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Fletcher Program

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Preparing for Global Leadership


The Fletcher School at Tufts University

For students interested in diplomacy, international affairs, global business and economics, Hobart and William Smith offers a graduate pathway to The Fletcher School at Tufts University — one of the world’s leading graduate schools of international affairs.

Through this partnership, HWS international majors may apply for early admission to the two-year 

HWS students may access these programs through Fletcher's Map Your Future program,  an admissions pathway designed for students who want to gain meaningful professional experience before returning to graduate school. HWS students can apply in their senior year and secure admission to Fletcher, then spend two years building career-relevant experience before enrolling.

For a more immediate transition to graduate school, students with a minimum GPA of 3.7 may apply through Fletcher's Early Assurance program in the spring semester of their junior year. Qualified HWS students receive conditional admission while completing their undergraduate degree and then move directly into graduate study after graduating from HWS. Students may also choose to apply through Fletcher's regular admissions process during their senior year.

Program Highlights

Early Admission with Flexibility

Qualified students may apply during their senior year and, once admitted, defer enrollment for up to two years. This allows students to gain real-world experience through opportunities such as

  • Fulbright or other fellowships
  • Peace Corps or public service
  • Professional work experience
  • International field experience

Map Your Future

The Map Your Future (MYF) program at The Fletcher School at Tufts University is designed for college seniors and recent graduates. It allows applicants to apply for a deferred spot in a future class after gaining two to three years of professional experience. The program is open to seniors. This pathway helps students balance their careers with their long-term academic and professional goals, making it a valuable option for those considering graduate school.

Accelerated Access

Students admitted through the pathway may

  • Secure their place in a top graduate program
  • Begin planning their academic and career trajectory with confidence
  • Enter Fletcher with a cohort of globally focused peers

Financial Support

Participants in the Map Your Future Program receive:

  • Minimum 40% scholarship support toward tuition
  • Additional aid consideration based on qualifications

Program Fit

The Fletcher School is an excellent match for HWS International Relations students, offering

  • An interdisciplinary approach connecting international affairs, diplomacy, global business and economics
  • Opportunities to engage with global practitioners and policy experts through classroom and research activities
  • Strong cohort structure and international alumni network
  • Dedicated career-placement staff focused exclusively on the global employment sectors

Admissions Snapshot

  • Minimum GPA: 3.7
  • International Relations major
  • No GRE required
  • International students may apply directly and are not required to defer admission via Map Your Future

More Information

For more details on accelerated degree program pathways in international relations, please consult Chair of the International Relations Department Stacey Philbrick Yadav at philbrickyadav@hws.edu or (315) 781-3430

What makes the Fletcher School a strong choice for graduate study?
Fletcher is one of the world’s leading graduate schools for international affairs, known for preparing students to address complex global challenges across government, business, and nonprofit sectors.
How does Fletcher complement an HWS liberal arts education?
HWS students develop strong writing, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary skills—exactly the foundation Fletcher builds on through its blend of international affairs, law, and business.
What types of graduate degrees can HWS students pursue at Fletcher?
Students earn a Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) and/or Master of Science in International Economics (MSIE).
What is distinctive about Fletcher’s academic approach?
There are no academic departments or “majors” at Fletcher. Fletcher emphasizes interdisciplinary learning — combining policy, economics, law, and global affairs — so students can tackle real-world problems from multiple perspectives. HWS alumni who have attended Fletcher tell us that the interdisciplinary IR curriculum prepared them well for Fletcher’s approach.
How global is the Fletcher student experience?
Roughly half of Fletcher’s students are international, creating a diverse, globally engaged classroom that mirrors the environments graduates will work in.
What kind of careers do Fletcher graduates pursue?
Graduates work across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors—including international organizations, consulting, diplomacy, and global business—with strong employment outcomes shortly after graduation.
How does Fletcher emphasize real-world experience?
Students participate in internships, consulting projects, global treks, and research opportunities, applying classroom learning directly to real international challenges.
What role does location play in the Fletcher experience?
Located just outside Boston, Fletcher offers access to one of the country’s most dynamic hubs for global business, policy, and innovation, with strong professional and academic networks.
How strong is the Fletcher alumni network?
Fletcher has a global network of more than 11,000 alumni across 148 countries, providing mentorship, career connections, and lifelong professional opportunities.
Why is this pathway especially valuable for HWS students?
Combining an HWS liberal arts education with Fletcher’s specialized global training prepares students to lead in an interconnected world—bridging disciplines, cultures, and sectors to address today’s most pressing issues.