Online Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership
Prepare to make a global impact and serve a greater cause with a Master of Arts in international affairs and leadership online from Arizona State University. Working in small classes, experienced foreign policy practitioners including ambassadors, generals, U.N. officials and more prepare future leaders to succeed in a variety of roles. Potential positions include foreign service officers (diplomats), national security and intelligence professionals, international organization officials, international development and foreign aid officers, military officers, NGO experts, think tank researchers, human rights defenders, refugee officers and international businesspersons.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Prepare for leadership roles in international relations
This program prepares students for careers in a broad range of international affairs fields, while also building character-driven leadership skills to ensure success. You’ll learn directly from our all-practitioner faculty of distinguished leaders who have extensive experience working in the fields they teach. Our faculty includes numerous current and former ambassadors, generals, admirals, U.N. officials, congressional staff, NGO leaders and more.
Working in small classes, engaged and accessible professors share insights into current challenges in critical regions around the globe. Key learning areas include diplomatic tradecraft, human rights, international negotiations, international law and many other subjects designed to prepare the next generation of character-driven leaders.
Gain hands-on international affairs experience
In this program, you’ll have ample opportunities for optional hands-on and experiential learning. One such opportunity is Washington Week in Washington D.C. During this in-person, weeklong experience, you’ll meet with a variety of professionals and institutions working on complex and high-profile foreign affairs challenges. This includes experts from USG agencies, international organizations, foreign embassies, think tanks and NGOs. You’ll also learn about pathways into rewarding careers.
Additional voluntary opportunities you can choose to participate in include:
Will my diploma 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.”
International affairs and leadership master’s courses
This program consists of three core courses, a capstone and various electives. This will provide you with the flexibility to choose courses that align with your interests. Topics you can explore include global human rights, collaborations and issues in the Western Hemisphere, today’s global economy and more. Regardless of the courses you select, you’ll learn from faculty with practical experience in strategic diplomacy and grassroots engagement across cultures. To culminate the program, you’ll complete a capstone in which you’ll identify an international affairs leadership challenge and defend a tangible strategic plan for achieving impact and positive change.
The jobs you could get with an international affairs master’s
Graduates are equipped for an array of fascinating, rewarding and meaningful careers in the international arena. Roles you can pursue include, but aren’t limited to:
Learn alongside experienced professionals in international affairs
IAL's all-practitioner faculty is comprised of noted experts and leaders in national security affairs. They are committed to helping their students succeed by equipping them with the tools they need, mentoring them and helping them network. Our faculty include:
- Lieutenant Generals Benjamin Freakley, Frederick Rudesheim, Vern Findley and John Goodman.
- Professors Caroline Lynch, William Deere, Dr. Lee Voth-Gaeddert.
- Rear Admiral (ret) Margaret Kibben.
- U.S. Ambassadors Kurt Volker, David Scheffer, Edward O’Donnell, Michael C. Polt, Roderick W. Moore, Dan Smith, Lino Gutierrez, Charles Ray and Jim Swan.
Learn alongside experienced professionals in international affairs
IAL's all-practitioner faculty is comprised of noted experts and leaders in national security affairs. They are committed to helping their students succeed by equipping them with the tools they need, mentoring them and helping them network. Our faculty include:
- Lieutenant Generals Benjamin Freakley, Frederick Rudesheim, Vern Findley and John Goodman.
- Professors Caroline Lynch, William Deere, Dr. Lee Voth-Gaeddert.
- Rear Admiral (ret) Margaret Kibben.
- U.S. Ambassadors Kurt Volker, David Scheffer, Edward O’Donnell, Michael C. Polt, Roderick W. Moore, Dan Smith, Lino Gutierrez, Charles Ray and Jim Swan.
How to apply
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.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
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 become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
25,500+
currently enrolled students.
$170 million
in research expenditures in 2022.
23
interdisciplinary schools and departments.
100+
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.
