Program Overview

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Master in Global Affairs

The Master in Global Affairs (MGA) is a skills-focused program on an accelerated timeline, designed to give students the tools to advance their careers. This degree is designed for early-to-mid-career professionals in government ministries, civil society, and the private sector looking to advance. Through coursework in diplomacy, global governance, and foreign policy, along with a practicum, the program equips students to solve complex policy challenges at any level.

Degree Type and Modality

• Degree Type: Master's
• Topic: International Affairs
• Modality: In Person
• Schedule: Full-Time, Part-Time

Program Requirements

• Students take 42 course credits
• Required courses:
  • One course each from the International Law and Organizations and Diplomacy, History and Politics divisions
  • Quantitative reasoning: An approved course or passing the equivalent exam
  • Economics: EIB E201 Introduction to Economic Theory or EIB E211 Microeconomics
  • Complete one field of study
  • Skills requirement: Complete a practicum and at least one skills-designated course
  • Professional Development Program: This program provides guidance on all aspects of career development

Fields of Study

Students select one field of study to focus on. The fields of study are:

• Conflict Resolution
• Environmental Sustainability
• Global Governance
• Global Politics
• Human Security
• International Business
• International Economics
• International Law
• International Security
• Technology Policy

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

• Simulations: Gain high-stakes decision-making experience through the Red Team Exercise or the Army War College Strategy Competition
• Competitions: Contend 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

Research Opportunities

• Students can engage with cutting-edge research during their time at Fletcher
• Opportunities to become a research assistant at one of the research centers
• Joining one of the esteemed journals (Fletcher Forum, Praxis)
• Working on a capstone project

Location and Community

• The greater Boston area is an innovative hub of technology, environmental research, international finance, security, and health
• Fletcher’s Medford location provides students with the best of both worlds - connections to a vibrant city and a tight-knit campus community
• Boston was voted the #1 student city in America by QS World University Rankings 2026

Program Structure

• The program can be completed either full-time or part-time
• Designed for early-to-mid-career professionals who want to study on an accelerated, three-semester timeline

Admission Criteria

• This degree is designed for young professionals, ideally with at least two years of experience who want to advance in their careers
• By choosing one field of study, this degree allows students to go deeper into a specific area, while the practicum builds additional expertise through hands-on, real-world experience

Comparison with Other Degrees

• 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

Practicum

• The degree program culminates in a real-world project that broadens students' experience and strengthens their resume
• Students work closely with a faculty advisor and external clients to apply their learning in practice

Specialization

• Students are required to choose one field of study to shape their degree
• This framework establishes an interdisciplinary approach and gives students control over their curricular pathway
• The chosen field allows students to focus on their policy interests and build the skills needed for their ideal career

Featured News

• Explore Fletcher News for the latest updates and insights from experts in the field of international affairs

Program Overview

The Master in Global Affairs is a unique program that offers students the opportunity to advance their careers in international affairs. With its accelerated timeline, skills-focused approach, and interdisciplinary curriculum, the program equips students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Whether students are interested in diplomacy, global governance, or foreign policy, the Master in Global Affairs provides a comprehensive education that prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities.