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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 you will gain valuable experiences both inside and outside the classroom.   

What Your Schedule Will Look Like

You will select courses based on your academic interests.

Pre-Term

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

Sample Courses

  • Intensive Italian
  • Survival Italian
  • Statistics for Data Analysis

Duration

August - Mid September 

Fall Term

Whether you are interested in building your expertise in economics, on a particular 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 Long Thesis, you will participate in the research method course.

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 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) during this semester you will complete your final academic courses. Long Thesis writers take two courses and focus on their thesis, while the others take two additional courses, one of which includes a Short Thesis.

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.

Mark Gilbert

C. Grove Haines Professor of History and International Studies

Justin Frosini

Robert Abernethy Adjunct Professor

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In the News

Why Should Putin Negotiate? If I Were Him, I'd Keep Fighting

The Spectator, October 19, 2024

A Closer Look at the Gaza Casualty Data

Good Authority (blog), December 14, 2023. With Marc Lynch.

The Ghosts of Lebanon

Foreign Affairs, November 14, 2023.

The Political Dynamics of Disasters

Arts & Sciences Magazine, November, 2023.

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, July 21, 2022

Faculty in the News

Advance Your Career

From consultants to entrepreneurs, leaders of nongovernmental organizations to policymakers, Johns Hopkins SAIS graduates put their degrees to work.

94% of the one-year and two-year Master of Arts in International Affairs Class of 2023 were employed, pursuing fellowships or internships, or had gone on for further study within six months of graduation.

Recent Employers

  • Austrian Development Agency
  • Brunswick Group
  • European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
  • Japanese Government
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
  • Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM)
  • S&P Global
  • UNESCO
  • United Nations

*Based on results of a survey of students who graduated in August and December 2022 and May 2023. MAIA survey participation rate was 86%.

Employment Outcomes

Build Your Network

Join an influential alumni network of more than 24,000+ 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.

Myron Sotunde-Adesina

Everyone Becomes Connected One Way or Another

Coming to SAIS opened my eyes to the economic realities of the world.

View Story

Alejandra Flores Renteria

Achieving the Dream of Studying International Affairs in Europe

SAIS Europe Student Body President Alejandra Flores Renteria came to SAIS with the goal of furthering her work in migration policy. She has made great memories along the way. Read her story to learn more about her experience.

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