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Home―Academics―Master Degrees―Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA)

Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA)

  • Campus: SAIS Europe
  • Program Duration: Two Years; Full-time
  • Credits: 64 Credits

In this section

How to Apply

Overview

Through this two-year, research-focused degree, you will have the flexibility to personalize your curriculum and focus on the contemporary issues in international affairs of the greatest importance to you and your career interests. You may pursue both years at SAIS Europe or spend one of the two years at an international university that is one of our cooperative degree partners. 

Become an Expert

Deepen your knowledge of international affairs and acquire the skills to address complex global challenges. With Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East as your extended neighborhood, you will gain valuable experiences both inside and outside the classroom.   

What Your Schedule Will Look Like

You will learn under the American system of graduate education and can select courses based on your academic interests.

Pre-Term

Get a jump-start on your studies and meet fellow classmates and professors during Pre-Term.

Sample Courses

  • Intensivel Italian
  • Survival Italian
  • Statistics for Data Analysis

Duration

Mid August - Mid September 

Fall Term

Whether you are interested in building your expertise in economics, on a specific region of the world, or on a specific international affairs issue, you can tailor your studies and select courses from the approximately 35 options taught at SAIS Europe each semester.  If you are writing a thesis, you will participate in the thesis research design workshops in addition to your classes.

Sample Courses

  • Risk in International Politics and Economics
  • History and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
  • Democracy and its Discontent
  • Multiculturalism and the Human Rights of Women
  • Energy and Climate Change
  • Constitutional Development and Democratization

Duration

September – December 

January Intersession

Gain hands-on experience in your field of study by participating in a study trip, or participate in a career trek to meet with company executives and alumni to further explore different career paths.

Spring Term

In the spring term of your first year (for two-year MAIA), continue to develop expertise in your areas of interest by selecting 4 courses. If you are in your second year (or a one-year cooperative program) this semester you will complete your final academic courses and participate in the academic writing sessions. Thesis writers take two courses and focus on their thesis, while the others take two additional courses, one of which includes a substantial research paper.

Sample Courses

  • Topics in International Finance
  • Conflict Risk and Stability in Cyberspace
  • Scenarios for the Future of Europe
  • Rural Development, Gender and Social Inclusion
  • Twin Pillars of the Gulf
  • The Geopolitics of Organized Crime

Duration

January – May

Curriculum

Learn From the Best

Study with world-class experts who are renowned for their scholarship, influence, and networks.

Nina Hall

Assistant Professor of International Relations

Mark Gilbert

C. Grove Haines Professor, Professor of History and International Studies

Raffaella A. Del Sarto

Associate Professor of Middle East Studies

Justin Frosini

Robert Abernethy Adjunct Professor

View All Faculty

In the News

Italy’s new leader faces familiar problems, including fickle voters

In the Washington Post, Professor Gilbert writes about the results of the Italian general elections that occurred this past weekend. He explains that Giorgia Meloni's win has brought fear to the public because, although she claims to no longer be a fascist, her political party descends from neo-fascist ideals.

Far-right Nationalist Giorgia Meloni Elected as Italy's First Female Prime Minister

Mark Gilbert gives background information and analysis in an NBC news special report on the election of Giorgia Meloni.

From Elizabeth II to Charles III: A Triumph of British Ceremonial and Soft Power

David Ellwood discusses the significant contributions Queen Elizabeth II made during her reign, and what may occur now after her passing. In his article published to the CPD Blog, he also touches on King Charles, and his possible continuation of soft power.

Is EU enlargement to Ukraine and Moldova credible?

The Loop published an article co-authored by Professor Anghel which discusses the possibility of both Ukraine and Moldova entering the European Union despite not meeting EU membership criteria. The authors mention previous EU membership promises to the countries of the Western Balkans, however, note that there may be a difference when security of the EU is in question.

Coups in the Kremlin

In a Foreign Affairs article, written by Professor Radchenko, there is discussion on what may occur to Putin in the coming years. With the turns of the war, supporters of Putin are starting to have their doubts on what lies ahead. Will he maintain his position of power? Or will there be a transition?

Russian history professor breaks down Putin's latest speech

After Putin calls military reservists for the front lines of Ukraine and to annex parts of Ukraine to Russia, Professor Radchenko goes on NPR to discuss the meaning of these calls. In the interview Professor Radchenko speaks to how the Russian people are starting to feel directly affected by a war which is for Putin's imperial dreams. The interview then closes off with brief questioning on possible nuclear weapon use.

Italy’s Election Paradox

Professor Erik Jones co-authored an article for Foreign Affairs, where he discussed why a strong Giorgia Meloni would be more advantageous than not. This is because a strong Meloni would be able to pull away from her coalition allies, for example Matteo Salvini.

Francis Fukuyama Predicted the End of History. It's Back (Again)

Published a few months before the fall of the Berlin Wall (and expanded into a best-selling book in 1992), it was an instant sensation, and has continued to inspire debate...In a new book, the political theorist offers a stout defense of liberalism against threats from left and right — and predicts that Ukraine will revive “the spirit of 1989.”

FPI Program Coordinator

FPI Fellow James Borton notes: Signing on to the Law of the Sea would give the US more credibility in curbing Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea

Faculty in the News

Advance Your Career

Our graduates are valued in the global marketplace and known for their ability to address multifaceted challenges across all sectors around the world. Johns Hopkins SAIS alumni–including more than 20,000 graduates–8,000 of which studied at SAIS Europe–will expand your global professional network.

92% of the one-year MAIA Class of 2020 were employed, pursuing fellowships or internships, or had gone on for further study within six months of graduation.*

Recent Employers

  • Bloomberg
  • Center for International Trade Development
  • International Development Law Organisation (IDLO)
  • International Fund for Agricultural Development
  • International Monetary Fund
  • Ministry Economics Affairs and Climate
  • Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM)
  • U.S. Department of State
  • UNESCO
  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
*Based on results of a survey of students who graduated between December 2019 and August 2020. MAIA survey participation rate was 93%.
Employment Outcomes

Build Your Network

Join an influential alumni network of 20,000 Johns Hopkins SAIS professionals working across sectors in 140 countries around the world.

The MAIA combines international relations, regional studies, international economics, and language studies with an academic writing focus and gives complete flexibility to self-design the curriculum based on the wide variety of courses available. Spend two years at SAIS Europe or join one of the cooperative programs with leading international universities around the world and spend one year at each institution.

Master of Arts in International Affairs Degree, Study Trip profile

Throughout the academic year, students have the opportunity to learn outside the classroom during study trips, where they visit a myriad of organizations and meet with individuals who offer unique perspectives on current global affairs.

Master of Arts in International Affairs Degree, Alumni Weekend profile

Alumni return to SAIS Europe each year for the school's annual alumni weekend to share their professional and personal stories since graduating, and to connect with current students.

Alexander Guglia Profile Image

Making the Most of Learning; both Inside and Out of the Classroom

Alexander Guglia, a MAIA Cooperative student from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, discusses learning at SAIS, and how this occurs both in and out of the classroom. Guglia speaks about past events and gatherings that he has been able to join, as well as a future study trip he plans on taking.

View Story

Outside photo of Rebecca

From Nonprofit to Sustainability Consulting: How SAIS Equipped Me to Serve Communities with a Systemic Understanding

Don’t be afraid to pivot. If you don’t like what you’re doing, try something different until you figure out what works.

View Story

All Student Stories

Admissions Events

Check back soon for upcoming events.

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Beyond the Classroom

Through study trips, career treks, and internships, you will gain practical, hands-on experience.

Bologna Institute for Policy Research (BIPR)

Contribute to BIPR - the research division of SAIS Europe. Its purpose is to promote problem-centered, interdisciplinary research in international policy by drawing upon the global network of the school's faculty, students, and scholars.

Student Government Association

Serve as the liaison between the student body and administration, offering ideas for programming at SAIS Europe and selecting guest speakers for the faculty research seminar series.

World-Class Events

Hear groundbreaking research from leading scholars and practitioners at our weekly seminars. Recent sessions have explored topics including the dynamics of commodity economies, push and pull factors in international migration, and Canadian climate policy in a warming world.

Networking Events

Network with alumni and professionals and organize student-led events exploring your area of interest's challenges and opportunities outside the classroom.

More Opportunities