The Master of International Affairs degree program requires one-and-one-half to two years of study and is open to applicants with a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. The program requires no particular undergraduate degree or course work, and students may range from recent graduates to mid career professionals seeking to upgrade their credentials or change career direction.

This program is designed to teach the specific content and skills areas necessary for international exchange. To that purpose, students spend their first year taking a core curriculum of six required courses each addressing separate key areas of international expertise. Once the core courses have been completed, students tailor the remainder of their degree through selected elective courses. Through the core and elective courses, students will acquire a strong intellectual knowledge base and competencies crucial to a professional career in the international arena, including: intercultural communication; leadership, analytical, and advocacy skills; and language proficiency.