Master of Public and International Affairs

Return to: Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

The MPIA degree is a multidisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers of influence in the international arena - as government policymakers, diplomats, intelligence officials, global business leaders, analysts, and policy researchers. The program emphasizes the practical skills and knowledge necessary to participate in international policy processes and shape their future. The MPIA curriculum includes traditional courses on international economics and international affairs, along with practical courses on intelligence collection and analysis, diplomacy, and international finance and professionalization. It also includes one of the country’s few graduate specializations in Human Security - a unique field that focuses on the security of civilian populations and human rights.

Students must complete at least 36 credits in public and international affairs and may choose one of three majors: International Political Economy, Human Security, or Security & Intelligence Studies. Students may also pursue a minor in any area of concentration offered at GSPIA (e.g., policy research and analysis), as well as a multidisciplinary one in cybersecurity. Students wishing to study a language or earn a university certificate can do so (though we note that could extend the time to degree beyond 18 months). Students can also choose to specialize in a region or area studies or design their own specialization. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to plan their course of study.