Frequently Asked Questions

The School for International Training (SIT) is a globally recognized, accredited institution dedicated to experiential learning and global education, with a mission to prepare students to be effective leaders in an interconnected world. SIT programs are developed within a framework addressing the most critical global issues of our time, equipping the next generation of leaders with the expertise and intercultural understanding needed to engage all identities, perspectives, and cultures with respectful, enduring, and meaningful responses.

SIT Graduate Institute is more than a place to get a degree—it’s a global campus for changemakers, educators, activists, and global leaders. You should apply if you are looking for a program that combines academic rigor with hands-on, real-world experience in an environment that values social justice, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship. SIT Graduate Institute has a diverse faculty of 75 members, including regular faculty, adjunct and affiliated faculty, and professors’ emeriti. They are global experts in conflict transformation, international and sustainable development, diplomacy, international education, social justice, management, and human rights. Together, SIT faculty foster an environment where theory meets practice, bridging academic knowledge with real-world application.

Yes, all SIT Graduate Institute programs are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

We target six-eight students per cohort in each global master’s and doctoral program, occasionally expanding to 10 if applicant pools are very competitive.

Why are the cohorts so small?

A small cohort of graduate students not only enhances academic growth and personal development but also provides rich experiential learning opportunities. This combination ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, better preparing them for success in their careers.

A small cohort of graduate students offers several advantages over larger groups, especially when it comes to experiential learning:

• Personalized attention: With fewer students, each individual can receive more personalized attention from professors and mentors. This fosters a supportive environment where students can engage deeply with course material and receive tailored guidance for their research or projects.
• Enhanced learning environment: The intimacy of a small cohort creates a more comfortable and less intimidating learning environment where all students can engage fully with faculty and peers.
• Experiential learning opportunities: At SIT, experiential learning is at the core of our educational approach, and a small cohort is ideal for maximizing these opportunities. With fewer students, we can offer and support more hands-on, immersive experiences, such as internships, fieldwork, firsthand experience with field experts, and real-world projects. Professors can more easily organize and tailor these experiences to match students’ interests and career goals, ensuring they gain practical, real-world skills that are directly applicable to their future careers. This personalized and immersive approach prepares our students to be leaders and innovators in their fields.
• Stronger community: Smaller cohorts naturally foster a stronger sense of community among students. This close-knit environment allows for deeper relationships, more effective collaboration, and a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom. While some universities use systems to create smaller communities within their larger student body, at SIT, this personalized approach is central to every cohort.
• Increased engagement: In smaller groups, students tend to participate more actively in discussions and activities. This not only enhances their learning experience but also encourages critical thinking and the exchange of diverse perspectives.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Smaller cohorts are often more flexible, allowing for adjustments based on the unique needs and interests of the students. This can include customized coursework or opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration, as well as tailored experiential learning opportunities.

No, TA positions are not available.

Tuition and indirect program costs can be found here.

SIT Graduate Institute students can finance their studies in a number of ways including the following:

• SIT scholarships
• Student loans: Federal student loans are applicable to U.S. citizens. Some permanent residents may also be eligible if other conditions are met. Visit Federal Student Aid to learn more.
• Sponsors
• External funding/scholarships
• Tuition benefits through an employer
• VA benefits through the Yellow Ribbon Project
• Out-of-pocket payment

Yes, any type of funding can be applied toward tuition.

Yes, SIT Graduate Institute welcomes veterans and their dependents to use VA benefits toward the cost of our graduate programs. We are also a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program. Specific benefits are determined by the VA through bill type. More information about Veterans Affairs at SIT can be found here . Recipients of VA benefits will need to submit their Certificate of Eligibility for benefits to be certified with the VA.

Visa criteria are based on each traveler’s country of residency (passport type). Most program locations do not require visas for U.S. passport holders. Specific visa information can be found here by selecting your program of choice and scrolling to the ‘visa’ section. International students should check the visa requirements based on the regulations applicable to holders of their specific country’s passport.

Explore the career impact page on our website for details.

Sample positions of SIT global master’s graduates:

• Foreign affairs specialist
• Crisis response specialist/operations specialist
• Security analyst for intelligence agencies
• Policy advisor and consultant
• Senior leader in humanitarian and emergency affairs organizations
• Risk analyst and early-warning consultant
• Crisis operations specialist for international humanitarian agencies

This varies widely by country/area, organization, and specific role. Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics for federal job projections by field in the U.S.

 SIT Graduate Institute places the highest priority on the health, safety, and security of all our students. SIT’s dean of student health, safety & well-being and the Office of Student Health, Safety & Well-being (SHSW) provide leadership and vision for student health services, crisis management, counseling, housing, safety and security, diversity, student conduct, and support for students with accessibility needs. The dean establishes and monitors best practices and institutional protocols for student health, safety, and well-being in the U.S. and abroad, supported by relationships with the U.S. Department of State, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), and a close partnership with SIT’s international security assistance provider. Staff are on call 24/7 for crises and situations that need immediate attention.

While companions can offer meaningful personal support while traveling, it is important to understand that SIT’s programs are academically intensive and immersive. Students are expected to engage in all components, including classes, excursions, and evening/weekend commitments, which may involve long days and demanding academic assignments. Students should discuss plans with an admissions counselor and the program chair before companion travel arrangements are made. Please see our companion travel guide for additional information.

Each program has a practicum coordinator that will assist in identifying and placing students in their practicum organization and location. You can also use your current employer for your practicum.

See where former students have completed practicums here.

In global master’s programs, students are typically early-career but we have had mid to even late-career students join. Each cohort has a range of ages, professional experience, race, and gender represented.

SIT Graduate Institute’s global master’s programs are one year (August to August).

Our unique master’s programs emphasize practical, hands-on experience, cultural immersion, and a deep commitment to global issues. Students will learn through classroom lectures, field studies, excursions, applicable local events, and a semester-long practicum during the final summer semester. While no two weeks may look the same, students should expect to split time between classroom learning and field experiences. Students engage directly with communities, policymakers, and organizations. They bring together theory and practice and contribute to a truly global format of learning.

Each program has varied housing options, including prearranged dorms, apartments, homestays, or other student living quarters. You can see the housing options for each location here. Click on your program of choice, scroll to housing, and open the program-specific PDF.

An EdD combines practitioner and research experience, distinguishing it from a PhD, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Explore faculty bios on our website for specific research interests.

Outside of the two 10-day residencies, courses are remote and primarily asynchronous. Professors record lectures that are shared on Canvas, post readings, and create a forum for students to discuss readings and other media related to the weekly topic. While there is not an expectation for students to log in on a specific day or time to review course content, there will be deadlines throughout the semester for the completion of discussion posts and other assignments.

Students will meet synchronously with their advisor throughout the duration of the program and remotely with the cohort on a set schedule based on cohort availability.

EdD: Synchronous cohort meetings are held monthly to facilitate discussion among students, check in, address questions, and share updates and resources.

EdD: Three years, including a research period with SIT advisors.
PhDs: Four years, including a research period with SIT advisors.

With approval, students can pursue an accelerated or extended pathway to complete a doctorate degree. The research and dissertation writing phase of the program may vary, dependent on individual student progress, outside commitments, and type or scope of research.