Master of Arts in Global Affairs

The Master of Arts in Global Affairs program at Florida International University is designed to prepare students for careers in the security realm. The program focuses on traditional security issues such as war and peace, nuclear proliferation, surveillance and intelligence, diplomacy, as well as other matters impacted by shifting geopolitics.

Program Summary

The program summary highlights the increasing challenges faced by public institutions and private businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations in managing international security concerns. The track focuses on issues such as human rights, democratization, transnational crime, and business risk.

What You Will Learn

To prepare students for careers in the security realm, the curriculum includes foundational courses necessary to understand current global trends, as well as courses that emphasize policy analysis to deal with numerous security-related issues impacted by globalization. Courses in economics, quantitative and research methods, and writing and presentation skills provide additional academic and professional preparation.

Program at a Glance

• Ranking: Top-40 worldwide
• Program Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
• Course Format: In person one weeknight and all day Saturday at FIU's Modesto Maidique Campus
• 3 Classes per semester: (9 credits)
• Tuition Cost: $31,350
• Application Deadlines - Fall:
  • International: February 15
  • Priority Deadline: June 1
  • Final Deadline: August 15

Year One

• First Semester (9 credits)
  • ISS 6216: Foundations of Globalization (3 credits)
  • ECO 6025: Economic Policy Analysis (3 credits)
  • ISS 6387: Analytical Writing and Presentation Skills (3 credits)
  • Non-credit Professional Development Seminars
• Second Semester (9 credits)
  • ISS 6307: Research Tools for Global Studies (3 credits)
  • Students will be registered by the program in two additional courses from the list below (6 credits)
    • CCJ 6676: Transnational Crime and National Security (3 credits)
    • DSC 6020: Terrorism and Homeland Security (3 credits)
    • GIS 5620: Surveillance, Intelligence, and International Relations (3 credits)
    • INR 5012: Global Issues and Human Rights (3 credits)
    • INR 5066: Global and Human Security (3 credits)
    • INR 5935: Public Security and Governance in the Americas (3 credits)
    • INR 6338: Seminar in Security Studies (3 credits)
    • ISS 5135: National Security Essentials (3 credits)
    • ISS 6132: Intelligence Community Successes and Failures: Policy Implications (3 credits)
    • ISS 6219: International Law and Global Security (3 credits)
    • ISS 6249: Migration, Security, and Globalization (3 credits)
    • ISS 6266: Democracy and Human Rights: From Theory to Practice (3 credits)
    • ISS 6327: Global Security Risks and the Private Sector (3 credits)
    • ISS 6384: Reputation and Crisis Management (3 credits)
    • ISS 6640: Global Financial Crimes (3 credits)
    • ISS 6650: U.S. - Russian Relations and Their Impact on Global Security (3 Credits)
    • ISS 6990: U.S. - China Relations (3 credits)
    • ISS 6993: Economic Espionage (3 credits)
    • ISS 6994: Disasters, Security and Governance (3 credits)
    • REL 5149: Religion, Violence, and Conflict (3 credits)
  • Non-credit Professional Development Seminars

Year Two

• Third Semester (9 credits)
  • PAD 6306: Policy Analysis and Program Planning OR SYA 6655: Program Design and Evaluation (3 credits)
  • Students will be registered by the program in two additional courses from the list below (6 credits)
    • CCJ 6676: Transnational Crime and National Security (3 credits)
    • DSC 6020: Terrorism and Homeland Security (3 credits)
    • GIS 5620: Surveillance, Intelligence, and International Relations (3 credits)
    • INR 5012: Global Issues and Human Rights (3 credits)
    • INR 5066: Global and Human Security (3 credits)
    • INR 5935: Public Security and Governance in the Americas (3 credits)
    • INR 6338: Seminar in Security Studies (3 credits)
    • ISS 5135: National Security Essentials (3 credits)
    • ISS 6132: Intelligence Community Successes and Failures: Policy Implications (3 credits)
    • ISS 6219: International Law and Global Security (3 credits)
    • ISS 6249: Migration, Security, and Globalization (3 credits)
    • ISS 6266: Democracy and Human Rights: From Theory to Practice (3 credits)
    • ISS 6327: Global Security Risks and the Private Sector (3 credits)
    • ISS 6384: Reputation and Crisis Management (3 credits)
    • ISS 6640: Global Financial Crimes (3 credits)
    • ISS 6650: U.S. - Russian Relations and Their Impact on Global Security (3 Credits)
    • ISS 6990: U.S. - China Relations (3 credits)
    • ISS 6993: Economic Espionage (3 credits)
    • ISS 6994: Disasters, Security and Governance (3 credits)
    • REL 5149: Religion, Violence, and Conflict (3 credits)
  • Non-credit Professional Development Seminars
• Fourth Semester (9 credits)
  • ISS 6926: Master's Capstone (3 credits)
  • Students will be registered by the program in two additional courses from the list below (6 credits)
    • CCJ 6676: Transnational Crime and National Security (3 credits)
    • DSC 6020: Terrorism and Homeland Security (3 credits)
    • GIS 5620: Surveillance, Intelligence, and International Relations (3 credits)
    • INR 5012: Global Issues and Human Rights (3 credits)
    • INR 5066: Global and Human Security (3 credits)
    • INR 5935: Public Security and Governance in the Americas (3 credits)
    • INR 6338: Seminar in Security Studies (3 credits)
    • ISS 5135: National Security Essentials (3 credits)
    • ISS 6132: Intelligence Community Successes and Failures: Policy Implications (3 credits)
    • ISS 6219: International Law and Global Security (3 credits)
    • ISS 6249: Migration, Security, and Globalization (3 credits)
    • ISS 6266: Democracy and Human Rights: From Theory to Practice (3 credits)
    • ISS 6327: Global Security Risks and the Private Sector (3 credits)
    • ISS 6384: Reputation and Crisis Management (3 credits)
    • ISS 6640: Global Financial Crimes (3 credits)
    • ISS 6650: U.S. - Russian Relations and Their Impact on Global Security (3 Credits)
    • ISS 6990: U.S. - China Relations (3 credits)
    • ISS 6993: Economic Espionage (3 credits)
    • ISS 6994: Disasters, Security and Governance (3 credits)
    • REL 5149: Religion, Violence, and Conflict (3 credits)
  • Non-credit Professional Development Seminars

Career Guide

Master of Arts in Global Affairs students with a track in Globalization and Security can seek careers in government, human rights, foreign service, politics, business, environment, health, education, and international organizations. Focus areas also include intelligence, national security, communication, public relations, diplomacy, energy and environmental sustainability, international law, legal agencies, development and relief, education, research, tourism, technology, security, law enforcement, and trade policy.

Common Job Titles

• Foreign Service Officer
• Immigration Specialist
• Intelligence Specialist
• International Marketing Specialist
• Research Analyst
• Foreign Affairs Analyst
• Journalist
• Political Analyst
• Lobbyist
• Non-Profit Program Coordinator
• Special Agent
• Consultant
• Analyst
• Diplomat

Popular Employers

• U.S. Department of State
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• USAID
• United Nations
• World Bank
• Raymond James Financial
• Royal Caribbean International
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Human Rights Watch
• Amnesty International
• Homeland Security
• German Marshall Fund
• Hayman Woodward
• Focal Point Data Risk LLC
• Custom Information Services
• Miami Dade County Beacon Council

Skills

• Strong Verbal and Written Communication Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Critical Thinking Teamwork/Collaboration
• Ability to obtain a security clearance
• Analytical Skills
• Program Management Research
• Overseas Experience
• Quantitative Analysis
• Language Proficiency
• Understanding of public policy

Professional Associations

• American Foreign Service Association
• Council of American Ambassadors
• Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
• National Association of Human Rights Workers
• Association of Government Relations and Professionals
• Young Professionals in Foreign Policy

Salary

$25K entry level - $100K senior level

Florida International University

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Overview:

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the only public research university in Miami and is recognized as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. FIU is known for its diverse student body, its commitment to research, and its focus on addressing global challenges.

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Services Offered:

FIU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, and career counseling.

Student Life:

Student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and cultural events.

Campus Resources:

Housing, dining, transportation, and healthcare services.

Technology:

Access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

FIU provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. With over 58,000 students from 142 countries, the university fosters a global and inclusive environment. Students can engage in a variety of activities, including:

Student Involvement:

Joining clubs, organizations, and honor societies.

Campus Highlights:

Attending concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances.

Arts & Culture:

Visiting museums, art galleries, and theaters.

Recreation & the Outdoors:

Participating in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Ranked Programs:

FIU offers over 190 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.

Research Excellence:

FIU is a Carnegie Very High Research institution, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields.

Global Focus:

FIU's location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and international community.

Diverse Student Body:

FIU's student population represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Campus Amenities:

FIU offers a variety of resources and amenities to support student success, including modern facilities, housing options, and recreational opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

FIU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Design

Business and Economics

Education

Hospitality Management

Humanities and Culture

Medicine and Health

Public Policy

Sciences and Engineering

Technology

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Other:

FIU has multiple campuses across South Florida, including the main Modesto A. Maidique Campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, and several satellite locations. The university also boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.