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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

International Affairs

Master's

The Master of Arts in International Affairs is a challenging and interdisciplinary program dedicated to preparing tomorrow's global citizens and leaders.

Program curriculum Explore College of Social Sciences & Humanities
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Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
1 - 2 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
Yes
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Program overview

Future global leaders

The Master of Arts in International Affairs is an interdisciplinary graduate program dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s global citizens.

Spanning several social sciences and humanities, our courses are taught by leading scholars who research democratization, gender, globalization, ethnic conflict and cooperation, human rights and international law, international relations, social activism, and social justice—among other topics. The program is designed to respond to the increasing demand, evident in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors for professionals equipped with the substantive, analytic, and methodological skills needed to address a wide array of issues facing societies and organizations across the globe.

  • Choose from global and regional electives and specialize your learning in one of two tracks—Globalization, Development, and Social Justice or International Public Policy.
  • Students have access to 16 of the top research libraries.
  • Graduates leave prepared to work in government offices and agencies, human rights organizations, and other nongovernmental organizations.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.


Fall Term

Final deadline for international applicants:June 15
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international):August 15
Deadline for special student applicants (non-international only):August 15

Spring Term

Final deadline for international applicants:October 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international):December 15
Final deadline for Special Student applicants (non-international only):December 15

  • Application

  • Application fee

  • Personal statement

  • Resumé

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the

      FCE requirements

      by country.)

  • English proficiency for international applicants

  • Standardized test scores such as the GRE are not required for master's degree applicants to the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. However, such test scores may be helpful for applicants with little or no experience beyond undergraduate school.

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Students are instructed with a holistic approach to enhancing our understanding of the world. Coursework spans cross-disciplinary analytical competencies and is grounded in real-world examples.

Use-inspired research

Collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking, use-inspired research in class and in our research centers-The Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, The Social Impact Lab, and the Boston Area Research Initiative.

Opportunities abroad

Students can participate in a one-semester exchange program with the Universiteit van Amsterdam or KU Leuven. This academic, research-oriented opportunity will be complementary to our professionally focused Master of Arts in International Affairs Program.

In-class case studies

Professors integrate case studies, small group exercises, and applied projects into the classroom to add a real-world perspective to the coursework.

Specialized learning tracks

Pursue courses in Globalization, Development, and Social Justice or International Public Policy to align your degree with your goals.

Market outlook
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Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $52,056 - $54,948
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

Total Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.

Studying in Boston

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Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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