Online Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership

The online master’s in international affairs and leadership is ideal for individuals who are passionate about global issues and who want to make a positive impact on the world. You’ll prepare to become a leader in the international affairs realm.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/22/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

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Why should I get an international affairs master’s degree?

Globalization – the growing interdependence of the world’s economies, populations and cultures – will continue to shift and evolve over time. This happens because advances in technology will defy borders and shape our political and socio-economic environments in ways we cannot yet imagine. Individuals skilled in international affairs and leadership will be essential as today’s businesses and organizations seek to understand the most pressing problems and opportunities of tomorrow through a local, national and international lens.

What will I learn in an international affairs and leadership master’s degree?

 

The international affairs master’s degree offers a unique blend of leadership capacity development and substantive training focused on U.S. foreign policy decision-making, national security, international trade, human rights issues and other key global issues.

Courses are taught by industry experts with practical experience – from former U.S. ambassadors to military general officers – to ready students to become leaders in the international affairs realm.

Gain hands-on international affairs experience

 

This program includes two, in-person, week-long experiences in Washington, D.C. During these experiences, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with a range of foreign policy and leadership experts. You’ll be able to visit with representatives from the U.S. State Department and other foreign affairs agencies, go see Think Tank Row and attend non-governmental organization (NGO) policy lectures, Congressional hearings on international affairs, U.S. Supreme Court sessions, and other public and academic events to observe national policy debates on international issues first-hand.

As an international affairs student, you’ll also have access to the Arizona State University Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab as well as the School of Politics and Global Studies experimental lab.

Does my master's in international affairs say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

International affairs and leadership courses

This program is not cohort-based, which means you can choose to take one or more courses as your schedule permits. You’ll complete unique courses to develop your vision and skills as a character-driven leader in your career and community. Courses focus on international themes for the future and regional issues in key global areas. Electives are taught by former ambassadors and policy managers with deep practical experience in both strategic diplomacy and grass roots engagement in a variety of cultures.


Required

Principles of Character-Driven Leadership


Required

The Making of U.S. National Security Policy


Required

Applied International Leadership: Case Studies


Required

Capstone


Elective

U.S. Diplomacy in Action – the Embassy Country Team


Elective

The Modern Global Economy: Dollars and Sense


Elective

Transatlantic Relations: Does Europe Still Matter?


Elective

Western Hemisphere: Good Neighbors, Tough Challenges


What can I do with a master’s in international affairs?

All students enrolled in the Master of Arts in international affairs and leadership have access to faculty mentors who will help them pursue follow-on fellowships, degree programs and job opportunities following graduation. As a graduate with an international affairs master’s degree, you’ll be able to pursue a variety of careers, such as:

Business operations specialists.

Foreign service officers.

International political economists.

National and intelligence security analysts.

Non-profit coordinators.

Public policy analysts.

Special and tactical military officers.

Learn with award-winning faculty

Our international affairs master’s degree is backed by the expertise of notable practitioners in the field. Our faculty include retired U.S. Department of State Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries U.S. Ambassadors and U.S. General Officers. These practitioners have a wide network of colleagues in senior leadership positions in the U.S. Government and the Administration of President Biden as well as members of Congress, NGOs and think tanks in international relations. See some of our notable faculty members:

  • Lieutenant General Benjamin Freakley.
  • U.S. Ambassador Bill Heidt.
  • U.S. Ambassador David Johnson.
  • U.S. Ambassador Edward O’Donnell.
  • U.S. Ambassador Michael C. Polt.
  • Under Secretary Cathy Novelli.

Learn with award-winning faculty

Our international affairs master’s degree is backed by the expertise of notable practitioners in the field. Our faculty include retired U.S. Department of State Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries U.S. Ambassadors and U.S. General Officers. These practitioners have a wide network of colleagues in senior leadership positions in the U.S. Government and the Administration of President Biden as well as members of Congress, NGOs and think tanks in international relations. See some of our notable faculty members:

  • Lieutenant General Benjamin Freakley.
  • U.S. Ambassador Bill Heidt.
  • U.S. Ambassador David Johnson.
  • U.S. Ambassador Edward O’Donnell.
  • U.S. Ambassador Michael C. Polt.
  • Under Secretary Cathy Novelli.

International affairs and leadership admission requirements

Applicants to the Master of Arts in international affairs and leadership program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Application requirements

Additional admission information

Study at one of the top colleges for humanities research

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$140


million in research expenditures in 2018.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

95+


undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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