Master of International Affairs (MIA)
Prepare to lead in global affairs, government, international organizations, and beyondThe Master of International Affairs is a two-year professional degree for people who want to shape how the world works. You'll build the analytical and practical skills international careers demand, taught by faculty who lead their fields or have served at the highest levels of government and international organizations, and apply them to real problems before you graduate.
Program at a Glance
- Credential
Master of International Affairs (MIA)
- Credit Hours
48 (16 courses), non-thesis
- Duration
2 years, full-time
- Format
In residence, College Station
- Structure
5 core courses, a career track, 2 concentrations, plus a summer internship or language immersion
- Capstone
Yes, client-based research project
About the Program
The Master of International Affairs equips students with a disposition toward leadership and public service with the skills and knowledge international careers demand, whether in government or nongovernmental organizations. A multidisciplinary faculty combines scholarly depth with real-world experience: among them a former director of USAID, former U.S. ambassadors, a former deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command, and a former Deputy Director of Operations at the CIA.
The curriculum pairs core training in international politics, the global economy, research methods, and American foreign policy with focused specialization and hands-on experience.
Curriculum
The MIA is a 48-credit, non-thesis program completed over two years of full-time study. The curriculum has four parts. A foreign language proficiency exam is also required to graduate.
Core Courses (5)
Foundational training in international politics, the global economy, quantitative methods, and American foreign policy. One core course is the capstone.
Tracks and Concentrations
A chosen career track and two three-course concentrations that focus your studies.
Summer Experience
Between the two years, an internship related to your career goals or an intensive language and cultural immersion.
Capstone
A client-based research project completed with faculty and peers, culminating in a written report and an oral briefing to a real-world client.
Tracks & Concentrations
Every MIA student selects one of two career tracks, then builds two three-course concentrations, at least one within their track. The second may come from the other track, from the MPSA program, or be a self-designed concentration approved by a faculty advisor.
Career Track National Security & Diplomacy (NSD) For careers in security, intelligence, defense, and diplomacy.
Prepares students to contribute to national and international security: threat assessment and intelligence, strategy and the use of force, diplomacy, counterterrorism, military strategy, and international organizations.
Career Track International Development & Economic Policy (IDEP) For careers in development, humanitarian work, and economic policy.
Prepares students for development and economic policy careers: state-building, democratization, migration, globalization, humanitarian assistance, and economic and political relations among governments. Opens paths to NGOs, USAID, UN agencies, and development contractors.
Beyond the Coursework
An MIA education extends well past the classroom. Program experiences include:
Client-Based Capstone
Real research for a real client, the program’s signature experience.
Internships and Immersions
Summer placements in the U.S. or abroad, or intensive language and cultural study.
Study Abroad and International Opportunities
Faculty-led and exchange experiences that deepen regional and language expertise.
Public Service Leadership Program
The school’s leadership development program for graduate students.
Explore Further
Faculty
MIA courses are taught by a faculty of scholars and career practitioners with deep government and international experience. Explore their backgrounds and research:
Explore the Faculty DirectoryCareers & Outcomes
MIA graduates build careers across government, intelligence, defense, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. For placement rates, employers, and where our graduates work, see Careers & Outcomes.
Explore Careers & OutcomesCost & Funding
The MIA is among the most affordable top-ranked programs of its kind, and most students receive merit-based funding. The Cost & Funding overview covers tuition, scholarships, assistantships, and aid, and the MIA Cost page carries this program’s specific estimate.
Explore Cost & FundingReady to Apply?
Applications open in August for fall entry the following year. See deadlines, requirements, and step-by-step instructions on the MIA admissions page.
How to Apply