International Affairs and Leadership, MA

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. International Affairs and Leadership

Gain insights into U.S global policy and leadership in a flexible and innovative online degree program that equips you to be a pioneer in diplomacy, national security, international development, human rights, intelligence and many other fields in the global arena.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA International Affairs and Leadership

The Master of Arts program in international affairs and leadership prepares students for international leadership roles in a dynamic learning environment led by senior international affairs professionals from the public and private sectors.

The program offers a distinct blend of leadership capacity development --- both theory and practice --- as well as substantive training focused on U.S. foreign policy decision-making, national security, international trade, and human rights and other key global issues. Students have regular interactions with world-class professors and practitioners who help them learn how to shape the world in a meaningful and positive way.

The program places a high value on student-faculty interaction and on the learning of practical skills. Core courses are taught exclusively by highly experienced foreign policy practitioners, and emphasize policy debate and assignments that mimic real-world work. The program offers over two dozen electives, allowing students to chart their own path to success. Students even have the option to spend a week in Washington to engage directly with faculty and a host of U.S. and international experts.

The MA program in international affairs and leadership is lifelong community in which alumni, current students and faculty support each other in a vibrant professional network.


At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (IAL 560)

Required Core (9 credit hours)
IAL 501 Principles of Character-Driven Leadership (3)
IAL 502 The Making of U.S. National Security Policy (3)
IAL 503 Applied International Leadership: Case Studies (3)

Electives (18 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
IAL 560 Capstone (3)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. letter of intent
  4. professional resume
  5. writing sample
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

GRE or GMAT results are not required but can be submitted as additional application material. ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Applicants should have a deep-rooted interest in international issues of the future and a desire to influence them through character-driven leadership within the context of an increasingly complicated, globalized world. Ideal candidates have previous leadership experience and plan to devote their careers to working with other cultures and nations across a variety of sectors. While an ideal candidate has previous experience traveling or living overseas or has studied a language other than English, candidates with no prior experience in these areas are also welcome to apply. International and domestic students are encouraged to apply.

Using the letter of intent, applicants should narrate their own leadership journeys and their motivations for further studies in the areas of international affairs and leadership. The letter of intent should describe the applicant's academic and professional interests to date, their reasons for pursuing a master's degree in international affairs and leadership, and how this advanced degree relates to their specific goals.

The application review panel also evaluates the applicant's writing skills. The writing sample could be an original essay or previously written research paper, essay, policy memo, or other document that demonstrates the applicant's writing and analytical skills.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Political Science

Are you interested in politics and public issues in the United States and abroad? Do you see yourself heading to law school, working on political campaigns or serving as a diplomat? Springboard your education in preparation for a wide variety of careers, both inside and outside government.

Political Science Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - International Relations

Turn your passion for change into global impact. Learn about security, intelligence and diplomacy, as well as international trade, law and institutions from faculty experts and policy practitioners. Develop the analytic and communication skills and awareness of global systems to enact meaningful change in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.

International Relations Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - International Relations

Turn your passion for change into global impact. Learn about security, intelligence and diplomacy, as well as international trade, law and institutions from faculty experts and policy practitioners. Develop the analytic and communication skills and awareness of global systems to enact meaningful change in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.

International Relations Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Global Studies

Study how cultures, economics, institutions and social issues shape our increasingly globalized world. Through a global experience or an internationally focused internship, you'll put your learning to work as you help to address current challenges.

Global Studies Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Political Science

Are you interested in politics and public policy in the United States and abroad? Do you see yourself heading to law school, working on political campaigns or serving as a diplomat? Springboard your education in preparation for a wide variety of careers, both inside and outside government.

Political Science Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Global Experience

Students can earn credit towards their MA in international affairs and leadership degree by studying abroad in one of dozens of countries around the globe through ASU World Innovators Study Abroad Program. Students engaged in internships in the U.S. or overseas that are related to international affairs can earn course credit toward their program.

In addition, students can earn degree credit by producing research papers on international topics about which they are passionate. Some students travel overseas to conduct their research.

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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
July 10th
Priority

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
December 1st
Priority


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Career Opportunities

Graduates are making a mark in many fields and organizations, including U.S. government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent corporations.

Career opportunities include positions in:

  • International Rescue Committee
  • JET Program
  • Peace Corps
  • U.S. Congress
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • U.S. Department of State
  • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
  • U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
  • U.S. Small Business Administration

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Learn about online options

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-8563


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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