Coterm Degree

For current Stanford undergraduates ONLY.

The coterminal degree program allows you to pursue a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree at Stanford. To apply to the Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies (IPS), you must submit the following:

  1. Coterminal Application (pdf)

  2. Statement of Purpose (2-3 pages)

  3. Two Letters of Recommendation

  4. Writing Sample (10-15 pages)

  5. Official and Current Stanford Transcript

  6. Area of Concentration and Prerequisites Form (email jjachter@stanford.edu to obtain form)

The deadline this year for all application materials is January 5, 2009. Please submit your application no later than the quarter prior to the expected completion of the undergraduate degree.

IPS is a two-year program requiring a minimum of 72 units completed toward the degree. You may be allowed to count course work towards the IPS degree that has been completed no earlier than winter and spring quarters prior to the start of the program. All students must start the program in Autumn quarter. There is an IPS Coterminal information meeting in Autumn quarter when the Director of IPS and current IPS coterms will speak about the program and answer questions. Please check back for the place, date and time of the meeting (usually scheduled for mid-November).

All inquiries should be directed to Jonathan Achter at 650-725-9155 or jjachter@stanford.edu

All application materials should be sent to:


Graduate Admissions Coordinator

Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies

216 Encina Hall West

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 94305-6045