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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 Admissions Events

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. 

MAIA Student Photo

Explore the flexible, research-focused MAIA program, with options to study at SAIS Europe or partner universities worldwide. Watch the video to learn more!

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

View All Faculty

In the News

What Could End the War in Ukraine?

The New Yorker, May 30, 2025

The European Union Agrees to Lift Most Sanctions on Syria to Help It Recover Following Years of Civil War.

Al Jazeera, May 22, 2025

How the Settlers Captured the Israeli State

Community Conflicted Podcast, May 21, 2025

European Leaders Rattled After Trump-Putin Call Does Not Advance Ukraine Peace Talks

WBUR, May 20, 2025

Misinformation and Fake News Stirring Unrest in Syria as People Rely on Social Media Platforms

Al Jazeera, May 18, 2025

What Ukraine and Russia are Negotiating in Turkey

CNAS, May 16, 2025

srael-Turkiye Talks

Al Jazeera, May 12, 2025

The Strategic Illogic of Israel's Actions in Syria

The New Arab, May 12, 2025

Why is Israel Escalating its Strikes Against Syria

RUSI, May 9, 2025

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.

96% of the one-year and two-year Master of Arts in International Affairs graduates from the Classes of 2020-2024 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 a survey of MAIA students from the classes of 2020-2024, including graduates from August, December, and May, the outcomes represent 89% of the population.

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.

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

Sumaya Elkashif

Building Bridges Through Diplomacy: A Journey in International Affairs and Human Rights

I’ve always wanted to do my master’s abroad, and I researched SAIS since my freshman year at Howard. SAIS offered me a top-tier international affairs program that I could personalize to my interests, and it gave me an international experience in Italy. I knew that SAIS Europe could shape me, and that I could shape it.

View Story

All Student Stories

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