Georgia Tech's Master of Science in International Affairs, Science, and Technology (IAST) prepares you to make an impact where science and international affairs meet, in areas such as nuclear security, clean energy, and space exploration.
IAST is the most technical master’s degree at the Nunn School, with a curriculum emphasizing data analysis, classification, taxonomy, and visualization. Courses cover topics including nuclear energy, information and communication technologies, cybersecurity, disruptive technologies, arms control, and space policy.
You will learn to:
- Provide thoughtful, data-driven analysis on the most pressing issues facing policymakers, technologists, analysts, NGOs, and the military today
- Shape emerging technologies in intelligence and security, foreign policy, diplomacy, innovation, space policy, AI, and energy security
- Use large language models, run geopolitical simulations, forecast scenarios, and collaborate with scientists and engineers
The Nunn School is home to the largest concentration of social scientists studying space and the largest concentration of social scientists studying nuclear, chemical, and biological nonproliferation at any U.S. university.
Graduates pursue project management and consulting roles in national labs or the private sector.
Curriculum
The M.S. in International Affairs, Science, and Technology is a 10-course, 30-credit-hour program. It takes on year to complete. There are no prerequisites, and no thesis is required. The curriculum includes four core courses, three electives in international affairs, science, and technology, and three free science and technology electives.
Core Courses
Empirical Methods
International Relations Theory
Science, Technology, and International Affairs I
Science, Technology, and International Affairs II
International Affairs, Science, and Technology Electives
These include courses such as data analytics and security, space policy, and modeling, simulation, and military gaming.
Free Science and Technology Electives
Three science and technology electives are decided in consultation with your academic advisor. STEM-focused electives are strongly encouraged.
We also offer independent study courses with faculty members to explore areas of your interest through self-directed work.
Read more about our courses and those offered throughout the Institute in the Georgia Tech Course Catalog.
To be considered for assistantships and fellowships, the priority admissions deadline for the M.S. in International Affairs, Science, and Technology is Jan. 15. All international students must apply by Jan. 15 as well. Applications received after Jan. 15 will be considered on a rolling and space-available admissions basis through Apr. 1.