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Applying

We are delighted that you have discovered the Patterson School's unique master's program in diplomacy and international commerce. We welcome applications from all interested, qualified persons who could thrive within the unique academic and professional growth environment that our program provides. Prospective students must have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent academic preparation) with a record of achievement showing promise of success in graduate school. Prior international experience is not required for admission, but it is highly recommended.

Applying to Patterson (PDF) provides information about the application process. The Patterson School holds only one admission round each year. All applications are due February 1st. Those admitted will start the program together as a class the following autumn.

Our application process is not particularly complicated, but like foreign policy this can be a place where idealism and realism collide. We are looking for academic excellence, professional focus, and intellectual vitality. Our aim is to assemble a diverse class of exceptional students who will benefit from our program and each other, and eventually will help make the world better. Given the large number of applicants and the small size of each year's class, admission to our program can be very selective.

Through the generosity of individual, alumni, corporate, and foundation donors, the Patterson School is able to provide some merit-based financial support for particularly competitive students (further information about these is available on the Financial Aid webpage). All applicants are automatically considered for financial support and no additional application materials are required.

We look forward to receiving your application.

How to Apply

Please submit the following items directly to the Patterson School of Diplomacy:

1. Patterson School Supplement. This should be completed online. (Note: You are able to return and access your Supplement to modify or add additional information by simply clicking this link, but only from the computer that you used for the original submission).
2. A scanned copy of an official transcript from each college, professional school, or university attended (or an uploaded electronic version provided by the institution).
3. Two to four letters of recommendation. Separate forms are not provided for recommendations; recommendations should be sent on school or company letterhead for this purpose.
4. A personal statement (500 words) outlining your interest in our program, as well as how you believe it will advance your educational and professional goals.
5. A résumé.

Please submit the following items directly to the UK Graduate School:

1. Graduate School Application form This must be completed online.
2. Official GRE scores sent directly by ETS
3. An official transcript from each college, professional school, or university attended (must be sent directly by the Registrar's office to Admissions, 201 Gillis Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0033). University of Kentucky graduates are not required to submit UK transcripts.
4. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score sent directly by the testing service. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (Internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. International students who receive college degrees from U.S. universities, from universities in other English-speaking countries, or from programs where the language of instruction is English may be exempted from taking the TOEFL test.

A Patterson School Supplement (PDF) is also available, if you wish to peruse the questions before going online. Finally we suggest that you download our application checklist (PDF).

Interviews

Given the large number of applicants, and their geographic dispersal across the United States and around the world, we do not require evaluative admission interviews. However, if you find yourself in the Bluegrass region, please stop by. Personal visits provide an invaluable opportunity for us to get a better sense of you as an individual and for you to learn more about the myriad opportunities our professional program offers. Chris Wolcott will be happy to help schedule appointments with faculty members and staff. Prospective applicants can also learn much by meeting with current students or possibly dropping in on one of our core diplomacy classes.

FAQ

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provide a wealth of additional information regarding admissions and the application process.

Contact

If you have any questions about the admissions process or the Patterson School in general, please contact us at PattersonAdmissions@uky.edu or by phone at 859-257-4666.