Master of Arts ⁄ Master of Science in International Affairs

IMG - Michael Cohen Headshot

"Over the past decade, the graduate program in International Affairs has advanced critical social science perspectives on current challenges in global media, development, human rights, urbanization, peace, and security. Our diverse student body forms an active community that combines theory, research, analysis, and practice in the pursuit of social and economic justice. Faculty members contribute insights from both their professional experience and their academic research addressing core problems of globalization."

Michael Cohen, Director, International Affairs

A Top-Rated Program

Named one of the country's top international affairs programs by the Foreign Policy Association, Milano's graduate program in International Affairs (GPIA) offers a sophisticated, critical, and interdisciplinary approach to urgent international questions. Students gain tremendous perspective from their peers, 400 students from 62 countries who are pursuing a Master of Science or Master of Arts degree in International Affairs. The program celebrates its tenth anniversary with a series of events in the 2011-2012 academic year.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives

The master's degree in International Affairs takes a heterodox approach to academics, challenging students to analyze and put to the test various critical theories, including those that are marginalized. Faculty include distinguished authors, human rights advocates, and experts in international development and public health. Students can expand their knowledge and skill set by taking courses from Milano's other master's degree programs in management, policy, and sustainability.

All International Affairs students must select one of five concentrations:

Applied Learning

The GPIA program blends theory, practice, and a commitment to social responsibility. Coursework is supplemented by internships, fieldwork, weekly midday seminars on international affairs, conferences, and other special workshops and talks. Though a foreign language is not required for admission to the program, graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the university's highly regarded foreign language offerings, which are available to Milano students at no charge on a non-credit basis.

International Field Program

Each summer, Milano's International Field Program offers graduate students opportunities around the globe ranging from rural community development fieldwork to internships with international organizations. Students work with humanitarian relief organizations, health and human service organizations, and other institutions ranging from the Asian Human Rights Commission in Hong Kong to Argentina's Ministry of Economy in Buenos Aires to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in Uganda. Participants receive rigorous training in research, data collection, report and grant writing, and monitoring and evaluation, and learn from hands-on experience that can only be gained by living and working in communities. The 2012 GPIA International Field Program will offer seven unique programs– Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Hong Kong, Kosovo, South Africa and Uganda.

Flexible Career Pathways

A Milano degree allows for focused study but prepares graduates to succeed in a variety of industries, including public service, non-governmental organizations, academe, media, and the private sector. Milano's Career Development and Placement Office offers lifetime career services supporting graduates with individual mentoring and career advisement, career workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and networking events with alumni and perspective employers.

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Mandy Goodgoll's studies in International Affairs at The New School have taken her all the way to Argentina and back, put her on the front lines of the struggle for safe water, and given her a new understanding of the power of collaboration. Follow Mandy as she leads The New School's first-ever, university-wide Water Week.