Membership Inquiries
Part of APSIA's mission is to encourage high-quality graduate education and training for students pursuing careers in public service, the non-profit sector, and the private sector. APSIA admits to its membership only those schools and programs that meet the standards set by the Association's Bylaws.

APSIA has introduced a two-stage process for considering applications for Membership: a preliminary survey to determine eligibility, followed by an invitation to submit a full application should eligibility be met.

1.  Applicants Should Carefully Review the APSIA Membership Criteria

Schools or programs that are interested in applying for membership should consider first the Association's Bylaws, which stipulate that " membership in the Association shall be open to those institutions of higher education which possess the following qualifications:

a) an educational program of high academic quality;

b)  a substantial and demonstrated commitment to the study of international affairs;

c)  a basic commitment to graduate professional training; and

d) significant autonomy within a major university, e.g., as one would expect to find with a Law School or graduate Business School.

The existence of these qualifications may be demonstrated by the following:

a) significant programs of research and publications in international affairs;

b) an integrated curriculum comprised of courses for the most part, if not exclusively, developed and located in the professional international affairs school;

c) an integrated curriculum which combines professional training, the study of geographical regions, and the analytical tools of specialized disciplines;

d)  a record of educating graduates for and in cooperation with distinctive clienteles, including international affairs agencies, international business and financial corporations, international organizations, and the communications and academic professions;

e)  a substantial, if not exclusive, commitment to professionally oriented graduate education;

f)  a faculty for the most part integral to or designated for the professional school;

g)  a relationship to the parent university characterized by substantial autonomy as is usual to a professional school within higher education;

h)  programs abroad, including exchange and affiliation arrangements.”

2.  Applicants Must Submit an Electronic Inquiry

After having considered these broad criteria, if a school believes it is in the position to submit a strong application, the Dean or Director of the School/Program must submit an online inquiry. After the inquiry has been received, the Executive Director will share it with the APSIA Membership Committee.

If your school or program appears to meet the eligibility requirements, you will be invited to submit a full application, which would include admissions and graduate employment statistics, faculty CVs, and evidence of meeting the other criteria mentioned above.

Inquiries will be accepted at any time throughout the year . However, in order to allow full consideration prior to the Fall Meeting of the APSIA Board, invited applications for membership will be accepted only between January 1 and June 30 each year.

"Having the credential from Columbia has been invaluable to me. My colleagues know I have the expertise in international affairs, the understanding of politics, and the professional clout to do the work."