MA in International Affairs
MA in International Affairs with Specialization in Diplomacy
The Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) is a versatile two-year program that prepares students to pursue a wide range of careers in the field of international relations, including in national governments and a wide range of IGOs and NGOs. The program includes core coursework that covers the fundamentals of international relations scholarship, quantitative research methods, the workings of the global economy, and the practice of diplomacy and negotiation. In addition to the core classes, students choose a specialization that allows them to develop in-depth knowledge in a chosen issue area and write a capstone MA paper. They can also demonstrate expertise in a region by earning a graduate certificate through one of the Pardee School's regional centers and programs.
The curriculum ensures that graduates emerge with a comprehensive perspective on international issues and a clear understanding of the means by which these issues are researched, discussed, and acted upon. There is also a strong emphasis on developing students' skills in writing policy-relevant documents.
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree that is relevant to their intended focus in the MAIA program. This may include a major or significant coursework in fields directly related to international relations, such as political science, history, economics, or sociology; regional studies; religion; or communications. This degree is well suited for students with limited career experience in the field, such as recent college graduates. Applicants whose undergraduate coursework has been in fields not closely related to the coverage of the MAIA program will also be considered if they can demonstrate commitment to and knowledge of international affairs through their career or extracurricular experiences.
Individuals with significant experience as international relations professionals may wish to consider our Mid-Career MA in International Relations program.
Learning Outcomes
Students will possess a comprehensive understanding of contemporary international relations from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in key skills, including quantitative and economic analysis, negotiation, and oral and written communication.
Students will be able to ethically deliberate the varied impacts of policy decisions on diverse regions, populations, and stakeholders.
Students will possess particular expertise in their selected specialization. For students in the Diplomacy specialization, students will possess a nuanced understanding of the role and importance of diplomacy in international affairs and will demonstrate in-depth expertise on at least one aspect of diplomacy.
Course Requirements
The MA in International Affairs with Specialization in Diplomacy requires a total of 64 units. In addition to the course requirements listed below, remaining units should be fulfilled through approved elective courses. Elective coursework may include up to two undergraduate or graduate language courses (8 units).
Core Course Requirements (20 units)
CAS IR 601 Fundamentals of International Relations
CAS IR 602 Quantitative Analysis for Global Affairs
CAS IR 603 Economics for Global Policy
CAS IR 604 Negotiation and Diplomacy
CAS IR 799 MAIA Paper Workshop (Directed Study)
Specialization in Diplomacy Course Requirements (24 units)
CAS IR 535 Diplomacy and Statecraft
20 additional units from a set of approved courses or other courses with preapproval from the Associate Dean for Studies.
Language Requirement
21 January 2025
Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies
121 Bay State Road,
BOSTON,
Massachusetts,
02215, United States
Eligibility: Any well-qualified person with a four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university or with equivalent international education, at the time of enrollment, may apply for admission to the Pardee School of Global Studies; Applicants who have a three-year bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) may apply.
English proficiency
Minimum TOEFL Requirements - paper-based test: 550; internet-based test: Reading section – 21, Listening section – 21, Speaking section – 21, Writing section – 21.
Minimum IELTS Requirements - he overall band score of 7.0 is required for admission to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.