Prepare to make a global impact and serve a greater cause with a Master of Arts in international affairs and leadership online from Arizona State University. Working in small classes, experienced foreign policy practitioners including ambassadors, generals, U.N. officials and more prepare future leaders to succeed in a variety of roles. Potential positions include foreign service officers (diplomats), national security and intelligence professionals, international organization officials, international development and foreign aid officers, military officers, NGO experts, think tank researchers, human rights defenders, refugee officers and international businesspersons.
Quick Facts
Full-time
30 credit hours
Online
STEM-OPT Option not Available
Students enrolled at an ASU Cintana Alliance Network institution have the chance to start their courses at their home institution and transfer those credits* to finish their remaining years at ASU.
Models available: Graduate dual degree and accelerated masters.
IAL 598: Foreign Policy and National Security Law (3)
IAL 505: Key Issues in Today’s Global Economy (3)
IAL 511: Human Rights and Realpolitik (3)
IAL 598: International Negotiations – Trust but Verify (3)
Required Core (9 credit hours)
IAL 501: Principles of Character-Driven Leadership
IAL 502: The Making of U.S. National Security Policy
IAL 503: Applied International Leadership: Case Studies
Electives (6 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
IAL 560: Capstone
*Transfer eligibility is subject to student performance in bridge courses and Arizona State University transfer requirements.
In this course, you’ll cover the core concepts of character-driven leadership, defined as the commitment to do the right thing, the right way and for the right reasons.
In this course, you’ll learn about the origins and current structure of America’s national security architecture. Using real policy decisions, you’ll exercise the process of analysis, decision-making and translating into action elements of the country’s national security agenda.
Why is it that states around the world frequently 'don't do the right thing' when faced with human suffering at home and abroad?
Graduates are prepared to succeed in a wide variety of international affairs professions.
Opportunities include foreign policy positions at the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Defense, and leadership positions in international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor’s degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in an applicable master’s degree program.
Proof of English proficiency: 79 iBT TOEFL; 6.5 IELTS; PTE 58; Duolingo 105 or equivalent; Global Launch’s online English for Undergraduate Admission or full-time English Language Program (campus or online immersion).
Applicants are required to submit:
Using the letter of intent, applicants should narrate their own leadership journeys and their motivations for further studies in the areas of international affairs and leadership. The letter of intent should describe applicants’ academic and professional interests to date, their reasons for pursuing a master’s degree in international affairs and leadership, and how this advanced degree relates to their specific future goals.
The application review panel also reviews the applicant’s writing skills. The writing sample could be an original essay or previously written research paper, essay, policy memo, or other document that demonstrates the applicant’s writing and analytical skills.
| Enrollment Path MA in International Affairs and Leadership | Credit Hours Completed at Institution | Credit Hours Completed at ASU | Estimated Duration | Total Program Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articulated Pathway (ASU Cintana Alliance) | 12 | 18 | 1 year (2 semesters) | Online: ~$15,253 |
| Direct ASU Enrollment (International student) | 30 | 1.5-2 years (3 semesters) | Online: ~$25,388 |
Note 1: This is an estimate only. Based on ASU 2024-25 published tuition and fee rates. Subject to change for future years.
Note 2: Tuition calculation for Articulated Pathway for MA International Affairs and Leadership is based on 9 credits (Fall), 9 credits (Spring).
| Program Start | Application Deadline | Classes Begin | Tuition Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring start (January) | December 11, 2024 | January 13, 2025 | January 20, 2025 |
| Fall start (August) | July 25, 2025 | August 21, 2025 | August 25, 2025 |
| Spring start (January) | December 11, 2025 | January 12, 2026 | January 19, 2026 |