Master of Arts in International Affairs

What You'll Study

Students in the program will gain a fundamental understanding of key political, economic, and historic issues in international affairs. You'll begin with three to four core courses before moving on to either a regional or global field to fulfill the elective requirements.

To earn your Master of Arts in International Affairs you must successfully complete our 40 credit program which includes 9-12 credits in core courses, 12 credits in your major field and 12 credits of elective courses. You must also complete a capstone project and have the option for writing a thesis.

Regional Specializations

If you find you're interested in studying conflict and extremism in the Middle East or the changing economies in Latin America, you can choose a regional field to fulfill your elective requirements.

Thematic Specializations

In our increasingly complex and connected world, international affairs practitioners must be prepared to tackle challenges head-on.

Global Capstone

Global Capstone is the culminating experience and signature project for Elliott School graduate students.

Prerequisites

Foreign Languages

Academic coursework in a foreign language, which will prepare students to complete the program’s language requirement*, is required at the time of application. This can be demonstrated by:

• Study that is equal to two semesters of university-level coursework or equivalent.
• Completion of formal language training as part of employment (ex. Peace Corps, JET, etc.).
• Growing up in a household where the language is spoken.

Students need to have a strong foundation in a foreign language before enrolling to be successful in completing the language requirement during the program.

Economics

Course background in economics (micro- and macroeconomics) is a prerequisite to help prepare students to complete the graduate-level economics course(s) required within the M.A. in International Affairs curriculum. Course(s) must be successfully completed through an accredited institution in:

• Introductory Microeconomics
• Introductory Macroeconomics

or

• Principles of Economics

In some cases, a student may be admitted who has not fulfilled the economics requirement*; in which case, the student is required to take course(s) at an accredited college/university prior to enrollment at the Elliott School.

*Spring applicants are expected to have fulfilled this prerequisite at the time of application.

Where You'll Go

Our graduates continue to pursue a wide variety of exciting careers in diplomacy and public service, business, security, conflict resolution, development, and public health. For 2016 graduates, the top employers included:

• ACDI-VOCA
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Foreign Governments
• U.S. Agency for International Development
• U.S. Department of State

While you study with us and even once you leave, we'll provide you with resources and support to help you get the job you've always wanted post-graduation. From career counseling, workshops, site visits, and information sessions, The Graduate Student Career Development Center has a variety of tools and tips to get you to where you want to be.