Program Overview
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) program at The Fletcher School is designed for mid-career professionals in diplomacy, foreign policy, security, intelligence, and government ministries who want to accelerate or pivot to new roles in international affairs.
Degree Details
- Degree Type: Master's
- Topic: International Affairs
- Modality: In Person
- Schedule: Full-Time
Program Description
The Master of Arts is a highly flexible, one-year degree for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of global affairs from an interdisciplinary perspective. With the ability to customize the degree to their interests, students examine complex global issues from multiple angles, preparing them to advance their career or pivot to new opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses will I take?
Students can tailor their courses to their functional, regional, and career interests. Students take eight courses, including one course each from each of three divisions: International Law and Organizations; Diplomacy, History and Politics; Economics and International Business.
Is there a capstone?
All students complete a capstone project under the direction of a professor whom they select based on alignment and goals. The capstone allows students to sharpen their analytical skills, build deep knowledge in a specific area of expertise, and create a bridge to their job search. Capstone projects have included business plans, policy memos, case studies, podcasts, documentaries, and academic theses.
Who should pursue this degree?
This highly selective mid-career degree program is designed for leaders seeking to accelerate or pivot their careers in international affairs. Students join a distinguished cohort, sharing classrooms and coursework with Fulbright Scholars, Military Fellows, returning Peace Corps Volunteers, and Clarke, Pickering, and Rangle Fellows, and more.
Can I work while pursuing this degree?
Yes, all of their in-person degree programs can be pursued full- or part-time.
How do our international affairs degrees differ from one another?
- The Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy is a two-year, residential degree program designed for recent college graduates, young professionals, and experienced professionals looking to make a change and explore their interests in international affairs.
- The Master of Global Affairs is an intensive degree designed for more experienced professionals who want to dive deep into one field of study and pursue a comprehensive course load over 16 months.
- The Master of Arts is a one-year, residential degree program designed for mid-career students with at least eight years of experience.
- The Global Master of Arts Program is for mid-career students who want to pursue an online degree.
What kind of research can I do?
There are myriad ways to engage with cutting-edge research during their time at Fletcher. From becoming a research assistant at one of their research centers, to joining the editorial board of one of their esteemed student-run journals (Fletcher Forum, Praxis, and the Fletcher Security Forum), to the work they’ll do on a capstone project. They want students to dive deeply into the ideas and issues that intrigue them.
What kind of professional experience should I have?
The program is designed for professionals with at least eight years of work experience, many of whom are currently active or come from government ministries, the military, international organizations, or private business.
What are the advantages of going to graduate school in Boston?
The greater Boston area is an innovative hub of technology, environmental research, international finance, security, and global healthcare. Whether their career interests lie in biotech, the defense sector, academic research, or starting their own business, Boston has the ecosystem to support them.
Your Global Career
Fletcher’s rigorous, holistic, and experiential education aligns with students' goals while expanding their global network. Their graduates go on to shape environmental policy at leading tech companies, facilitate groundbreaking dialogue with NGOs and governments, and lead defense and intelligence initiatives.
Career Outcomes
- 96% of Fletcher graduates found meaningful placements within 6 months of graduating
- 7,301 internship, job, and fellowship listings from the Office of Professional Development
- 68% of Fletcher graduates find employment in the private or civil sectors
- 281 employer and professional events on campus
Experiential Education
Make the most of their time at Fletcher to expand their professional repertoire, networks, and expertise. Whether organizing delegations to the Arctic Circle Assembly, participating in moot court competitions, or contributing to cutting-edge transnational research, Fletcher empowers students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Hands-on Opportunities
- Competitions: compete with students from around the world in the Fletcher D-Prize Competition, Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Development Challenge, Jean-Pictet Competition, Jessup International Moot Court Competition, and more.
- Simulations: gain high-stakes decision-making experience through the Red Team Exercise or the Army War College Strategy Competition.