The Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) is a versatile two-year program that prepares students to pursue a wide range of careers in the field of international relations, including in national governments and a variety of IGOs and NGOs.
The program includes core coursework that covers the fundamentals of international relations scholarship, quantitative research methods, the workings of the global economy, and the practice of diplomacy and negotiation. In addition to core classes, students choose a functional specialization, allowing them to develop in-depth knowledge in their chosen specialty and write a capstone MA paper.
MAIA specializations include Diplomacy, Global Economic Affairs, Security Studies, International Communication and Religion and International Affairs.
Individuals with significant experience as international relations professionals may wish to consider our MA in International Relations (MAIR) program.
MAIA with Specialization in Diplomacy
The two-year MAIA with a Specialization in Diplomacy prepares students for a variety of careers in the international relations field, including work for national governments and a broad range of IGOs and NGOs.
Rigorous core classes train students in the fundamentals of international relations, quantitative analysis for global affairs, economics for global policy, and negotiation and diplomacy. Electives enable students to gain in-depth understanding of the issues most important to them.
MAIA with Specialization in Global Economic Affairs
The two-year MAIA with a Specialization in Global Economic Affairs prepares students for careers in the economic governance aspects of international affairs.
Rigorous core classes train students in the fundamentals of international relations, quantitative analysis for global affairs, economics for global policy, and negotiation and diplomacy. Electives enable students to gain in-depth understanding of the issues most important to them.
MAIA with Specialization in Security Studies
The two-year MAIA with a Specialization in Security Studies prepares students for a variety of careers within the security and intelligence fields.
Rigorous core classes train students in the fundamentals of international relations, quantitative analysis for global affairs, economics for global policy, and negotiation and diplomacy. Electives enable students to gain in-depth understanding of the issues most important to them.
MAIA with Specialization in International Communication
The two-year MAIA with a Specialization in International Communication trains students for careers in an international setting working in journalism, marketing, public relations, and other media fields.
Classes at BU’s College of Communications furnish students with concrete career skills in the media field. IR coursework complements this by enabling students to develop regional or thematic expertise. Students have the opportunity to study and intern in either Geneva or London.
MAIA with Specialization in Religion and International Affairs
The two-year MAIA with a Specialization in Religion and International Affairs explores the ever-evolving nexus of religion and international affairs. This specialization prepares students to work in policy analysis, conflict resolution, and other roles at NGOs, IGOs, and national governments.
In addition to a set of required courses that provide an in-depth understanding the roles religion plays in the world, students select a specific Religious Tradition on which to focus, enabling them to develop detailed knowledge of the issues that matter most to them.
