Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to B.A. FAQs    Jump to M.P.P. FAQs    Jump to M.A.S. FAQs    Jump to Global Health Scholar FAQs
B.A. FAQs
Admitted Students
Can I receive credit for an internship?
The Jackson School itself does not facilitate credit for internships. To receive credit for an internship, you must do this through Yale College’s Office of Career Strategy (Derek Webster oversees the process).
What is the policy on course substitutions for major requirements?
There are strictly no substitutes for some of the Global Affairs major requirements. For students accepted before Fall 2025, there are no substitutes for:
  • Applied Quantitative Analysis II (GLBL 2122);
  • Either of the two core courses (Approaches to International Security and Approaches to International Development); or
  • Intermediate microeconomics or Intermediate macroeconomics.
For students accepted after Fall 2025, there are no substitutes for:
  • Any of the courses with attributes or course numbers associated with the “2 Political Science” courses requirement;
  • Applied Quantitative Analysis II (GLBL 2122);
  • The “Challenges in Global Affairs” integrated core course (GLBL 3101); or
  • Any of the courses with attributes or course numbers associated with the “one additional advanced course” requirement.
Please note that only students who have tested out of Intro to Microeconomics and/or Intro to Macroeconomics may take a substitute course that lists the course they've tested out of as a prerequisite, or alternatively, an additional Global Affairs elective.
What if I want to keep my faculty adviser who teaches in Global Affairs?
Yes, you can keep your adviser. You may also request a specific faculty member who teaches in Global Affairs as an advisor.
Does the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education have to sign my schedule?
No. However, students pursuing a double major or combination of a major and (one or two) certificate(s), or similar, are encouraged to meet with the DUS/Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education to discuss their plan of study, after creating and sharing a spreadsheet outlining a concrete plan to complete both/all academic programs successfully in time for graduation.
If I have tested out of one or both introductory economics courses, is the course requirement waived? Which courses should be taken in place of those requirements?
Students who have tested out of Intro to Microeconomics and/or Intro to Macroeconomics must take a substitute course that lists the course they've tested out of as a prerequisite, or alternatively, an additional Global Affairs elective.
Can classes from my study abroad program count towards the major?
Yes, but only with approval from the DUS upon your return from study abroad and after the credit transfers to Yale. Students must submit the syllabus and their coursework to the DUS. Provisional approval for a course counting toward the major may occur before the program takes place. Final approval for any study abroad course can only take place after the completion of the study abroad program. Please use this Course Exception form to request that the study abroad course be approved. Students should note that only language courses and electives may be petitioned to count toward their major requirements, with the exception of the London School of Economics’ summer courses “Introductory Microeconomics” and “Introductory Macroeconomics” in the Economics program. Additionally, no more than one summer study course plus one semester-long course, or two courses during a full semester abroad, may be petitioned.
What should I do in the summer before my senior year?
Global Affairs majors are encouraged to complete an internship or a research project in a field/topic in global affairs in the summer between their junior and senior year. The Jackson School Career Development Office assists Global Affairs majors in finding suitable internships and projects. The Jackson School also has some funding available for these internships and/or projects.
Can courses I completed prior to being admitted to the major count toward my Global Affairs requirements?
Yes, as long as they have the same attributes or course numbers (for example, an attribute as a YC GLBL Elective) as the requirement(s) in question, and, for those admitted starting Fall 2025, any courses that are clearly noted according to the Global Affairs major course requirements for students accepted during or after Fall 2025.
Does being a Global Affairs major guarantee me a spot in any/all courses taught by Jackson Senior Fellows?
Not necessarily, but Global Affairs majors and Jackson School M.P.P. students do have some priority in any course that is primarily a Jackson course. Although majors may not be able to take all classes taught by Senior Fellows, this policy means they should be able to take at least one and likely more while at Yale. If a Global Affairs course that counts as an elective is offered at a graduate level, please follow the Yale College policy of Enrolling in a Graduate and Professional Schools courses.
Can classes taken toward another major or certificate count toward Global Affairs?
Per Yale College policy and for any student completing a double major or a major and certificate, no more than two classes may be applied to the requirements of a double major or a major and one or more certificates.
When will I know what classes count toward the major when I am selecting my courses?
Courses that count toward the major are clearly noted on the Jackson website under the Global Affairs Major courses tab. You may also find courses by the term that you are looking for by searching on Yale Course Search using the "Any Course Information Attribute" filter. There, you can search by “YC GLBL Additional Methods” courses (only for those admitted prior to Fall 2025),“YC GLBL Qualitative Methods” (only for those admitted starting Fall 2025), and “YC GLBL Elective” and “YC GLBL 121 Alternative” courses for all Global Affairs majors.
Does Latin or American Sign Language (ASL) count as a language for the Global Affairs proficiency requirement?
No. The Global Affairs language requirement can only be fulfilled with a modern language other than English, as the purpose of this requirement is a proficiency in communicating beyond American borders. Students with heritage or native speaking ability in a modern language other than English may consult the DUS and/or Jackson registrar on whether this ability fulfills the Global Affairs language requirement.
Can my class in _____ count as the core course in development or international security?
No. All Global Affairs majors must take GLBL 225 and GLBL 275.
Can my class in _____ count as a Global Affairs elective?
Students can use the Yale Course Search "Any Information Attribute" and filter by “YC GLBL: Elective” to determine which courses count as electives in each term. If a course you have taken or plan on taking does not have the “YC GLBL Elective” attribute but you strongly believe it should count as such, you can petition for it to be accepted as an elective by filling out the Course Exception form.
How many courses can be taken credit/d/fail toward the major’s requirements?
None of the courses required for the major can be taken credit/d/fail. Only an L5 (if admitted prior to Fall 2025) or L4 (if admitted starting Fall 2025) language course used to demonstrate language proficiency may be taken credit/d/fail. A "credit" in the L5/L4 course will meet the major’s proficiency requirement.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my internship, my resumé, my summer plans, or my career plans?
Start with Yale’s Office of Career Strategy (OCS), which has a large resource center, oversee ERecruiting (an online opportunities system), and offer resume advising. After you have visited OCS, please contact the Assistant Dean for Career Development at Jackson, who can provide you with global affairs-specific information.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my courses, the major or degree audit?
Jackson's Office of Academic Services & Registrar, Jackson.registrar@yale.edu, is the best first contact for these sorts of questions.
Prospective Students
I am a high school student applying to Yale and I am interested in the Global Affairs major at Jackson. Who can I talk to?
Interested majors must first apply to and get admitted to Yale College, so you should reach out to the Yale College Admissions Office with questions. Current Yale undergraduate students apply for the major during their sophomore year. You can find information about the Global Affairs major on our website and our FAQs, and students can attend an information session that is held early each fall semester.
What are the options for a senior project and what is a capstone course?
During the senior year, Global Affairs majors are required to complete either a senior thesis or a capstone course. A senior thesis is the product of original, individual research that a student completes either in a substantive seminar or in the Global Affairs senior thesis course. A capstone is a semester-long public policy project on behalf of a real, external partner. The clients for these capstone courses will be government agencies, not-for-profit groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector entities in the United States and abroad. Each course will consist of up to 10 students and will be overseen by a Yale faculty member. Students are presented with their project prior to the start of the semester. Working together as a group, and with their faculty instructor, the students will complete the project over the course of the semester.
Can courses required for Global Affairs also count for my Yale distributional requirements?
Yes. If the course record indicates that a course fulfills a distributional requirement (Hu, Sc, So, QR, WR), it will count toward your Distributional Requirements, regardless of where it fits in the major.
If I am very interested in applying to the Global Affairs major, which classes would be best to take during my freshman and sophomore years so that I can best take advantage of the major if I am admitted?
In addition to working toward Yale College Distributional Requirements, students interested in applying to the major are strongly encouraged to take courses from among the following: introductory economics courses (ECON 1108, ECON 1110, or ECON 1115, and ECON 1111 or ECON 1116); introductory political science courses (Introduction to International Relations, PLSC 1113; Introduction to Comparative Politics, PLSC 1413; or Political Theory, PLSC 1327, 1335, 1352, or Directed Studies); and one or two History courses. Prospective students are also encouraged to work toward the L4 language requirement early in their course planning. These courses are all required for the updated major and progress toward completing them, at the time of application, will be considered. All students interested in applying to the Global Affairs major should also plan to take GLBL 2121 Applied Quantitative Analysis I in the fall of their sophomore year (and not beforehand) to best prepare them for GLBL 2122 Applied Quantitative Analysis II, a requirement that is taken in the spring of sophomore year and is closed to non-majors. Enrollment in the first AQA requirement (GLBL 2121) is also considered at the time of application. We strongly recommend that students take GLBL 2121 rather than one of its accepted substitutes unless they have a course planning issue that cannot otherwise be resolved (or other compelling reason).
Do you have a waitlist for admission?
Global Affairs does not have a waitlist for admission. Students accepted into the Global Affairs major will be notified and must confirm their acceptance of the offer.
Can a non-English native language fulfill the language requirement? If so, what documentation is required?
Yes. Documentation must be provided that shows that the language of instruction in high school was not English. This is the same documentation that is usually required by Yale College. If the non-English native language was not the language of high school instruction, students must receive approval of L4 equivalence from the appropriate language department.
What summer or term abroad courses can count toward the major?
We recommend choosing courses during your Term Abroad in light of your interests as a Global Affairs elective or in fulfillment of Yale College Distributional Requirements. Economics courses taken abroad may count toward the major only if Yale's Economics Department reviews them as comparable to Yale's offerings, which is rare. Courses are approved only with the express written permission of the DUS, and may only be formally petitioned to count toward the major requirements after the credit transfers to Yale. We strictly do not allow course substitutes for: any of the courses with attributes or course numbers associated with the “2 Political Science” courses requirement; Applied Quantitative Analysis II (GLBL 2122); The “Challenges in Global Affairs” integrated core course (GLBL 3101); or any of the courses with attributes or course numbers associated with the “one additional advanced course” requirement.
Is there an “intensive major” option?
No.
What do you look for in a Global Affairs application?
Applicants will be assessed by a combination of preparedness (in terms of having taken recommended courses required for the major, such as the introductory political science, economics, or history courses, Quantitative Analysis I or an acceptable substitute, or the language requirement) and academic performance. Overall, we look for applicants with a strong foundation in analytical skills and frameworks, a clear roadmap to the successful completion of the major, a demonstrated record of academic excellence, and an exceptional interest in addressing the complex challenges that we face as concerned global citizens.
How many students are admitted to the major each year?
Historically, we have accepted anywhere from 50-90 students per year. However, it would be best to attend the information sessions (usually listed here) to get the most accurate number in the year in which you are applying.
When can I apply for the major?
Each fall, the call for applications is posted on the Jackson School website, circulated through Residential College deans’ offices, and noted in Yale's Advising Resources .
Global Health Scholar FAQs
General Questions
I’m interested in global health. How can I learn more about the Global Health Studies Program?
Welcome! The Global Health Studies Multidisciplinary Academic Program (MAP) is an interdisciplinary program for a select group of Yale undergraduates, called Global Health Scholars, who apply to the program during the fall of their sophomore year. The Global Health Studies MAP provides rigorous training in interdisciplinary global health methods and practice. The Global Health Studies MAP runs within Yale’s Jackson Institute of Global Affairs. Scholars engage with an outstanding range of undergraduate and graduate students, Faculty, Fellows, and practitioners. Scholars take courses in a variety of Global Health Studies electives and have the opportunity to participate in a range of speaker sessions and social occasions, examining critical issues in global health. Upon completion of the program, Scholars receive a certificate in Global Health Studies, which is listed on their Yale transcript. To learn more about the program, please feel free to explore the Global Health Studies website, learn more about our exceptional Scholars and terrific faculty, check out our events, attend the information session, and be in touch!
When is the information session?
We hold an information session in the fall, typically in mid-October, with details posted on our events page. We open applications to enrolled sophomores in early November. Applications are typically due just due before Thanksgiving, and we communicate decisions over winter break. You can check our events page for more details on the information session in the fall and the How to Apply section for the application.
Can I declare any major and still apply to the program?
Yes! We take students from a wide array of backgrounds and majors with interests in global health. One of the unique parts of a MAP is the ability to interact with a range of Yale students across many different majors. You will pursue common interests in global health through different majors, methods, and perspectives.
What are the Global Health Studies Program requirements?
Please see the requirements page of our website for details. In brief, Scholars take the introductory lecture course (HLTH 230: Global Health: Challenges and Responses) in their sophomore or junior years, the senior colloquium (HLTH 490: Global Health Research Colloquium) in their final year, and achieve global health competencies through their major and four Global Health Studies electives.
Can I study abroad while in the GHS MAP?
If it works with your major and MAP requirements, absolutely! If you need the courses taken abroad to count toward the GHS electives, please see this answer. In general, you are expected to fulfill your competencies with courses taken during your terms at Yale.
GHS Application Questions
Where do I find the application?
Details on the application process are posted on the How to Apply section of the website here.
If I missed the deadline, can I still apply?
We’re sorry, but no, we cannot accept late applications.
Is an unofficial transcript acceptable for the application?
Yes. You may upload an unofficial transcript or, if necessary, a screen shot documenting courses taken at Yale and applicable grades.
Can I ask a research mentor, my lab’s principal investigator, or a teaching fellow to be my recommender?
Yes, a Yale faculty member, research mentor, PI, or teaching fellow who has familiarity with your academic interests can serve as your recommender.
My recommender is not from Yale. What can I do?
A Yale recommender is preferable, but on occasion, we can accept a reference letter from a recommender outside of the Yale community, such as a summer internship mentor or employer.
If my application is accepted, what do I need to do?
Congratulations! We will ask you to fill out a form committing to the program during the winter break. You will also be contacted by the GHS Program Manager to plan courses and competency electives for the program, and receive notices for welcome events for the Global Health Scholar community.
If my application is not accepted, what can I do?
We’re sorry we cannot accept all qualified applicants because entry in this Program is particularly competitive. Please note that we do not provide feedback on applications. We hope you continue to pursue your interests in global health; many of the global health courses and events are open to the wider Yale community.
What if I have another question not included here?
Please feel free to get in touch with us on the contact form or by emailing the GHS Program Manager, Cara Fallon.
GHS Courses and Competencies
What are global health competencies?
Global health is an interdisciplinary field of study. All Scholars are expected to meet six global health competency areas during their time in the program. These are:
  • Biological & Environmental Influences on Health
  • Historical Approaches
  • Health & Societies
  • Performance & Representation
  • Political Economy & Governance
  • Understanding & Interpreting Quantitative Data
You can read more about the competency areas here.
For the competency areas, do I need to meet all six?
Yes. Scholars meet two competency areas automatically through their major and the other four areas by taking four Global Health Studies electives that do not overlap with the courses required for the major.
Which competencies do I meet through my major?
You will discuss these with the GHS Program Manager.
If I am a double major, do I still need to take four non-overlapping electives?
No. Double majors earn two competency areas for each major, amounting to four competencies. However, double majors must ensure that at least two courses in their major requirements demonstrate coverage of global health (based on the course title, description, or syllabus) and register these courses with the GHS Program Manager. Double majors meet the final two competency areas by taking two GHS electives that do not overlap with either major.
How do I know if a course I’d like to take meets a certain competency area?
Before each term, a spreadsheet of recommended courses and their associated competencies is posted on the requirements section of the website. If a course is not listed on this sheet and you believe it will meet a particular area, you may submit a petition to the GHS Program Manager by emailing the syllabus and specifying what competency area it fulfills.
Can one course count for two competencies?
No. One course counts for one competency area. Where courses fulfill two competency areas, as specified on the recommended course list, you must choose which competency they fulfill for your Global Health Studies requirements.
Can I change which competencies I count a particular course toward?
Yes. Adjustments can be made as you progress through the program. As long as the course was listed as fulfilling more than one competency area in the recommended course list, you can petition the GHS Program Manager to switch competencies areas. Please email your request with the course number, previous competency met, new competency you’d like the course to fulfill, and the spreadsheet detailing the recommended course list and competency areas.
If I have already taken courses listed on the recommended course list before being accepted to the program, can I count them toward the competency areas?
Yes.
Can I take a class Credit/D/Fail and count it for the competency area?
No. Courses must be taken for a letter grade to fulfill a competency area.
Can I use study abroad courses to count toward competency areas?
Courses completed abroad that are not listed for a grade on your Yale transcript cannot count toward the GHS competency areas. Courses completed abroad may only meet a given competency area if: 1) the courses are listed for a grade on your Yale transcript, 2) the course satisfies the scope and competency requirements as listed on the website, and 3) you submit a petition to the GHS Program Manager by emailing your request with the course number, course syllabus, competency you’d like to fulfill, and a transcript documenting a letter grade for the course.
Grand Strategy Student FAQs
What is the Grand Strategy Program?

The Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy is a year-long academic opportunity that consists of:

  1. a two-semester seminar
  2. a summer research funding opportunity 
  3. supplemental events and activities (like dinners and conferences) with professors, alumni, and practitioners (diplomats, politicians, military personnel, media experts, and social reformers)
What do you do in the Grand Strategy class?

In the Grand Strategy class, we learn how to achieve large ends with limited means, whether in military conflict, foreign policy, domestic politics, or social movements. This is done by studying and discussing readings from authors like Machiavelli, Frederick Douglass, Che Guevera, and Immanuel Kant. The program emphasizes interaction between academics and practitioners, and between participants of differing political views.

We also learn how to apply this knowledge in the real world by way of interactions between academics and practitioners at dinners and conferences. In addition to this, students participate in group presentations of strategy briefs to high-level officials and a summer fellowship.

Should I apply?

Yes! To be eligible, you must be either an undergraduate in their junior year or a Yale University masters or doctoral student.

What does the application process entail?
The application consists of
  1. a few biographical questions
  2. providing one Yale faculty reference (but not a letter of recommendation)
  3. cover letter (which expresses your interest in Grand Strategy, relevant course and extracurricular work, and what you wish to obtain from the course)
  4. resume
  5. unofficial academic transcript
  6. (if you move onto the final round) a ten-minute interview
Who is involved with the program (i.e. professors/alumni/current students)?

Students in the Grand Strategy program arrive with a wide variety of backgrounds and academic interests which include, but are not limited to, foreign policy, social change, geopolitics, racial justice, immigration, military strategy, climate change, and so much more. You can view all current students here.

The program is directed by Professor Arne Westad, supported by a group of senior Yale faculty and staff.

Recent practitioners include Daniel Kurtz-Phelan (Editor of Foreign Affairs and former member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff), Heather McGhee (former President of Demos and Board Chair for Color of Change), Kica Matos (president of the National Immigration Law Center and the Immigrant Justice Fund), Victoria Nuland (former ambassador to Europe and current acting Deputy Secretary of State), Rory Stewart (former UK Secretary of State for International Development), Jake Sullivan (currently National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden), and Evan Wolfson (leader of Freedom to Marry and the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage).

The program also hosts events and private dinners with a range of well-known guests and experts in the fields of social justice, foreign policy, and American politics. Recent guests include James Comey (former FBI Director), Vanita Gupta (CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights), Myra Jones-Taylor (chief policy officer at Zero to Three), Andrea Kendall-Taylor (director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security), Bonny Lin (director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies), H.R. McMaster (former National Security Adviser), General Jim Mattis (former Secretary of Defense), David Miliband (President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee), Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith (Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Yale and Co-Chair of President Biden’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force), Trita Parsi (Executive Vice President at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft), and Samantha Power (United States Ambassador to the UN).

M.A.S. FAQs
Admission Decisions
How will I receive an official decision notification about my application for admission?
You will receive a notification email when a decision is ready,, typically in mid-March. The email will instruct you to check your Application Status Portal.
What is the process for re-applicants?
We may retain your application year to year, but you will nevertheless need to submit a new application each time, including all required materials and the application fee.
Can I defer an offer of admission?
Jackson will consider deferral requests only in cases of extreme hardship or illness, military deployment, or inability to travel to the U.S. due to visa restrictions or complications. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and should be addressed to Assistant Dean Jared Liu.
When are admission decisions announced?
Jackson announces M.A.S. decisions usually the second or third week of March.
Application Questions
Can I apply to more than one program at Jackson?
No. You can apply to only one degree program per academic year.
Who can I reach out to regarding technical difficulties with the application?
For any support needed with the application, please email jackson.admissions@yale.edu.
How can I check on the status of my application materials or make updates to my application?
Before you submit your application, you will see the status of your materials within the “Test Scores” or “Recommendations” tab of your application. After you submit your application, you will use your Application Status Portal to check for the receipt of official test scores or letters of recommendation. You may upload an updated resume or supplemental materials via your Status Portal. Please note that if you are uploading materials after the deadline, there is no guarantee these materials will be seen by the Admissions Committee. Uploading items via your status portal does not overwrite existing application materials.
Are there core courses for the M.A.S. program?
There are no required courses for the M.A.S. Students work closely with the Assistant Dean for Graduate Education at Jackson to determine what courses best suit their interests, and will form an individualized concentration.
Is distance or Internet-learning an option?
No, Jackson does not offer any part of its program online. The M.A.S. is a one-year, full-time residential program.
What is the possibility of receiving a scholarship?
M.A.S. candidates are not eligible for Jackson Fellowships. The Graduate School Financial Aid Office administers student loan programs for both U.S. citizens and international students.
Do I have to speak a second language to apply?
No, the M.A.S. does not have a foreign language proficiency requirement.
Letters of Recommendation
How many letters of recommendation should I submit?
We recommend three letters of recommendation: one academic, one professional, and one of your choice.  Candidates who choose to request any other combination or number of letters are encouraged to provide an explanation in the Optional Information section of the application.
Can I add a recommender after I submit my application?
From your Application Status Portal, you will be able to remind, add, or exclude a recommender. This feature is no longer available once the minimum required number of recommendations (3) has been received.
Can I delete a recommender?
Yes, you may “Exclude” a recommender from within your application or on your Application Status Portal, as long as they have not started or submitted their recommendation.
One of my recommenders did not receive an email or is having trouble accessing the online recommendation system. What should they do?
Once you enter your recommender’s information (including email address) and select “Send to Recommender,” an email is automatically generated and sent to them. If your recommender does not receive the email, it is possible that their email provider is blocking the email. Make sure they check their junk/spam folders. You may try resending the email or excluding the recommender and adding them again with a different email address.
Can recommendations arrive after the deadline?
Yes, but the admissions committee begins reviewing applications immediately following the program deadline. Recommendations should be submitted by the materials deadline listed in the application instructions.
Testing Requirements
Why are my official test scores missing from my application checklist?
First, confirm that you have asked the test agency to send your official scores to the Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs using the following institutional codes/name:  GRE: 3388 Cambridge English: Jackson School of Global Affairs Duolingo: Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs IELTS: Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs TOEFL: D100 If you sent your scores more than 7-10 business days prior, please double check that your scores were not sent to a different code or a different professional school at Yale. We are unable to transfer scores across schools at Yale, so you must use the correct code. If you have confirmed that your scores were sent to the correct code at least 7-10 business days prior, but your scores still have not been marked as “received” in your application status portal, please email us with the following information:
  • The name and email address you used to register for the test
  • The name and email address used on your application
  • A screenshot or other documentation from the test score service that your scores were sent to Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs
May I submit my application before I have taken the required tests?
Yes, but when you fill out an application for admission, you must self-report your required test results in the Test Score section of the application. Scores must still be officially sent to the Jackson Admissions office. You may also input any future test dates as well. If you have not taken a required test yet, inputting a future test date will allow you to submit the application. Official scores may be sent to Admissions after the deadline but should be sent as soon as possible in order to ensure that your application can be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
Even though it is optional, I have decided to submit my GRE scores. Will I be asked to submit official test results?
Yes. If you choose to self-report your GRE scores in the application, you will be required to also submit official test results for verification purposes. Please be sure to submit your official scores before they expire, since you will not be able to submit them after expiration.
Does Jackson require the GRE for the M.A.S. program?
No. The GRE test is optional for the M.A.S. mid-career program.
Transcripts
My institution does not issue a traditional transcript or a record of my academic performance reflecting courses, credits, and grades. What should I do?
You should upload the academic performance document that your institution typically issues.
If my transcript has been evaluated by a credential evaluation service, can that evaluation be uploaded in lieu of my transcript?
Yes. The evaluation must contain course and grade information, however. Please note, that if you are offered admission and accept that offer, an original transcript will be required directly from the issuing institution.
Do I need to provide international transcript credential evaluations for my application?
International credential evaluations are not required for admission, but applicants completing their undergraduate and/or graduate degree(s) outside of the United States or Canada are encouraged to submit a transcript evaluation from World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or similar (transcripts from the People's Republic of China should be verified by China Credentials Verification). All verification reports and any academic records should be issued in the English language. Applicants are responsible for any fees associated with these evaluations. Those who are admitted and accept our offer of admission and decide to matriculate at the Jackson School of Global Affairs will be required to have their international credential evaluations sent directly to Jackson to fulfill the official transcript requirement for enrollment. Admitted students will receive those instructions at a later date. Official transcripts and credential evaluations should not be sent to Jackson during the application process; unofficial copies must be uploaded with your application.
M.P.P. FAQs
Admissions Decisions
How will I receive an official decision notification about my application for admission?
You will receive a notification email when a decision is ready,, typically in mid-March. The email will instruct you to check your Application Status Portal.
What is the process for re-applicants?
We may retain your application year to year, but you will nevertheless need to submit a new application each time, including all required materials and the application fee.
Can I defer an offer of admission?
Jackson will consider deferral requests only in cases of extreme hardship or illness, military deployment, or inability to travel to the U.S. due to visa restrictions or complications. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and should be addressed to Assistant Dean Jared Liu.
Application Process
I am currently an undergraduate student, may I still apply?
Although the committee will admit students who enroll directly from undergraduate studies, we strongly recommend that candidates present some postgraduate professional experience before applying. If you are a current undergraduate student, please highlight on your resume your relevant internships, summer employment, and other work that the committee should consider.
Do you offer application fee waivers?

All MPP applicants who submit by December 1 are granted a fee waiver. No additional form or communication is necessary. After December 1, Yale Jackson offers fee waivers as outlined here. Candidates who are requesting a fee waiver should submit the Fee Waiver Request Form by December 15. Paid application fees will not be refunded.

Application Questions
Can I apply to more than one program at Jackson?
No. You can apply to only one degree program per academic year.
Who can I reach out to regarding technical difficulties with the application?
For any support needed with the application, please email jackson.admissions@yale.edu.
How can I check on the status of my application materials or make updates to my application?
Before you submit your application, you will see the status of your materials within the “Test Scores” or “Recommendations” tab of your application. After you submit your application, you will use your Application Status Portal to check for the receipt of official test scores or letters of recommendation. You may upload an updated resume or supplemental materials via your Status Portal. Please note that if you are uploading materials after the deadline, there is no guarantee these materials will be seen by the Admissions Committee. Uploading items via your status portal does not overwrite existing application materials.
What is the process for joint degree applicants?
Yale Jackson School offers joint degrees with Yale Law School, Yale School of Management, Yale School of the Environment, and Yale School of Public Health. Candidates should apply to the both school at the same time or while in their first year at the joint school. However, you must apply and be admitted to each school separately. Financially, each school handles financial aid and scholarships separately. Jackson's financial aid is prorated based on the semester a student is in residence at Jackson. Joint degree candidates typically start at Jackson in their first year, attend the partner school in their second year, and then complete the remainder of their semesters with consultation from the Dean of Students from both schools. All take 3 years, except for the MPP/JD which takes 4 years. More information about the degree requirements is available here.
May I still apply if I haven’t taken any quantitative courses?
Although many applicants will have some exposure to economics, statistics, calculus, and policy studies, there is no required course of study to be eligible for admission. The admissions committee values diverse backgrounds, including academic studies in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Some of the coursework at Yale Jackson School is quantitative in nature, and candidates can demonstrate a readiness for this through undergraduate study, non-degree classes, the GRE, and professional work. Although it is not our place to recommend one over another, there are many free and accessible options for addressing gaps. We leave it to candidates to determine what is best for them. If the courses are taken through an educational institution, you should include this information and relevant transcripts in the academic section of the application. If not taken at an educational institution, you may include this as additional/supplemental information.
What are the foreign language requirements?
By graduation, all MPP students must achieve Level 4 proficiency in a modern language (other than English). To fulfill this requirement, students may show a third-year language course on their undergraduate transcript, complete through a second-year language course at Yale, take a language proficiency exam at Yale, or complete the accelerated language course at Middlebury College in the summer prior to matriculation. Yale Jackson has established a streamlined application process with the Middlebury College Language Schools, and will fully fund the course, including tuition, room, and board upon approval from the Assistant Dean for Graduate Education. Based on the sequential nature of language courses, the maximum number of language credits any MPP student can achieve is 4 credits, and for joint degree students the maximum is 2 credits.  There is no foreign language requirement for MAS students.
Letters of Recommendation
How many letters of recommendation should I submit?
We recommend three letters of recommendation: one academic, one professional, and one of your choice.  Candidates who choose to request any other combination or number of letters are encouraged to provide an explanation in the Optional Information section of the application.
Can I add a recommender after I submit my application?
From your Application Status Portal, you will be able to remind, add, or exclude a recommender. This feature is no longer available once the minimum required number of recommendations (3) has been received.
Can I delete a recommender?
Yes, you may “Exclude” a recommender from within your application or on your Application Status Portal, as long as they have not started or submitted their recommendation.
One of my recommenders did not receive an email or is having trouble accessing the online recommendation system. What should they do?
Once you enter your recommender’s information (including email address) and select “Send to Recommender,” an email is automatically generated and sent to them. If your recommender does not receive the email, it is possible that their email provider is blocking the email. Make sure they check their junk/spam folders. You may try resending the email or excluding the recommender and adding them again with a different email address.
Can recommendations arrive after the deadline?
Yes, but the admissions committee begins reviewing applications immediately following the program deadline. Recommendations should be submitted by the materials deadline listed in the application instructions.
Scholarships and Funding
What are the funding opportunities at Jackson?
The Jackson School offers funding for the MPP degree, ranging from full tuition to full tuition plus a living stipend. All applicants are automatically considered at the time of admission. If you are inquiring about the named fellowships here, please know that they are determined after admitted students enroll, that every student who qualifies is considered, and that a potential match does not affect admission. In addition, some students take advantage of teaching and research fellowships, which are paid positions where graduate students work alongside professors or Jackson Senior Fellows. International students are eligible for these positions. More information on these opportunities can be found here. MAS students are not eligible for financial aid. Detailed information on tuition and funding for the MAS program, as well as information on student work and loans, is available here.
Standardized Testing Requirements
What are the GRE requirements for submission?
The GRE is a required component of the MPP application. All verified formats are accepted, and there is no minimum GRE score. Although we do not waive the GRE based on work experience, coursework, or other factors, it is also just one component of a holistic assessment. We invite you to submit with your application any relevant context that the committee should know. Such information is thoroughly considered. The GRE is optional for MAS and BA/MPP applicants. Tests are valid for 5 years from the test date to the date when you submit your application. If your scores can no longer be released to us by the test score service, you may still self-report your old scores in your application. However, your application would be considered incomplete until an official score arrives. More information about testing requirements can be found here.
Why are my official test scores missing from my application checklist?
First, confirm that you have asked the test agency to send your official scores to the Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs using the following institutional codes/name:  GRE: 3388 Cambridge English: Jackson School of Global Affairs Duolingo: Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs IELTS: Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs TOEFL: D100 If you sent your scores more than 7-10 business days prior, please double check that your scores were not sent to a different code or a different professional school at Yale. We are unable to transfer scores across schools at Yale, so you must use the correct code. If you have confirmed that your scores were sent to the correct code at least 7-10 business days prior, but your scores still have not been marked as “received” in your application status portal, please email us with the following information:
  • The name and email address you used to register for the test
  • The name and email address used on your application
  • A screenshot or other documentation from the test score service that your scores were sent to Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs
What are the English Language Testing Requirements?
Applicants whose native language is English or who attended a university for at least two years, full-time, residential, where English was the language of instruction, may be exempt from submitting an English language test. The application will help candidates determine whether this pertains to them. Candidates who are required to submit an English language test may choose from the Cambridge English, Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL. The recommended minimums are 193 CAE, 90 DET, 7.0 IELTS, 102 TOEFL iBT, and 610 TOEFL PBT. We will consider applications with lower scores if there is additional evidence of English mastery. Tests are valid for 5 years from the test date to the date when you submit your application. If your scores can no longer be released to us by the test score service, you may still self-report your old scores in your application. However, your application would be considered incomplete until an official score arrives.
Can I submit GMAT or LSAT scores in lieu of the GRE?
There is no substitute for the GRE, other than for current YSOM or YLS students. already enrolled in SOM or YLS and applying for a joint degree with Jackson.
Transcripts
My institution does not issue a traditional transcript or a record of my academic performance reflecting courses, credits, and grades. What should I do?
You should upload the academic performance document that your institution typically issues.
If my transcript has been evaluated by a credential evaluation service, can that evaluation be uploaded in lieu of my transcript?
Yes. The evaluation must contain course and grade information, however. Please note, that if you are offered admission and accept that offer, an original transcript will be required directly from the issuing institution.
Do I need to provide international transcript credential evaluations for my application?
International credential evaluations are not required for admission, but applicants completing their undergraduate and/or graduate degree(s) outside of the United States or Canada are encouraged to submit a transcript evaluation from World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or similar (transcripts from the People's Republic of China should be verified by China Credentials Verification). All verification reports and any academic records should be issued in the English language. Applicants are responsible for any fees associated with these evaluations. Those who are admitted and accept our offer of admission and decide to matriculate at the Jackson School of Global Affairs will be required to have their international credential evaluations sent directly to Jackson to fulfill the official transcript requirement for enrollment. Admitted students will receive those instructions at a later date. Official transcripts and credential evaluations should not be sent to Jackson during the application process; unofficial copies must be uploaded with your application.
Visiting Jackson and Speaking with Admissions
How can I connect with admissions?
Jackson's Office of Admissions conducts recruiting events in major cities and also hosts webinars and Visit Days in the fall. Please visit our Events page for a list of upcoming recruitment events and links to register. If you have additional questions, please send all inquiries to Jackson.Admissions@yale.edu. Alternatively, you may fill out our web-based contact form.