Program Overview

Master of International Affairs in International Affairs

Overview

The Master of International Affairs (MIA) program at UAlbany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy equips students with practical knowledge and skills to succeed in organizations with international reach. The program focuses on foreign relations and global cooperation, preparing students for roles in business, government, or the nonprofit sector.

Program of Study

Core Courses

• Global Governance
• Economics for Global Affairs
• Quantitative Approaches to International Affairs
• Global Security
• International and Comparative Public Management
• Statistics for International Affairs Managers and Policy Analysts

Electives

• Choose two courses in any international affairs subjects.

Concentration Courses

• Choose three courses as required for your area of concentration (see below).

Professional Internship or Career Experience

• Pursue opportunities in the U.S. or abroad to gain hands-on experience in the required 400-hour internship.

Professional Development Module

• Develop skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities.

Capstone Project

• Complete a capstone project to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

Concentrations

Global Public Management Concentration

• Emphasizes organizational and leadership skills for public management careers.
• Increases understanding of:
  • Strategic planning, budgeting, accounting, information technology management, and human resource management in international organizations and INGOs.
  • The work of NGOs in international economic development programs, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
  • Challenges of public administration in countries with different cultures, histories, and political regimes.

Diplomacy and Global Governance Concentration

• Prepares students for diplomatic careers as political affairs officers in foreign ministries or international civil servants in the United Nations or other international organizations.
• Increases understanding of:
  • The functioning of international organizations and NGOs in shaping governance and civil society around the world.
  • Political dynamics in key global issue areas such as human rights, development, and the environment.

Global Economic Policy Concentration

• (Currently unavailable)
• Prepares students for careers in international trade theory, financial and monetary theory, emerging markets, development economics, trade policy, financial and monetary policy, banking, and financial sector regulation.

Global and Homeland Security Concentration

• Prepares students for careers in the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, intelligence agencies, federal and state law enforcement, or their foreign counterparts.
• Increases understanding of:
  • Military strategy, defense policy, arms control, and non-proliferation.
  • Security cooperation at the regional and global levels.
  • The origin, nature, and impact of terrorism and unconventional warfare.

Custom Concentrations

• International Development Administration
• Information Technology Policy and Management

Professional Development

• Pursue opportunities in the U.S. or abroad to gain hands-on experience in the required 400-hour internship.
• Develop skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities.

Career Paths

• Forge a new career path or advance along your current trajectory.
• Students who earn the master's in international affairs go on to careers in organizations such as:
  • United States Department of Defense
  • Central Intelligence Agency
  • National Security Agency
  • United States Foreign Service
  • United Nations
  • New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
  • Center for International Development at UAlbany

Sample Job Titles

• Diplomat
• Excelsior Service Fellow
• Program Analyst
• Client Relations Analyst
• Legislative Director
• Intelligence Specialist
• Communications Specialist

Admissions Requirements

• Deadlines:
  • Fall (Priority for Funding Consideration): February 1
  • Fall (Regular Admission): July 1
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: Not available
• Required Application Materials:
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of goals
• Special Notes:
  • This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement.
  • Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.