Build an International Portfolio
Examine issues that cross borders by building exceptional substantive, analytic, and methodological skills in rigorous, interdisciplinary courses. Sustainability. International Public Policy. International Security. International Economics and Development. Diplomacy and Global Governance. The Masters in International Affairs program is designed to respond to the increasing demand, evident in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, for professionals equipped with the skills needed to address a wide array of issues facing societies and organizations across the globe. Be empowered 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 Most Important to You
Choose from one of six concentrations for your elective courses, or design a path that meets your needs from our interdisciplinary curriculum in international affairs, public policy and urban affairs, political science, criminology, sociology, history, and others in CSSH and beyond. Add a graduate certificate in Public Policy Analysis; Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change; and more.
Study with Renowned Faculty
Join an active, diverse, and robust community of policy graduate students. Enjoy small class sizes, engaging speakers’ series, and more with faculty conducting cutting-edge and policy-focused research on global issues. Build meaningful relationships and collaborations through coursework, independent study, and faculty-led research projects. Travel to international forums and see research translated to policy firsthand.
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 Professional Development for a Career with Meaning
The MA International Affairs offers an optional 6-month, full-time co-op to build professional experience, with Northeastern’s internationally-recognized network of in-house advisors and relationships with leading global firms in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Access placements at the United Nations, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, NATO Defence College, WorldBoston, and more.
Graduates of the program work in the public and private sector, including positions at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (United Kingdom); International IDEA; Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. Others choose to pursue Juris Doctorates and Doctorates at highly-ranked US and international institutions.
Rich Resources. Diverse Community.
Find engaging research, lectures, and opportunities for collaboration at the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures, the Global Resilience Institute, the Global Action for Policy Initiative, and the Plastics Center. Make the international city of Boston your base while working with peers and faculty in Boston, Arlington, Oakland, and more.
Take a Flexible Path to Success
Many course offerings in both online and in-person formats, with afternoon and evening classes available for working professionals. 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).
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Type of Program
- Graduate Program
