All MA students take two core courses that provide a critical and historical introduction to key concepts in international affairs. The first,
Global Flows, is an introduction to globalization from the colonial era through the present. The second,
Theories, Histories, and Practices of Development, examines basic concepts of development and introduces students to major issues in contemporary development thought and practice. Students are required to take Global Flows and fulfill the SGPIA economics requirement before they take Theories, Histories, and Practices of
Development.
MA students fulfill the economics requirement by taking either the
introductory or the
intensive sections of Economics in International Affairs. Students with extensive background in economics may get approval to fulfill the requirement by taking advanced economics classes at SGPIA or elsewhere at The New School.
MA students focus their studies by completing one of five concentrations: Cities and Social Justice, Conflict and Security, Development, Governance and Rights, and Media and Culture. Each concentration includes a foundation course that introduces students to core theories and problems in a particular field as well as a choice from a wide array of electives that connect students to various opportunities for research and practice. Students usually declare a concentration at the end of their second semester. To complete a concentration, students must take the designated foundation course and at least three concentration electives.
MA students fulfill their research methods requirement by taking one of three courses:
- Research Design and Data Collection, which provides a general introduction to methodological theory, research design, and data collection strategies, with an emphasis on qualitative interviews and surveys, analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods
- Qualitative Research Methods, a workshop-based research design seminar that investigates the relationship between topics of inquiry, theory, and qualitative research methods
- Quantitative Methods, which introduces students to basic statistical techniques and the use of data analysis software
Students with prior training in research methods may take advanced courses, subject to advisor approval.
SGPIA offers a selection of elective courses that range from general surveys to advanced research seminars to practice-oriented courses. MA students can take electives offered by SGPIA or by other New School graduate programs in fields such as design, social research, media, and many others. The exact number of electives any student takes depends on the student's program of study.
Students can earn up to six credits toward their MA through both the International Field Program and the UN Summer Study.
The summer International Field Program (IFP) provides field experience with a local or international organization in another country under academic supervision. Past IFP sites have included Cuba, India, Kosovo, China, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Argentina, Hong Kong, Colombia, Brazil, Lebanon, Turkey, and Nepal. New sites are frequently developed. The United Nations Summer Study (UNSS) offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in consultancy work with the UN system through a summer intensive curriculum based here in New York.
All MA students must complete a Capstone Project. Three options for fulfilling this requirement are available:
- Thesis Option: an independent research project conducted with faculty supervision
- Research Portfolio Option: a portfolio on a particular topic that includes two research papers completed in two advanced research seminars
- Practice Option: a team-based practicum for a client organization
Students choose their Capstone Project in consultation with their advisor after they have completed 18 credits.