Graduate Programs
Master of Arts in International Affairs
The Master of Arts in International Affairs degree prepares students for careers in national security, diplomacy, intelligence, international development, and other areas of international affairs. This 30-credit hour professional degree program provides an interdisciplinary academic and practical preparation in geopolitics, international security, international economics, while developing the analytic writing and briefing skills necessary for careers in national service and the private sector.
The Tampa Bay metropolitan area is a nexus of global affairs and national security activity with US Central Command and US Special Operations Command headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, federal agencies with national and global missions, and growing financial and cybersecurity sectors.
The M.A. program develops specialized knowledge and skills through two track options: Security and Diplomacy, or Society and Development. All students take core seminars in international relations and international political economy, a methods course, three classes within their selected concentration, and two elective courses. Students have the option of writing a thesis as a capstone or they can pursue a coursework option to complete their degree by taking two additional electives.
To see the Master of Arts in International Affairs curriculum, please visit the graduate catalog.
To apply, visit the USF Office of Graduate Admissions website.
Admissions
For a listing of complete admission requirements, please consult the Graduate Catalog.
Students must apply for admission through the Office of Graduate Admissions. The MA in International Affairs program admits students in the fall and spring semesters.
*International students should review the Office of Admissions International Students website for additional information and requirements.
*International students are also encouraged to review the Office of International Services website for information on visas, international travel, etc.
Program Requirements
Master of Arts in International Affairs degree requirements can be found in the graduate catalog. Students should adhere to the requirements within the catalog year they were admitted under.
*Students can elect another catalog following the one they were admitted under. More information on this policy, and other policies, can be found in the Graduate Catalog.
Financial Assistance
Each year SIGS hires a small number of MA-level graduate assistants to support its undergraduate classes. This is the only form of financial assistance offered by the department. To learn more about how to apply for one of these positions, please visit our graduate assistantships page.
To learn about other financial assistance opportunities, please visit USF’s Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Graduate Studies Funding website.
Forms/Information
General Information
School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies Graduate Resources
Independent Study/Directed Research Contract
Graduate Catalog Listing
Office of Graduate Studies Forms
Graduate Course Late Add/Drop Petition
Thesis and Literature Review Forms
Master's Thesis ETD Checklist
Graduate Student Supervisory Committee Appointment Form
Request to Schedule Thesis Defense Form
Electronic Thesis & Dissertation Certificate of Approval Form
Electronic Thesis & Dissertation Dates and Deadlines
Thesis Defense Announcement
For further information or questions, please fill out this form.