Georgia Tech's two-year Master of Science in International Affairs is ideal for students who want a broader view of the international affairs field before determining which areas to specialize in.
With four tracks in international affairs and security, globalization and development, comparative and regional studies, and science and technology, this program provides a comprehensive international affairs education with time to explore the topics of your interest and develop STEM-related skills.
The curriculum emphasizes technical and research abilities alongside critical thinking, communication, and public speaking. You’ll gain expertise in data analytics and visualization and learn how to run geopolitical simulations, forecast future scenarios, use regression models, and integrate large language models in your work.
Through courses within and outside of the Nunn School, you’ll also learn the critical skill of connecting, working, and communicating with people from a variety of disciplines, leaving you well prepared to tackle today’s emerging challenges and translate between the tech and policy worlds of international affairs.
Georgia Tech’s M.S. in International Affairs will prepare you for a career in the foreign service, federal or state government, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, or to go on to a Ph.D. in international affairs or related fields.
"Georgia Tech and the Nunn School provided a solid foundation in international affairs along with critical thinking and writing skills that have allowed me to thrive in a foreign policy career. Further, the Nunn School professors, many with technical expertise beyond the field of International Affairs, were critical in developing my understanding of the technological aspects of foreign policy, an asset that has greatly assisted my career."
— Andrew Harris, M.S. International Affairs
Program of Study
The M.S. in International Affairs is a two-year, 42-credit hour, on-campus degree program.
Full-time students can complete it in two years. We also offer evening courses to accommodate working professionals on a part-time basis.
The curriculum includes five core courses, one required technology course, four concentration electives, and four free electives. There is also an optional thesis.
Read more about available courses in the Georgia Tech Course Catalog.
Curriculum
Prerequisites
The Master's in International Affairs is the only master’s program in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs that requires prerequisites. They are microeconomics, macroeconomics, and four semesters of college-level courses in the same language. However, students missing these classes can still apply to the program and take them at Georgia Tech.
Students may also demonstrate language proficiency through an exam via the School of Modern Languages. Speaking English as a second language/entering with TOEFL scores also covers this requirement.
Core Courses
- International Relations Theory and Strategy
- Comparative Politics
- International Political Economy
- International Security
- Empirical Research Methods.
Technology Course
Approved technology courses include a wide range of options across topics as varied as architecture, management, engineering, physics, and more. Examples include:
- ARCH 4420 — Introduction to Design Computing
- COA 8676 — Design and Engineering Databases
- CP 4510 — Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
- CP 6531 — Introduction to Remote Sensing
- CS 4235 — Introduction to Information Security
- EAS 4610 — Earth Systems Modeling
- ID 3103 — Industrial Design Computing I
- LMC 3402 — Graphic and Visual Design
- LMC 3404 — Designing for the Internet
- LMC 6112 — Video Production
- LMC 6113 — Multimedia Design and Production
- MGT 4058 — Database Management Systems
- MGT 6051 — Database Development and Applications
- MGT 6054 — International Issues in Information Technology Management
- MGT 6056 — Electronic Commerce
- ME 6103 — Optimization in Engineering Design
- ME 6104 — Computer-Aided Design
- MUSI 4630 — Music Recording and Mixing
- PHYS 3266 — Computational Physics
Concentration Electives
Students are encouraged to choose two tracks and take two electives in each one. The four tracks in the M.S. in International Affairs are:
- International Affairs and Security
- Globalization and Development
- Comparative and Regional Studies
- Science and Technology
Free Electives
Four additional electives allow students to pursue their interests and build on international affairs topics and skills through courses offered across the Institute. We also allow self-directed work through independent study courses with faculty members.
Apply by Jan. 15 for priority admissions and to be considered for assistantships and fellowships. International students also must apply by Jan. 15. Applications received after Jan. 15 will be considered on a rolling and space-available admissions basis through Apr. 1.