the Global Context (IBGC) is a hub for research and interdisciplinary conferences on contemporary issues in international business. This institute equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of global business, understanding the intersection of business with cultural, political, and economic factors.

These research centres and institutes at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy demonstrate the school's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its recognition of the complex, globalised nature of modern challenges. By engaging in meaningful scholarship, the school empowers students to address these challenges and make a positive impact in their chosen fields.

Frequently asked questions

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy is the oldest graduate school of international affairs in the United States. The school offers a broad professional education in international affairs to students committed to maintaining the stability and prosperity of an increasingly global society. The school has a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach, with three divisions of classes: International Law and Organizations, Diplomacy, History and Politics, and Economics and International Business.

The Fletcher School employs more than 30 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty members, including economists, international law theorists, diplomats, historians, and political scientists. All faculty members hold terminal degrees in their respective fields, and the school benefits from faculty at partner schools within Tufts, such as the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

The school is located in Medford, Massachusetts, providing a tranquil college town environment while also offering easy access to the urban centre of Boston. Boston is an academic and intellectual hub, home to more than 60 colleges and universities, and a multicultural city with the largest concentration of international students in the world. This provides an unparalleled environment for study and research, with a wealth of professional opportunities.

The Fletcher School offers rigorous yet flexible programs that allow students to tailor their graduate education to meet their international interests and career goals. The school's flagship master's degree in international affairs is highly customizable, and the school also offers a one-year elite global affairs degree for mid-career professionals who wish to remain in the workforce while earning their degree.

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