MA in International Relations & Juris Doctor (IRJD)

The Master of Arts in International Relations & Juris Doctor (IRJD) dual degree program prepares students for careers in national governments or international agencies, international negotiation, and human rights organizations. Students complete the JD through coursework in the School of Law (LAW), where they devote four of their electives to classes in international and/or comparative law. Pardee School coursework in international relations complements students’ law skills by enabling them to develop regional or thematic expertise.

Students in the program typically receive both degrees in three-and-a-half years. The first year is devoted entirely to the JD; the second and third years are divided between the two degrees; the final term consists of finishing the MA program.

The IR MA & Juris Doctor is a joint offering of the Pardee School of Global Studies and the School of Law. Candidates must submit applications to both Pardee and BU School of Law separately; only candidates who have admission to both programs can enroll in the dual degree program.

The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University is a renowned institution dedicated to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary education and research.

The school offers six distinguished graduate programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a dynamic world that is constantly shifting. Our mission extends beyond traditional boundaries.

At Pardee, we are architects of global citizenship, striving for a world with peace that lasts, knowledge that transforms, and development that works. We achieve this vision through rigorous and creative education, path-breaking research, and innovative initiatives. Regardless of the field of focus – be it international health, economics and development, diplomacy, foreign policy, human rights, security, or climate change – we prepare our students to tackle pressing issues that are global in scope.

Pardee prides itself on a faculty of experienced practitioners and distinguished scholars, a global network of alumni, and a commitment to Advance Human Progress. Our small classroom sizes ensure that all students are prepared to address the world’s most pressing issues. We are decided to fostering a community of future leaders equipped to confront the complexities of our interconnected world and make it a better place.

Why BU?

A BU education: more valuable than ever.

With unparalleled opportunities, BU prepares you to succeed academically, professionally, and socially. Whatever career path, however, things change, wherever in the world you go, you'll be ready.

Academic Excellence

You’ll learn from accomplished professors

• Jump right into introductory courses with Rhodes and Fulbright scholars, Presidential Award winners, a Poet Laureate and MacArthur genius, and more.

• Conduct research alongside professors doing incredible work, such as one of Time’ s 100 Most Influential People.

• In fact, our sterling reputation earned us an invitation to join the prestigious Association of American Universities.

Student Life

What’s it like to be a BU student? Well, no two students share the same experience, but at the core of BU’s spirit is a love for all things intellectual, dynamic, and stimulating. Undergraduates have “game day” enthusiasm for everything from a poetry slam to the Redstone Film Festival to community service. Then, of course, there are our spirited athletics programs. Add the city of Boston, and you have a buzzing campus filled with bright, ambitious, energetic students.