The Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership, offered by the School of Politics and Global Studies, empowers students to be future leaders in the global arena.
This online program establishes a dynamic and active learning environment led by senior international affairs professionals from the public and private sectors. Drawing on ASU’s extensive academic capacity provide students a distinctive edge to succeed in the full spectrum of international affairs professions.
Students will also benefit from two week-long in-person experiences in Washington D.C. over the course of the program, allowing them direct access to the professionals and institutions involved in U.S. foreign affairs.
Degree Overview
Graduates of the program will be prepared for this complex international environment through extensive exposure to topics such as foreign policy, national security, international trade, human rights issues, and character-driven leadership. The program will utilize the unique expertise of former ambassadors and leading experts to teach the classes as well as to guide students of the program as they either enter or continue in the workforce.
Graduates of the program will be able to pursue a variety of careers such as foreign service officers, special and tactical military officers, security analysts, non-profit coordinators, business operations specialists, international economists and public policy analysts.
The program offers a unique blend of leadership capacity development, both theory and practice, foreign policy decision-making, regional international affairs knowledge, and key global issues training.
Coursework focuses on current challenges and future trends.
Classes are led by top foreign policy and national security experts who have vast experience developing policy and leading programs.
The program stresses practical applications and case studies of international affairs issues, and hands-on experience.
Why should I get an international affairs master’s degree?
Globalization – the growing interdependence of the world’s economies, populations and cultures – will continue to shift and evolve over time. This happens because advances in technology will defy borders and shape our political and socio-economic environments in ways we cannot yet imagine. Individuals skilled in international affairs and leadership will be essential as today’s businesses and organizations seek to understand the most pressing problems and opportunities of tomorrow through a local, national and international lens.
What will I learn in international affairs and leadership master’s degree?
The international affairs master’s degree offers a unique blend of leadership capacity development and substantive training focused on U.S. foreign policy decision-making, national security, international trade, human rights issues and other key global issues.
Courses are taught by industry experts with practical experience – from former U.S. ambassadors to military general officers – to ready students to become leaders in the international affairs realm.
Gain hands-on international affairs experience
This program includes two, in-person, week-long experiences in Washington, D.C. During these experiences, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with a range of foreign policy and leadership experts. You’ll be able to visit with representatives from the U.S. State Department and other foreign affairs agencies, go see Think Tank Row and attend non-governmental organization (NGO) policy lectures, Congressional hearings on international affairs, U.S. Supreme Court sessions, and other public and academic events to observe national policy debates on international issues first-hand.
As an international affairs student, you’ll also have access to the Arizona State University Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab as well as the School of Politics and Global Studies experimental lab.