Master of Science in Global Affairs

The NYU School of Professional Studies Master of Science in Global Affairs (MSGA) will prepare you for an impactful career across public, private, and non-profit global sectors. Our career-connected, interdisciplinary global affairs program addresses pressing topics that range from sustainability and international policy to resource security and global justice.

Program Overview

As a student of the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs, you'll immerse yourself in New York Cityhome to the United Nations (UN) and many global entitiesand explore current issues in fast-evolving areas such as sustainability, renewable energy, transnational security, corporate social responsibility, human rights, peace-building, gender studies, and international development.

Tuition and Credits

Tuition: $2,785 Per credit, $27,562 Per term (10-12 credits)
Number of Credits: 42 credits

Study Options

Online: may be completed 100% online
Hybrid: choose a mix of online and onsite courses
Onsite: all courses onsite
Study Modes: Full-time, Part-time
Minimum Duration: 18 months

Career Prospects

Job growth: 9%
Median salary: $94.1K
Working and/or in school: 87%
Global CGA alumni: 1,962

Why This Degree?

Learn From Our Expert Faculty

Our faculty members are thought leaders who bring their deep expertise in global affairs and their understanding of critical global issues to the classroom.

Curate a Global Affairs Program That Works For You

The MSGA program is highly flexible. Academic advisors work with each student to shape a program of core courses, concentrations, and electives that work for their own career goals, objectives, and personal circumstances.

Develop Cutting-Edge, In-Demand Professional Skills

Develop skills in research, professional writing, AI, data analytics, risk assessment, international policy, political science, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting, and leadershipall skills in high demand for global affairs professionals.

Expand Your Professional Network

Faculty, alumni, and industry leaders make up a vibrant global network of international studies and public affairs professionals.

Gain Hands-on, Global Experience

Travel for one of our Global Field Intensives (GFI) or complete a consulting project for a leading organization to develop critical career-ready skills. These hands-on experiences enhance your global perspective and build your professional portfolio to give you a career edge.

What You'll Study

Core Curriculum

Master the critical theories and principles of international relations, political economy, and law while using advanced analytics to interpret complex data, anticipate trends, and design solutions for pressing global challenges.

Concentrations

Concentrations in:

International relations
Transnational security
International development & humanitarian assistance
Energy and environmental policy
International law & human rights
The global economy
Global gender studies
Peacebuilding

Specializations

Build out your skill set with a specialization in:

Data Analytics
The United Nations
Global Risk
Emerging Technology

Research Thesis or Capstone

All graduate students complete a final individual or group project that demonstrates their deep understanding and career-readiness.

Where You'll Go

With a degree in Global Affairs, a world-wide range of career paths are open to you.

Where Our Alumni Work

Milken Institute
Microsoft
Human Rights Watch
Open Society Foundations
Department of Homeland Security
United Nations
K2-Intelligence
Teneo
US Attorney's Office
Save the Children
Mitsubishi Financial Group
Patron Capital
EcoHealth Alliance
CIV:LAB
Search for Common Ground
US State Department
Morgan Stanley
US Space Force
Médécins Sans Frontičres

What Our Alumni Do

Senior Policy Advisor
Director of External Affairs
Humanitarian Affairs Officer
Senior Director of Investigations
Global Executive Director
Special Agent
Director of Development
Emerging Markets Analyst
Gender-Based Violence Officer
Political Affairs Officer

Application Deadlines

Fall 2026 Deadlines

Priority 1: November 1, 2025, Decision Release: December 15, 2025
Priority 2: January 15, 2026, Decision Release: April 1, 2026
Regular: May 1, 2026, Decision Release: June 15, 2026
Final: July 1, 2026, Decision Release: July 15, 2026

Spring 2027 Deadlines

Priority: August 1, 2026, Decision Release: October 15, 2026
Regular: October 1, 2026, Decision Release: November 15, 2026
Final: November 15, 2026, Decision Release: December 20, 2026

Real World Immersion

Build your professional portfolio with hands-on Global Field Intensives, consulting practicums, and capstone projects. Collaborate with NGOs, governments, and businesses to tackle complex global challenges.

Alumni Stories

Meet our alumni and see into what exciting careers their MSGA degree has taken them.

Faculty

Learn from our faculty of world-renowned experts in global affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a global affairs master's degree entail?

An MS in Global Affairs includes numerous interconnected disciplines and concentrations, including transnational security, cyber intelligence, global risk, international law, governance, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, gender, economics, development, the environment, energy, and human rights.

What can I do with an MS in Global Affairs?

MS in Global Affairs equips you with the skills, networks, and hands-on experience to tackle urgent global challenges. You'll step directly into roles in diplomacy and multilateral leadership, security and intelligence, corporate strategy and risk advisory, and nonprofit or humanitarian action.

What is the difference between MS in Global Affairs and MS in Global Security, Conflict, etc.?

The 42-credit MS in Global Affairs prepares students for jobs across the global public, private, and non-profit sectors. The MSGA curriculum provides the global insight and contextual perspectives of international affairs that are needed to become a well-rounded professional in the global arena.

How long does it take to complete the MS in Global Affairs?

The MS in Global Affairs is a 42-credit program that offers full- and part-time study options. It can be completed in as little as 16 months of full-time study.

Do you provide students with financial aid?

Yes. We recognize that getting a graduate degree is a big investment. We do our best to help students manage the cost of a graduate education.

Do you have resources to help students get internships?

Yes. Our faculty, graduate advisors, and the team at the NYU SPS Wasserman Center for Career Development are your partners in facilitating internships and career opportunities.

Do I need prior work experience to apply to your program?

No. Prior work experience is not required for applying to our master's programs.

Do you require the GRE?

No, the GRE is not required but you are welcome to submit your score as part of your application.

Master of Science in Global Affairs

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