MA/MSc International and World History at Columbia University

Programme overview

The MA/MSc in International and World History is a two-year dual-degree programme that awards a Master of Arts from Columbia University and a Master of Science from the London School of Economics. Students study in New York in the first year and London in the second, and the two years must be taken in sequence.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of History (Columbia) and Department of International History (London School of Economics) | Duration: 2 years full-time (Year 1 in New York, Year 2 in London) | Intake: Fall (deadline 11 March 2027; early deadline 14 January 2027) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Students work with historians at both institutions on transnational forces such as migration, trade, technology, religion, epidemic disease, the environment, diplomacy and war. The programme is research-oriented.

Career pathways

Graduates go on to PhDs and to careers in government, journalism, NGOs and international organizations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Apply through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; a joint Columbia-LSE steering committee decides. Statement of academic purpose (up to 1,000 words), personal statement, resume, 15-20 page writing sample (preferably a history paper), two academic letters of recommendation, transcripts from each school attended. GRE not required. International applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country where English is not the official language submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores. Fall deadline 11 March 2027; early deadline 14 January 2027 (priority for Tuition Reduction Fellowships, which are merit and need based).

Intake: Fall (deadline 11 March 2027; early deadline 14 January 2027)

Duration: 2 years full-time (Year 1 in New York, Year 2 in London)

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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