Master of International Affairs

Program Overview

The Master of International Affairs (MIA) program at the University of Albany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy provides a comprehensive education in international affairs, preparing students for careers in governments, non-profits, and international organizations. The program offers a Global Public Management concentration, focusing on organizational and leadership skills for public management careers. Graduates embark on diverse career paths, including diplomacy, intelligence, and program analysis. The program features a modular structure, professional development opportunities, and a capstone project.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Global Public Management Concentration

This concentration delves into the intricacies of organizational and leadership skills pertinent to careers in the public management realm. It is ideally suited for individuals aiming to pursue careers in:

• Governments and non-profit organizations across the globe
• International organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at the regional and global level
Choosing this specialization will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of:
• Strategic planning
• Budgeting
• Accounting
• Human Resource Management
These skills are particularly valuable when navigating international organizations, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and the work of NGOs in international economic development programs, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. You will gain expertise in the practicalities of grant administration, procurement, oversight, and accountability. Furthermore, the program covers challenges of public administration in diverse cultural and political contexts, fostering knowledge sharing and capacity-building for effective governance. You will gain valuable insights into new technologies used by governments and international organizations to enhance administrative efficacy and accountability, while navigating the cultural and political landscape of public administration around the world.

Outline:

Course Structure:

This program follows a modular structure, encompassing a combination of core courses, electives, concentration courses (as per your chosen area of specialization), and a professional internship/career experience. The curriculum also includes a mandatory professional development module and a capstone project.

Core Courses:

• Global Governance
• Economics for Global Affairs
• Quantitative Approaches to International Affairs
• Global Security
• International and Comparative Public Management
• Statistics for International Affairs Managers and Policy Analysts

Electives:

Choose two courses within any international affairs-related subject.

Concentration Courses:

Select three courses specific to your chosen concentration. The available options are:

• Global Public Management Concentration
• Diplomacy and Global Governance Concentration
• Custom Concentrations:
• International Development Administration

Additional Components:

• Professional Development: Practical experience gained through a 400-hour internship in the U.S or abroad.
• Coursework: Evaluation of assignments, projects, class participation, and examinations within each course.
• Professional Internship/Career Experience: Evaluation reports, supervisors' assessments, and self-reflection.
It can be assumed that:
• Courses are delivered through interactive lectures, discussions, case studies, group projects, and presentations.
• Faculty comprises experienced professionals and academics with expertise in the field of International Affairs.
• Students have access to various learning resources, including digital libraries, databases, and research materials.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Upon completion of the MIA program, graduates embark on diverse career paths in organizations such as:

• United States Department of Defense
• Central Intelligence Agency
• National Security Agency
• United States Foreign Service
• United Nations
• New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

Sample Job Titles:

• Diplomat
• Excelsior Service Fellow
• Program Analyst
• Client Relations Analyst
• Legislative Director
• Intelligence Specialist
• Communications Specialist

Other:

• Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option
This allows qualified UAlbany undergraduates to begin graduate coursework in their junior year, saving time and tuition costs. Through its diverse curriculum, practical experience opportunities, and career support services, the program empowers graduates to make meaningful contributions to global cooperation and problem-solving in a variety of sectors and organizations.