International Studies Five-Year Accelerated
The International Studies Five-Year Accelerated program offers highly motivated students an opportunity to build a deep and interdisciplinary understanding of global affairs while progressing toward an advanced degree in international development. This academically intensive track combines core undergraduate education with early access to graduate-level coursework, allowing students to cultivate expertise in international systems, political theory, global economics, and development policy. By integrating fields such as political science, history, economics, and regional studies, the program provides a strong foundation for analyzing global issues through both theoretical and practical lenses, while also nurturing strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Students benefit from a unique academic environment that fosters early specialization without sacrificing the breadth of a liberal arts education. The program promotes research engagement, language proficiency, and applied learning through seminars, internships, and capstone projects. By the final year, learners transition into graduate-level coursework that prepares them to address real-world development challenges. With access to expert faculty, global policy institutes, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students gain both the academic preparation and practical insight needed to contribute effectively to international development efforts. This accelerated pathway is ideal for students who seek to deepen their global impact while advancing their education in a focused, time-efficient structure.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: International Studies Five-Year Accelerated
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Johns Hopkins University, United States
- Field of Study: International Development
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Global Affairs
- Introduction to International Relations
- Global History and Political Systems
- Comparative Politics
- Foreign Language Requirement Begins
Year 2 – Regional Focus and Methodological Training
- International Political Economy
- Research Methods in Social Science
- Area Studies: Latin America, Africa, Asia, or Europe
- Electives in Development, Migration, or Conflict
Year 3 – Advanced Study and Pre-Graduate Integration
- Seminar in Global Governance
- Development Theory and Policy
- International Law and Institutions
- Graduate Coursework Begins (Intro to Development Practice)
Year 4 – Graduate-Level Specialization and Capstone
- Advanced Development Economics
- Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
- Capstone Thesis or Applied Research Project
- Graduate Electives in Humanitarian Response, Urban Development, or Health Policy
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the five-year accelerated program are exceptionally prepared for leadership roles in the global development sector, where deep policy knowledge and cross-cultural competencies are essential. They pursue careers in international NGOs, multilateral institutions, governmental development agencies, and research think tanks, contributing to fields such as humanitarian relief, economic development, global health, education policy, and environmental sustainability. Some work on the ground managing international aid projects, while others shape high-level strategy in policy planning or program evaluation. The program also equips students for roles in global consulting, foreign service, or advocacy organizations that influence international decision-making. Because students complete graduate-level coursework, they enter the workforce with advanced training in both theory and practice, giving them a competitive edge in a job market that demands interdisciplinary expertise, ethical leadership, and data-driven analysis. This foundation also positions them strongly for doctoral studies or further specialization in development economics, international law, or public policy.
Why Choose This Program
This program stands out for its ability to compress a rigorous undergraduate and graduate experience into a well-structured five-year timeline that maximizes both academic depth and career readiness. Students benefit from Johns Hopkins University's global policy focus, expert faculty, and access to research centers that promote meaningful engagement with development issues. The curriculum provides an early start on graduate coursework, enabling learners to explore complex challenges in poverty alleviation, governance, climate change, and institutional reform through real-world case studies and applied research. With practical experience embedded in every stage—from internships to fieldwork—students build a strong professional profile while still completing their education. The opportunity to develop fluency in multiple languages, work alongside international scholars, and produce a graduate-level capstone equips graduates with the skills, insight, and confidence to lead in a world where global interdependence defines success. This accelerated track is not only time-efficient—it’s intellectually empowering and globally relevant.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 410 516 8000
Email: admissions@jhu.edu
Address: Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
