Master of International Affairs (MIA)
Where MIA Graduates Go
Bush School Master of International Affairs graduates pursue careers in foreign policy, intelligence, defense, international development, and beyond — at federal agencies, international organizations, and across the private and nonprofit sectors.
MIA Outcomes at a Glance
Bush School graduate students fulfill their calling to public service in a number of organizations and through a variety of means . The following information provides details of where our recent graduates are fulfilling their calling. The Bush School is proud of the contribution our students and graduates make to the public, not only through their jobs and internships but also through the volunteer and community service activities they participate in.
The Roles MIA Graduates Take On
A Range of Pathways
MIA graduates work across the full breadth of international affairs. Recent cohorts have moved into roles such as Foreign Service Officer, intelligence analyst, defense policy analyst, international development program manager, regional desk officer, cybersecurity policy advisor, congressional staffer focused on foreign affairs, and consultant on international risk and strategy. Some pursue further graduate study — in law, international economics, or doctoral programs.
Tracks Shape the Path
The MIA’s two tracks shape the typical career direction. Students in the National Security and Diplomacy track most often move into the U.S. national security community — agencies like the State Department, the CIA, the Department of Defense, the FBI, and the broader intelligence community. Students in the International Development and Economic Policy track more often move into international organizations, NGOs, development banks, and trade-focused roles.
Where Recent MIA Graduates Work
Based on survey responses from the class of 2025
Geographic Reach
Class of 2026 (combined MIA + MPSA)15 states, 34 cities, 11 countries, 5 continents
Where MIA Graduates Are Working Now
A representative sample of organizations that have hired Bush School MIA graduates.
- State Department
- CIA
- FBI
- Department of Defense
- USAID
- World Bank
- United Nations
- RAND
- Congressional Offices
- Major NGOs
- Consulting Firms
Building Practical Career Skills
MIA graduates on what the program prepared them for.
I spent my summer interning in the consular section of the U.S. embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan gaining hands-on experience with visa processes and exploring the country’s rich history and famous Silk Road cities.
My internship in Government Affairs at the Nissan Motor Corporation was an incredible experience. Getting to apply the knowledge and skills learned at the Bush School to a major corporate setting was an invaluable opportunity.
My time at Middlebury College’s School of Russian was incredibly rewarding. I was able to utilize the skills and tools I’ve acquired at the Bush School, to excel in my program and finish the summer with competency in a new language!
Career Paths Within International Affairs
MIA graduates pursue different paths within international affairs. Explore the routes most common for our students.
Federal National Security
State Department, CIA, Department of Defense, intelligence community.
International Development
USAID, multilateral institutions, development banks, NGOs.
Private Sector and Consulting
International risk advisory, corporate strategy, consulting firms with public-sector practices.
Built for Federal Hiring, Built for the Long Game
Career Services helps MIA students find internships, prepare for security clearances, navigate the federal hiring timeline, and land in roles that match their goals — from your first semester through your first job and beyond.
Connect with Career ServicesContinue Exploring
Learn more about the MIA program, see where other Bush School graduates are working, or take the next step.
Curriculum, tracks, and faculty.
See where graduates from the MPSA, EMPSA, MIP, and other Bush School programs go.
MIA application deadlines, requirements, and process.