Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
Overview
The current global pandemic illustrates that the world is changing quickly and that it is essential for leaders to understand how economics, geopolitics, security, and the environment are inextricably linked—exactly what you will learn as a student at Johns Hopkins SAIS.
Become an Expert
We have reimagined the study of international relations and designed a bold new curriculum that allows you greater flexibility to focus on the issues that matter most to you. The Master or Arts in International Relations degree program will prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to tackle the complex global challenges of today--and tomorrow.
Core Curriculum
Build your expertise through a flexible and diverse curriculum, which includes core areas of study examining leadership, decision-making, data analytics, economics, geopolitics, and research methods. Gain further professional and substantive insights by developing an extensive global mindset through functional and regional focus areas.
Functional Focus Areas
- Development, Climate, and Sustainability
- International Economics and Finance
- Security, Strategy, and Statecraft
- States, Markets, and Institutions
- Technology and Culture
Regional Focus Area
Language Training
Open doors to new professional possibilities through the study of a language. Our robust language studies program, emphasizing current political and economic topics, trains you to achieve proficiency in a non-native language.- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German *
- Indonesian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Persian (Farsi)
- Portuguese *
- Russian
- Spanish
- Italian *
The capstone component enables you to focus on an experiential learning opportunity that will best complement your professional goals. Most capstone options culminate in a significant final report outlining their analysis and recommendations. Capstone options may include:
Gain in-depth experience consulting for client organizations working to address real-word challenges. Draw on your qualitative and quantitative skills to analyze and identify client issues and make plausible recommendations to address those challenges.
Study Trips
Conduct field research, engage with partner organizations, gain new perspectives on major global issues and enhance your learning beyond the classroom. Recent study treks have taken students to Brazil, Cameroon, the Republic of Georgia, Japan, and Slovenia.
Internships
Augment your studies through an approved internship experience and gain hands-on experiencing in your desired field. (Note: The Offices of Co-Curricular and Experiential Learning and Global Careers will help support internship opportunities but cannot guarantee internships capstones.)
Practical Research Papers
Author a substantial academic paper based on original research and related to your area of interest. This capstone option may be associated with a course or one-on-one with faculty advisor will approve the research topic, design, execution, and assess the end result.
Through our world-class partner institutions, you can earn two degrees at once, add a diploma, or study at another institution to gain additional perspectives.
