College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Academics > Refugee & Forced Migration Studies > Graduate Program > Refugee & Forced Migration Studies (MS) > Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

The Master of Science in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies program has rolling admissions through July 1, 2024 for the following academic year, September 2024-2025. For additional information about the program, contact Program Director Kathleen R. Arnold.

The Master of Science in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies admits students with the following prerequisites:

  • A bachelor's degree with evidence of strong intellectual and writing skills.
  • Preference of minimum 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale.
  • Previous study and/or experience in refugee and forced migration, though not required.
  • Evidence of a strong interest in pursuing a career related to human rights, refugee, migration, health, policy, academy, and forced migration.

1.  Online application and application fee.
2.  Official undergraduate transcript showing the completion of a bachelor's degree.
3.  Two letters of recommendation written by work supervisors and/or faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional achievements. One letter should be from a person familiar with your academic work.
4.  Résumé or curriculum vitae.
5.  Personal Statement (500 to 2,000 words with a maximum of 500 words per prompt) that address the following:

  • Why do you want to apply to DePaul's Refugee and Forced Migration Studies program?
  • Describe your academic background and how it relates to the Refugee and Forced Migration program.
  • Describe any personal or professional experience working with refugees or refugee-related issues.
  • What would you like to do with this degree?
  • If your GPA falls below 3.0, please explain your academic history and how you plan to be successful in a graduate-level program.
6.  Writing sample (academic writing of approximately 2,000 words)
7.  Applicants may be asked to provide additional supplemental materials or to interview should the admissions committee require it.

Application materials including the resume, writing sample, and personal statement, can be uploaded directly into the online application. Applicants also have the option of submitting the application without these items and emailing them separately to lasgrad@depaul.edu. Students should request recommendations through the online application and track whether they have been submitted. 

Transcripts should be sent electronically to gradtranscripts@depaul.edu.  If the only option is regular mail, the address is below.
Office of Graduate Admission
DePaul University
2400 N. Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614-3936

International students (those who were educated outside of the U.S. and/or require an F1 visa) must take additional steps to be considered for admission.

English Language Proficiency
Students educated outside the United States must present proof of English proficiency. We accept TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.  The college requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80, a 6.5 IELTS, or 115 Duolingo score.  However, the refugee and forced migration admission committee prefers TOEFL scores of at least 96.  A minimum 7.0 on the IELTS or 125 on Duolingo may be submitted for this requirement.
 
Credential Evaluation
DePaul University requires that you submit your official educational credentials and evaluation fee to one of the following companies:
Evaluations from any other company will not be accepted. Please contact the evaluation company for information on payment and fees.
 
After receiving your credentials, the company you have chosen will submit their general evaluation directly to DePaul along with certified copies of the credentials you submitted for evaluation. These documents will be used for your admission review – please do not submit any educational credentials directly to DePaul University. 
Students are admitted to the Refugee and Forced Migrations Studies program on an ongoing basis. The admission committee regularly reviews new applications.

Note: All admitted students begin the program in September. Each cohort takes classes together as this is a highly structured program.
Learn more about the Refugee and Forced Migration Studies program and meet with program faculty at an upcoming information session.  

Learn more about Graduate Admission.

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If you need assistance to complete your application and/or have questions, contact the LAS Graduate Admission office at (773) 325-7315 or lasgrad@depaul.edu.