Direct Matriculation Program: Master’s in International Studies

The Johns Hopkins Direct Matriculation Program: Master’s in International Studies allows qualified high school students displaying a strong interest in international studies to pursue a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree with the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, DC.

Students must indicate that they are applying for the SAIS DMP on their admissions application and complete the following form by the application deadline: Early Decision I: November 1, 2022; Early Decision II and Regular Decision: January 3, 2023.

Students selected to this program as freshman applicants who maintain the required academic standards are guaranteed admission into the SAIS program, with two options:

  • Complete a full four years of undergraduate study, then go to SAIS to complete their master’s degree in two additional years, OR
  • Choose to complete their undergraduate degree in three years and then complete the master’s at SAIS in two years.

This five- or six-year program allows selected students an outstanding chance to pursue an intensive undergraduate international studies program with guaranteed enrollment in a two-year master’s degree from SAIS.

For more information about the Direct Matriculation Program: Master’s in International Studies contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Note: You will not be considered for this program unless you submit the required materials by the application deadline. If accepted to the program, DMP students will have required courses to complete: Macroeconomics, Microeconomics and Statistical Analysis I or II.  Students must also maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA throughout their undergraduate years to remain eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study abroad (at Nanjing/Bologna campus)?

Students who select the five-year program can study abroad on a case by case basis. Students should discuss their plans with the International Studies Program Director before they submit an application to the Global Education Office (formerly the Office of Study Abroad). Only semester-long programs will be allowed.

Students who select the traditional six-year program, including four years at Homewood and two years at SAIS (either all in DC or a combination of Nanjing or Bologna and then DC), can study abroad with no restrictions.

How does financial aid work?

Students who select the five-year program will pay SAIS tuition during their fourth and fifth years of study, although Homewood financial aid applies during their fourth year. Students who select the six-year program will pay Homewood tuition for years one through four and SAIS tuition for years five and six. In both circumstances financial assistance for the fifth and sixth year is determined by SAIS and is not guaranteed.

If I’m not admitted to the BA/MA at the time of admission, can I reapply?

Yes. Students may reapply to the program during the regular application cycle spring of their sophomore year.

When do I need to decide whether I’m doing a five- or six-year program?

Students must choose the five- or six-year option by the beginning of their sophomore year.

What are the requirements to apply, and remain eligible, for this program?

All undergraduate majors are welcome to apply. If accepted to the program, DMP students will have required courses: Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Statistical Analysis I or II. Students must also maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA throughout their undergraduate years to remain eligible.

What if I change my mind about attending SAIS?

Students are not bound to SAIS if accepted to the program and can decide if they no longer want to pursue the SAIS degree at the beginning of sophomore year.

I’m an Early Decision applicant with an interest in the DMP. What do I need to know?

Students who apply Early Decision and are admitted to the program will follow the same Early Decision Agreement policy. Students who apply Early Decision but are not accepted to the program can still be admitted to Hopkins as an undergraduate. In this circumstance only, they decide if they want to matriculate Early Decision to Johns Hopkins. Those who choose to turn down their spot will forgo admission to Johns Hopkins for that application year, and must still reply by the January 15 deadline.

Please note: Early Decision applicants who do not submit the required materials for this program by the application deadline will be bound to the Early Decision Agreement.

Can I be admitted to Johns Hopkins but not the program?

Yes. If you are admitted to Johns Hopkins, but not the DMP, you may reapply to the program during the regular application cycle spring of sophomore year.

How do I find out if I’ve been admitted to the program?

You will be notified of your acceptance into the program at the same time your admissions decision is released.

What if I don’t turn in my materials on time?

You will not be considered for this program unless you submit the required materials by the application deadline (ED I: November 1, 2022; ED II and RD: January 3, 2023). Please note: Early Decision applicants who do not submit the required materials by the application deadline for this program will be bound to the Early Decision Agreement.