International Affairs Program of Study
To earn your Master of Arts in International Affairs you must successfully complete our 40 credit program, which includes 9-12 credits in core courses, 12 credits in your field of concentration, 6-9 credits in elective courses, 3 credits in research methods, and 3 one-credit skills courses. You must also complete a capstone project, fulfill a foreign language proficiency requirement, and have the option of writing a thesis.
Master of Arts in International Affairs Program of Study
- Core Courses
International Affairs (3 credits)
- IAFF 6101 International Affairs Cornerstone
History (3 credits)
- HIST 6030 The Use of History in International Affairs
Economics (3-6 credits)
Choose one of the following:
- ECON 6280 Survey of International Economics
- ECON 6283 Survey of International Trade Theory & Policy
- ECON 6284 Survey of International Macroeconomics and Finance Theory & Policy
Note: ECON 6280 is designed for students who have little background in economics, as it is a broad, foundational course and will be suitable for most students. Students with a strong background in economics, may choose to take either ECON 6283 or ECON 6284.
- Research Methods
Students are required to take a three-credit, graduate-level course focusing on qualitative or quantitative social science research methods. Students may choose from the research methods courses listed on the GW Bulletin to fulfill this requirement.
- Capstone
You must complete a Capstone project as a culminating experience during your final year of study at the Elliott School.
Elliott School Capstone projects provide an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired through your coursework to a current policy question.
- Optional Thesis
If you want to continue to a Ph.D. program or pursue a research-oriented job, you may consider writing a thesis, which is an independent, in-depth research project that takes a year or more to complete. If you choose to complete a thesis, you must do so in addition to the Capstone requirement. Thesis credits will be counted as elective or specialization credits with Program Director approval. To pursue a thesis you need a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and approval from the faculty member you wish to serve as your thesis director. Thesis students also need to complete at least one research methods course.
Thematic Concentrations
Our thematic concentrations will help you acquire broad-based knowledge in one of a variety of fields that impact the entirety of the globe. Thematic concentrations in the International Affairs program consist of at least four courses selected from one of these global issues. Note that “Special Topics” courses may vary each semester. You can find specific course listings for your chosen Thematic Concentration in the GW Bulletin.
Regional Concentrations
Our regional concentrations provide an opportunity for you to take a country or region you are interested in and passionate about and turn it into an area of expertise. Regional concentrations in the International Affairs program consist of at least four courses selected from one of these regional areas. You can find specific course listings for your chosen Regional Concentration in the GW Bulletin.
