Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Global Affairs
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Global Affairs at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed by full-time students within one and a half years. Its core mission is to equip students with an advanced understanding of key geographic, economic, political, and legal forces, institutions, actors, and agencies that shape global affairs. The program emphasizes developing advanced analytical and methodological skills, enabling students to conduct independent research on global issues. Graduates are prepared for careers that demand an appreciation of the interdependence and interconnectedness of the global system and value rigorous empirical analysis.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum includes 12 required credits and 12-18 elective credits, culminating in a thesis, project, or comprehensive exam (0-6 credits). The required courses provide a strong foundation in political science and research methods: "Introduction to Political Inquiry," "Basic Statistics for Social Science," "International Politics," and "Comparative Politics." Elective courses, which account for a significant portion of the program, allow students to delve into specialized areas within global affairs. These may include topics such as "International Organization," "International Protection of Human Rights," "International Political Frontiers," "Advanced Statistics for Social Science," and "Formal Political Theory," among others. Students can also take independent study courses with faculty guidance.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Global Affairs at UB has a strong research focus that emphasizes developing students' abilities to critically assess knowledge claims and conduct rigorous empirical analysis of global issues. Faculty within the Department of Political Science have diverse research interests spanning international relations, comparative politics, political economy, and public policy, many with global dimensions. Students are trained to use various methodological tools to analyze complex data and contribute to understanding global phenomena. The program's culminating experience, whether a thesis or a project, requires students to undertake original research, applying their conceptual, analytical, and methodological skills to a chosen area of global affairs.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Global Affairs program at UB is explicitly designed to prepare students for "globally-focused careers" in international organizations, governmental agencies, private enterprise, and academia. While specific formal industry engagement details like mandatory internships are not extensively highlighted in program descriptions, the curriculum's emphasis on practical analytical and methodological skills directly aligns with industry demands. The university's broader career services and potential connections through faculty networks would support students in finding internships or job opportunities in fields such as diplomacy, policy analysis, international development, human rights, and global governance. The program's vocational focus ensures graduates are ready to enter the workforce with relevant competencies.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Global Affairs at UB is inherently global in its perspective, as its entire focus is on understanding the interconnectedness and interdependence of the modern global system. The curriculum delves into how international, regional, and domestic factors influence relations across borders and with non-state actors. The program explores a wide range of global challenges, including political, economic, and legal features of international relations. As a major public research university with a diverse international student body and faculty, UB provides an environment that naturally fosters cross-cultural understanding and a multifaceted global outlook, preparing graduates to navigate complex international landscapes and contribute to global solutions.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Global Affairs from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the complex political, economic, social, and cultural forces shaping our interconnected world. Housed within the Department of Political Science, this program goes beyond traditional international relations, emphasizing rigorous analytical and methodological training to prepare students for diverse globally-focused careers. Graduates are equipped to critically assess global challenges, conduct independent research, and navigate the nuances of international relations, making them valuable assets in a variety of sectors.
Foreign Service Officer/Diplomat: Graduates can pursue careers with their national government's foreign service, representing their country's interests abroad. This involves diplomacy, policy implementation, consular services, and fostering international relations.
International Development Specialist: Working for international organizations (e.g., USAID, World Bank), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or private consulting firms, these professionals design, implement, and evaluate programs aimed at fostering sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improved living conditions in developing countries.
Policy Analyst (International/Foreign Policy): Graduates can work for government agencies (e.g., State Department, Department of Defense), think tanks, or research institutions. They analyze global political and economic trends, assess the impact of foreign policies, and develop recommendations on international issues.
Intelligence Analyst: For those interested in national security, roles exist within government intelligence agencies (e.g., CIA, NSA). Intelligence analysts collect, evaluate, and interpret information related to international threats, political stability, and global security risks to inform policymakers.
International Program Manager (NGOs/Non-Profits): Graduates can lead and manage international programs for non-profit organizations focused on humanitarian aid, human rights, environmental protection, or global health. This involves program design, fundraising, budgeting, and coordination with international partners.
Global Business/Risk Consultant: In the private sector, graduates can advise multinational corporations on international expansion strategies, market entry, cross-cultural management, and political/economic risk assessment in foreign markets. This role demands strong analytical and cross-cultural communication skills.
International Trade Specialist: These professionals work for government trade agencies, international trade organizations, or private companies, helping navigate the complexities of international trade laws, export regulations, tariffs, and global supply chains to facilitate international commerce.
Human Rights Officer/Advocate: Dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, graduates can work for international human rights organizations (e.g., UN Human Rights Office, Amnesty International), legal aid groups, or advocacy non-profits, conducting research, monitoring violations, and advocating for justice.
International Relations Specialist (Government/Corporate): Many large corporations and government bodies have departments dedicated to international relations. Graduates can serve as liaisons, managing relationships with foreign governments, international partners, and stakeholders, often focusing on public affairs or government relations.
Communications/Public Affairs Specialist (Global Focus): With strong communication skills honed by the M.A. program, graduates can manage public relations, media outreach, and strategic communications for international organizations, NGOs, or global corporations, ensuring effective messaging on global issues.
