MA in International Affairs and Leadership

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.

Attendance type

Full-time

Credit hours

Study method

Online

STEM-OPT option

Not available

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at ASU offers over 90 undergraduate majors and 140 graduate degrees across 23 interdisciplinary schools and departments. We educate future leaders in language, culture, society, critical thinking and scientific exploration.

Through pioneering degree programs, cutting-edge research and innovative learning experiences, the College enhances communities locally, nationally and globally. With the largest and highly diverse student population at ASU, we foster an inclusive environment that empowers students to make meaningful impacts in society.

ASU degree pathways

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.

Courses at home university

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)

Courses at ASU

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 courses at home institution and Arizona State University transfer requirements.

Featured courses

Principles of Character-Driven Leadership

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.

The Making of U.S. National Security Policy

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.

Human Rights and Realpolitik

Why is it that states around the world frequently 'don't do the right thing' when faced with human suffering at home and abroad?

Career opportunities and applicable roles

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.

Capitol Hill Staff Member

Foreign Service Officer

Human Rights Expert (Non Governmental Organization, Think Tank, USG, etc.)

International Development Expert (USAID, World Bank, etc.)

Military Officer or Noncommissioned Officer in Strategic, Special or Tactical Operations

2025-26 Important dates and deadlines

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