| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-08-01 | - |
| 2024-12-01 | - |
| 2025-04-01 | - |
| 2025-08-01 | - |
| 2025-12-01 | - |
| 2026-04-01 | - |
| 2026-08-01 | - |
| 2026-12-01 | - |
| 2027-04-01 | - |
| 2027-08-01 | - |
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.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
General Requirements:
- U.S.
- Applicants:
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- International Applicants:
- Baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an institution of recognized standing.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Additional Requirements:
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess the applicant's academic and professional abilities.
- Statement of Goals: A one to two-page statement outlining the applicant's academic and career goals and how the MIA program aligns with these goals.
- Résumé: A current résumé detailing the applicant's education, work experience, and achievements.
Note:
- This program requires an internship or field experience.
- Students with a criminal history may face challenges meeting licensure requirements for certain professions.
EU Home Students:
EU home students are subject to the same general and additional requirements as U.S. applicants.
International Overseas Students Outside the EU:
International overseas students outside the EU are subject to the same general and additional requirements as international applicants, with the following additional considerations:
- English Proficiency:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 100, IELTS score of 7.5, PTE score of 70, or Duolingo score of 120 is required unless the applicant has completed a degree from a recognized institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum English proficiency score may be considered for conditional admission, requiring them to complete an English language program before starting the MIA program.
- Visa Requirements:
- International students are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa to study in the United States.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 100
- IELTS: Minimum score of 7.5
- PTE: Minimum score of 70
- Duolingo: Minimum score of 120
Exemptions:
- Applicants who have completed a degree from a recognized institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
Conditional Admission:
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum English proficiency score may be considered for conditional admission, requiring them to complete an English language program before starting the MIA program.
