Master of Arts International Affairs

Work Toward Global Equity

Examine issues that cross borders—and how they affect social groups defined by race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, national belonging, and more. Human rights. Global governance. Diplomacy. Development. International public policy. Sustainability. Learn to provide research-based insights that make real program and policy differences. Master nonprofit management, grant writing, and organizational development. Build an understanding of policy to support your professional growth.

Focus on the Issues You Care About

Select from an incredibly wide range of electives for 5 of your 9 courses across law and public policy, public policy and urban affairs, economics, criminology and criminal justice, English, history, political science, and sociology. Opt to specialize in sustainability and climate change. Add a graduate certificate in nonprofit sector, philanthropy, and social change; women’s, gender, and sexuality studies; and more.

Small Classes. Leading Experts.

Class sizes in the MA International Affairs program average 20 students. Build meaningful relationships. Collaborate with your professors. Faculty lead research across a wide range of topics, including democratization, gender, globalization, ethnic conflict and cooperation, human rights and international law, international relations, social activism, international environmental institutions, and much more.

Build a Career with Meaning

The MA International Affairs prepares you for influential positions with NGOs, nonprofits, international organizations, governments, and private companies.

Top-Ranked for Co-op and Research

The MA International Affairs offers an optional, paid, full-time, 6-month co-op to build diverse work and research experience. Complete your co-op in Boston, New York, California, or London. Co-op partners have included the United Nations, the Women in War Program at the Harvard Humanitarian Institute, NATO Defense College, and more. 

Rich Resources. Diverse Community.

Find engaging research, lectures, and opportunities for collaboration at the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures, the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, the Boston Area Research Initiative (BARI), and the Global Resilience Institute. Make the international city of Boston your base. Work with diverse peers and faculty.

Take a Flexible Path to Success 

The average annual pay for an international affairs role in the U.S. is over $100,000. Professionals with a master’s degree have a 20% higher salary on average (Indeed, 2023). Core courses are typically scheduled at 4:45 p.m. or after, with in-person, hybrid, full-time, and part-time options.