Apply for the Concurrent M.Phil. and Master of National Security Policy
The Fall 2027 application is now open.
Application Timeline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You do not need to wait for a specific date to apply. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible. Applying early may give you an advantage in scholarship consideration, as available funds may become more limited throughout the admissions cycle.
| Recommended Application Date | Admission Decision |
|---|---|
| December 3, 2026 | Typically within several weeks |
| February 4, 2027 | Typically within several weeks |
| April 1, 2027 | Typically within several weeks |
| June 3, 2027 | Typically within several weeks |
Applications will continue to be accepted throughout the summer, space permitting.
Each application is comprehensively and holistically reviewed. All majors and disciplines are welcome.
All admitted Concurrent M.Phil. students receive paid compensation for their research work; merit scholarships will be awarded at time of acceptance.
Are you reapplying? Please review the information for reapplying below.
Visit our Admissions FAQs page for more information.
Concurrent M.Phil. Application Components
The application includes general demographic questions, your academic background, and your academic plans and interests. Your application will automatically save as you answer questions and upload files, and you can return to it at any time. Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to edit it, so double check your work to make sure everything is complete.
We require two letters of recommendation, which can come from academic or professional sources.
Each letter should address the following:
- The applicant's interest in policy analysis as a career or field of study
- Prospects for success as a policy analyst
- Intellectual ability and potential for future growth
For all academic institutions you have attended since high school, upload unofficial transcripts from each. Transcripts must include all courses taken, grades received, and degrees conferred.
If a transcript lacks degree conferral information, provide separate documentation or a photo/photocopy of your diploma.
For transcripts in languages other than English, provide an exact English translation, including courses, grades, and degrees. Combine the transcript and translation into one document for upload. Certified translations are not required at the application stage.
If you are admitted and accept the offer, you must send final, official transcripts for all degree-granting institutions, along with certified translations for any non-English documents.
Please upload a resume that highlights your
- Academic background
- Work experience, including dates of employment and principal responsibilities
- Research, technical, computer, and other skillsets
- Additional qualifications, including honors, awards, publications, languages spoken, and professional affiliations
Standardized Test Scores (GRE or GMAT)
- Optional Submission: GRE or GMAT scores are optional. The admissions committee will evaluate your application comprehensively, whether or not you submit these scores.
- Validity: For the 2026 cycle, GRE scores must be from tests taken after July 1, 2020, and GMAT scores after September 1, 2020. Home editions are acceptable. Report the highest score for each section.
- Submission: Upload an unofficial score report. If admitted and you accept our offer, the official score report will be required.
Explain your interest in pursuing a concurrent M.Phil. in Policy Analysis and Master of National Security Policy at the RAND School. Discuss your long-term personal and professional goals, and how this concurrent degree program will help you achieve them. Additionally, describe how your background and experiences will contribute to the diversity of the RAND School community and the field of public policy. (Limit: 750 words)
Optional Statement
If there is any information about your background that you were not able to provide elsewhere, please include it here. Your response does not have to be in the form of a formal essay. Brief explanations on multiple topics are okay. (Limit: 300 words)
A $75 non-refundable application fee will be due by the application deadline, payable by credit card. Application fee waivers are available.
- If you last applied more than a year ago, you are welcome to re-apply by completing a new application.
- If you applied within the past year, login and begin a new application; most of your previous information will pre-fill the form.
- You may reuse past recommendation letters if you have applied within the past year.
- Write a new personal statement or explain what’s new since your last application.
See the application for details.