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.

Students in the MAIA program have the option to spend a term or summer in Washington, DC through the Boston University Washington, DC (BUDC) study abroad program. Courses taken there, including an internship course, may count toward your specialization and/or electives. Students may also study abroad through the Geneva: Global Governance & Global Challenges program, which offers one 4-unit course during the summer term.

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.

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.

Elective Courses (20 units)

Students are required to complete 20 additional units of elective coursework. Electives may be selected from any of the Pardee School’s graduate-level course offerings. With the approval of the Associate Dean of Studies, electives may also be chosen from graduate-level coursework at other BU schools and colleges. Elective coursework may also include up to two undergraduate- or graduate-level language courses (8 units). Course selection should be made in consultation with an academic advisor.

Language Requirement

All students pursuing an MA in International Affairs are required to demonstrate graduate-level reading proficiency in a foreign language prior to completion of the degree. Language proficiency must be demonstrated through a language examination. In the case of non-native English speakers who were required to submit an official English language exam score report as part of their application for admission, knowledge of English fulfills this requirement.

Master’s Paper

Students write a Master’s Paper (commonly referred to as an MA Paper) as the capstone component of their degree. The paper may take one of two forms: either a traditional research paper or a policy paper. Students are given broad latitude in selecting topics and approaches, in consultation with their advisors.

All MA Papers must be defended orally in front of a panel of three professors, chosen by the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies (one of whom is the student’s advisor). The purpose of the oral examination is to test the student’s knowledge in the area of research related to the MA Paper as well as the student’s ability to discuss that knowledge at length in a clear and compelling manner.

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.

Students in the MAIA program have the option to spend a term or summer in Washington, DC through the Boston University Washington, DC (BUDC) study abroad program. Courses taken there, including an internship course, may count toward your specialization and/or electives. Students may also study abroad through the Geneva: Global Governance & Global Challenges program, which offers one 4-unit course during the summer term.

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 Global Economic Affairs specialization, students will possess a nuanced understanding of global economic affairs and will demonstrate in-depth expertise on at least one aspect of global economic affairs.

Course Requirements

The MA in International Affairs with Specialization in Global Economic Affairs requires a total of 64 units.

Core Course Requirements (20 units)

• CAS IR 601 Fundamentals of International Relations
• CAS IR 602 B* Quantitative Analysis for Global Affairs
• CAS IR 603 B* Economics for Global Policy
• CAS IR 604 Negotiation and Diplomacy
• CAS IR 799 MAIA Paper Workshop (Directed Study)

*Global Economic Affairs specialization students are required to take the B sections of these courses.

Specialization in Global Economic Affairs Course Requirements (24 units)

• CAS IR 592 Economic Development and International Institutions
• 20 additional units from a set of approved courses or other courses with preapproval from the Associate Dean for Studies.

Elective Courses (20 units)

Students are required to complete 20 additional units of elective coursework. Electives may be selected from any of the Pardee School’s graduate-level course offerings. With the approval of the Associate Dean of Studies, electives may also be chosen from graduate-level coursework at other BU schools and colleges. Elective coursework may also include up to two undergraduate- or graduate-level language courses (8 units). Course selection should be made in consultation with an academic advisor.

Language Requirement

All students pursuing an MA in International Affairs are required to demonstrate graduate-level reading proficiency in a foreign language prior to completion of the degree. Language proficiency must be demonstrated through a language examination. In the case of non-native English speakers who were required to submit an official English language exam score report as part of their application for admission, knowledge of English fulfills this requirement.

Master’s Paper

Students write a Master’s Paper (commonly referred to as an MA Paper) as the capstone component of their degree. The paper may take one of two forms: either a traditional research paper or a policy paper. Students are given broad latitude in selecting topics and approaches, in consultation with their advisors.

All MA Papers must be defended orally in front of a panel of three professors, chosen by the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies (one of whom is the student’s advisor). The purpose of the oral examination is to test the student’s knowledge in the area of research related to the MA Paper as well as the student’s ability to discuss that knowledge at length in a clear and compelling manner.

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.

Students in the MAIA program have the option to spend a term or summer in Washington, DC through the Boston University Washington, DC (BUDC) study abroad program. Courses taken there, including an internship course, may count toward your specialization and/or electives. Students may also study abroad through the Geneva: Global Governance & Global Challenges program, which offers one 4-unit course during the summer term and the London Graduate Mass Communication program, which offers 16 units in the summer term for MAIA students specializing in International Communication.

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 International Communication specialization, students will possess a broad understanding of the theory and practice of communication and an in-depth knowledge of its role in international affairs.

Course Requirements

The MA in International Affairs with Specialization in International Communication 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 International Communication Course Requirements (24 units)

• CAS IR 531 Intercultural Communication
• CAS IR 732 Public Diplomacy
• COM CM 831 International Communication
• 12 additional units from a subset of approved courses (areas include journalism, marketing, public relations, and more) or other courses with preapproval from the Associate Dean for Studies.

Elective Courses (20 units)

Students are required to complete 20 additional units of elective coursework. Electives may be selected from any of the Pardee School’s graduate-level course offerings. With the approval of the Associate Dean of Studies, electives may also be chosen from graduate-level coursework at other BU schools and colleges. Elective coursework may also include up to two undergraduate- or graduate-level language courses (8 units). Course selection should be made in consultation with an academic advisor.

Language Requirement

All students pursuing an MA in International Affairs are required to demonstrate graduate-level reading proficiency in a foreign language prior to completion of the degree. Language proficiency must be demonstrated through a language examination. In the case of non-native English speakers who were required to submit an official English language exam score report as part of their application for admission, knowledge of English fulfills this requirement.

Master’s Paper

Students write a Master’s Paper (commonly referred to as an MA Paper) as the capstone component of their degree. The paper may take one of two forms: either a traditional research paper or a policy paper. Students are given broad latitude in selecting topics and approaches, in consultation with their advisors.

All MA Papers must be defended orally in front of a panel of three professors, chosen by the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies (one of whom is the student’s advisor). The purpose of the oral examination is to test the student’s knowledge in the area of research related to the MA Paper as well as the student’s ability to discuss that knowledge at length in a clear and compelling manner.

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.

Students in the MAIA program have the option to spend a term or summer in Washington, DC through the Boston University Washington, DC (BUDC) study abroad program. Courses taken there, including an internship course, may count toward your specialization and/or electives. Students may also study abroad through the Geneva: Global Governance & Global Challenges program, which offers one 4-unit course during the summer term.

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 Religion & International Affairs specialization, students will possess a nuanced understanding of the role of religion in contemporary international affairs in addition to in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals and impact of at least one major religious tradition.

Course Requirements

The MA in International Affairs with Specialization in Religion & International Affairs 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 Religion & International Affairs Course Requirements (24 units)

• CAS IR/RN 561 Religion and International Relations
• CAS IR/AN 563 Religion and Politics Across Cultures
• 16 additional units from a set of approved courses in a specific Religious Tradition track from among four options (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or Asian Religions) or other courses with the preapproval of the Associate Dean for Studies.

Elective Courses (20 units)

Students are required to complete 20 additional units of elective coursework. Electives may be selected from any of the Pardee School’s graduate-level course offerings. With the approval of the Associate Dean of Studies, electives may also be chosen from graduate-level coursework at other BU schools and colleges. Elective coursework may also include up to two undergraduate- or graduate-level language courses (8 units). Course selection should be made in consultation with an academic advisor.

Language Requirement

All students pursuing an MA in International Affairs are required to demonstrate graduate-level reading proficiency in a foreign language prior to completion of the degree. Language proficiency must be demonstrated through a language examination. In the case of non-native English speakers who were required to submit an official English language exam score report as part of their application for admission, knowledge of English fulfills this requirement.

Master’s Paper

Students write a Master’s Paper (commonly referred to as an MA Paper) as the capstone component of their degree. The paper may take one of two forms: either a traditional research paper or a policy paper. Students are given broad latitude in selecting topics and approaches, in consultation with their advisors.

All MA Papers must be defended orally in front of a panel of three professors, chosen by the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies (one of whom is the student’s advisor). The purpose of the oral examination is to test the student’s knowledge in the area of research related to the MA Paper as well as the student’s ability to discuss that knowledge at length in a clear and compelling manner.

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.

Students in the MAIA program have the option to spend a term or summer in Washington, DC through the Boston University Washington, DC (BUDC) study abroad program. Courses taken there, including an internship course, may count toward your specialization and/or electives. Students may also study abroad through the Geneva: Global Governance & Global Challenges program, which offers one 4-unit course during the summer term.

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 Security Studies specialization, students will possess a nuanced understanding of international affairs and security and will demonstrate in-depth expertise on at least one aspect of global security.

Course Requirements

The MA in International Affairs with Specialization in Security Studies 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 Security Studies Course Requirements (24 units)

• CAS IR 703 International Security
• 20 additional units from a set of approved courses or other courses with preapproval from the Associate Dean for Studies.

Elective Courses (20 units)

Students are required to complete 20 additional units of elective coursework. Electives may be selected from any of the Pardee School’s graduate-level course offerings. With the approval of the Associate Dean of Studies, electives may also be chosen from graduate-level coursework at other BU schools and colleges. Elective coursework may also include up to two undergraduate- or graduate-level language courses (8 units). Course selection should be made in consultation with an academic advisor.

Language Requirement

All students pursuing an MA in International Affairs are required to demonstrate graduate-level reading proficiency in a foreign language prior to completion of the degree. Language proficiency must be demonstrated through a language examination. In the case of non-native English speakers who were required to submit an official English language exam score report as part of their application for admission, knowledge of English fulfills this requirement.

Master’s Paper

Students write a Master’s Paper (commonly referred to as an MA Paper) as the capstone component of their degree. The paper may take one of two forms: either a traditional research paper or a policy paper. Students are given broad latitude in selecting topics and approaches, in consultation with their advisors.

All MA Papers must be defended orally in front of a panel of three professors, chosen by the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies (one of whom is the student’s advisor). The purpose of the oral examination is to test the student’s knowledge in the area of research related to the MA Paper as well as the student’s ability to discuss that knowledge at length in a clear and compelling manner.