New study tracks merge faculty strengths and top global issues

New study tracks announced by Penn State University's School of International Affairs (SIA) provide graduate students the opportunity to develop general international affairs skills in navigating global challenges and expertise in a specific field. The six new study tracks—International Security Studies; Development Policy; International Education; Dispute Resolution; Environment and Resources; and Humanitarian Response and Human Rights tap into the strengths of SIA's faculty expertise. In addition, the tracks reflect critical areas of global international affairs practice.

“We are very excited to offer these compelling enhancements to students who have expressed both a vocational and academic interest in these study areas ,” said SIA Director Tiyanjana Maluwa who is also the Associate Dean for International Affairs at Penn State's Dickinson School of Law. “Participants can continue to create their own curriculum choosing from dozens of electives, or take advantage of the outstanding opportunities afforded by our new study tracks.” Maluwa emphasized that the masters of international affairs program is designed to equip its graduates with the doctrine and skills required of effective leaders in the global marketplace.
The new tracks capitalize on the strong relationship between SIA and Penn State Law School which are co-located and share a number of law and international affairs faculty members. Faculty leading the tracks include: Richard Butler, Johannes W. Fedderke, Scott Sigmund Gartner, Amy Gaudion, Dennis C. Jett, John A. Kelmelis, Flynt Leverett, Tiyanjana Maluwa, Sophia McClennen , and Catherine A. Rogers.
“The focus of our program has not changed,” said Maluwa. “We are fortunate that our students come from all over the world—more than half of our students are from outside of the U.S. Our goal continues to be to augment the abilities and skills students bring into the program with the capacity to think, communicate, and practice as international affairs experts. Our emphasis is on graduating students with the skills and confidence to begin an international affairs career anywhere in the world,” Maluwa said.
A master of international affairs degree from Penn State's School of International Affairs is designed to train leaders who create, research, and enact global solutions. Through our curriculum, faculty mentorship, career services, and integration with Penn State University, a top global research institution, students can map a program of study that marries their personal interests and professional goals. SIA is an affiliate member of APSIA (the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs).