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The Graduate School

Diplomacy and International Commerce - Graduate

30

credit hours

3

semesters to complete

9

faculty members

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Dr. Kathleen Montgomery

Director of Graduate Studies

Patterson School of Diplomacy & International Commerce

The Graduate School

  • MA
  • MS
  • Ph.D

For more than sixty years the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce has provided an exceptional master's degree program that prepares future leaders for rewarding careers in international affairs. The Patterson School's hallmarks have been its deliberate, intimate size, its selectivity, and our focus on both diplomacy and international commerce. Patterson graduates pursue exciting careers with governments, international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and in the private sector.

Master of Arts

Our flexible program totals 30 credit hours and can be completed in just three semesters. Each student enrolls in core curriculum courses and seminars taught by regular Patterson School faculty in one of four concentrations: diplomacy, development/international organizations, security/intelligence, and international commerce. Beyond this core, students can work with their academic advisors to craft interdisciplinary courses of study tailored to their unique desires that draw widely upon other University of Kentucky graduate departments. Patterson School students have developed individual degree plans that include classes in agricultural economics, anthropology, finance, marketing, management, foreign languages, history, political science, communications, sociology, law, geography, public health, and more. Additionally, students can pursue certificate programs in Global Health or International Education. This flexibility in curriculum is pivotal to the Patterson School concept.

J.D./M.A. in Diplomacy

The University of Kentucky Law School joins the Patterson School in offering a dual degree program in law and diplomacy that permits students to acquire both degrees in four years time. Professionals trained in both law and international affairs are well positioned to seek positions in the private, public and non-profit spheres. Interested students must apply separately to each program, noting their desire to pursue the dual degree. For further information, contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce and the College of Law.

M.B.A./M.A. in Diplomacy

The Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce and the College of Business and Economics offer the opportunity to obtain the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and the MA in Diplomacy degrees in a dual degree program that requires less time than would be required to achieve both degrees separately. The dual program of studies is designed to train students for international business careers or careers in government service that emphasize international business relations. Interested students must apply separately to each program, noting their desire to pursue the dual degree.

M.S. in Economics/M.A. in Diplomacy

The Department of Economics of the Gatton College of Business and Economics combines with the Patterson School of Diplomacy to offer a dual degree program in economics and diplomacy that allows students to obtain both degrees in less time than would be required to achieve both degrees separately. The dual program of studies is designed to train students to become international economic analysts serving in government or international research institutions, or economic specialists headed for government departments (Treasury, State, U.S. Trade Representative) or intergovernmental organizations. Interested students must apply separately to each program, noting their desire to pursue the dual degree.

M.A. in a Modern Language/M.A. in Diplomacy

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures in cooperation with the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce offers a dual degree program that allows students to obtain both degrees in less time than would be required to achieve both degrees separately. Interested students must apply separately to each program, noting their desire to pursue the dual degree.

Application Requirements

  1. CV
    • You should submit a one to two page resume describing your academic, extracurricular, and employment activities. The resume should include any activities (personal, professional, volunteer, internship experience) that reflect exposure to international affairs or public policy. It should also clearly indicate foreign language completence and foreign experience.
  2. Personal Statement
    • ​Approximately 500 words. Your essay should help us understand what inspired you to study international affairs and put your career goals in perspective. It should convey a sense of what matters to you most and why, plus how attending the Patterson School program would help you achieve your ambition. The Admissions Committee seeks students with a wide variety of skills, accomplishments, and temperaments. Let us know why you could be an essential part of next year's cohort with something special to offer to the faculty and your future classmates.
  3. Writing Sample
  4. The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
    • ​Students planning to pursue a dual degree program with the Kentucky Law School are required to submit LSAT scores. The Gatton College of Business and Economics now accepts either the GMAT® or the new GRE® revised General Test.​
  5. Three letters of recommendation

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

 

Contact

Dr. Kathleen Montgomery

Director of Graduate Studies

Patterson School of Diplomacy & International Commerce

The Graduate School