M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations

At the School of Diplomacy, students evolve from consumers of information to producers of knowledge — immediately ready to contribute to a variety of fields. Our customizable academic program builds essential skills and helps students cultivate a deep understanding of who they are and how they can have a positive impact on the complex, interdependent world they've inherited.

We work collaboratively with students to shape practical learning opportunities such as internships, international study seminars, and original research projects; students apply their knowledge and skills in international relations directly to real-world situations. With guidance from faculty mentors, students turn academic projects into published works that advance new ideas, discuss current issues with United Nations officials and much more.

BY THE NUMBERS

• 110 Average Graduate Student Enrollment.
• 20 Countries Represented.
• 600+ Internship Partner Hosts.
• 5 Ranking in Forbes’ “Best Master Degree for Jobs".

As a diplomacy student, you'll have the opportunity to take classes and complete professional projects with former ambassadors, United Nations officials, practicing judges and attorneys. Your classroom experience will hone your skills in policy analysis, negotiation and conflict management, professional writing and research methods and help you build expertise in one or more areas of specialization.

But you won't just study — you'll actually practice — diplomacy and international relations. Our required internship program capitalizes on our proximity to New York City and presence in Washington, D.C., providing you with access to the United Nations, private firms, government, and international nonprofit organizations.

You'll also sharpen your networking abilities by engaging with distinguished guests and successful alumni.

Our 45-credit M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations is centered on a core program of courses, which provide an introduction to international relations theory, diplomacy, research methods, and policy analysis. Students select additional courses drawn from a menu of choices that collectively offer a strong foundation in the key subject areas of international affairs: international security and conflict resolution, international economics and development, international law and organization, and the domestic sources of foreign policy and ethnic conflict. The core requirements of the graduate program culminate in a major research project designed by the student, and a professional internship in the public or private sector.

To complete the program, students choose from elective courses covering all areas of international relations, based upon their specific interests and career goals. Students concentrate on two specializations to develop a more detailed understanding of critical global issues and processes. Seven functional specializations and five regional specializations are available.

Internships and Professional Development

Our director of internships works one-on-one with students to tailor internship experiences to individual interests. Students receive personalized advice based on their career goals.

Your Path for Professional Development

The Office of Professional Services offers additional professional development and employment guidance beyond the internship experience. Employers prize School of Diplomacy graduates for their distinctive exposure gained on and off-campus. Graduates acquire the skill sets to effectively communicate, analyze, negotiate and collaborate in a setting that emphasizes leadership and a commitment to peace and justice.

In addition to offering private and individualized professional counseling, the School's Office of Professional Services and Office of Internships and Career Development offer a wide range of services, including:

• Career development workshops;
• Fellowship opportunities and application processes;
• Employer information sessions;
• Alumni networking receptions;
• Resume and cover letter critique;
• Mock interviews;
• Internship and job-search strategies;
• Unlimited access to jobs, live webinars, career advice, and networking.