Global Affairs Hero

Master of Arts in Global Affairs

Your International Career Begins Here

Economic downturns, conflicts in far-flung countries, refugee crises: you know what happens in one region has direct or rippling effects around the globe—signaling a world that is plural and interconnected in every aspect. Norwich University’s online Master of Arts in Global Affairs equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to embark on meaningful work in international settings where multiple actors—from national governments to international corporations and NGOs—interact and wield influence. You will examine the decisive social, cultural, economic, and political issues that define a particular world region, viewed within the context of its own history and geography.

Experience a learning experience unlike any other from the only global affairs graduate program encompassing every region of the world: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and South Asia. Norwich’s flexible online learning platform will put you in touch with students and faculty from around the world, encouraging you to enhance your studies of global affairs. 

Now, you can take a modern, fundamental and practice-oriented education in the study of global affairs. With your Norwich degree, you will build on your previous education in the humanities or social sciences to prepare for careers here or abroad, with international government organizations, NGOs, multinational corporations, the military, security services, international development organizations and more.

You, at Norwich

Learn from expert global faculty—who are dedicated to your career success and will help you tailor your studies to your objectives.

Focus on one of eight world regions, with the only master’s program covering the entire globe.

Study the social, cultural, political and economic issues that define a specific region of the world.

Prepare for careers here or abroad, with international government organizations, NGOs, multinational corporations, the military, security services, international development organizations and more.

Use your unique academic and professional background to enhance your study of global affairs.

Balance school, work and military schedules with a flexible curriculum.

No GRE required

Accreditation & Recognition

NECHE Accredited

 Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

Next Master's Session Start Dates: 

June 2, 2024

September 1, 2024

December 1, 2024

Program & Details

At a Glance

No GRE/GMAT required Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher

 

 

Contact Admissions

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT    
Extended hours available by appointment

Call: 1-866-684-7237    
learn@norwich.edu

Transfer Credits


You may receive the equivalent of up to 12 semester credits for study conducted elsewhere. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as it pertains to transfer credits.
Learn more »

International Admissions


Norwich University welcomes students from all countries who want to study through our online programs. You must complete all steps in the admissions process.
International Admissions »

Norwich Alumni Benefits


Reconnect with Norwich to complete your master's degree. As apart of our alumni community, you are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship and other benefits.
Connect with our advisors »

Non-Discrimination Statement

Norwich University, in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by a NACES approved agency. 
  • If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
    • TOEFL - a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test) is required.*
    • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.*
    • The applicant holds a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college/university/institution in which the primary language of instruction was English.

Please Note:  All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

Application Process

We encourage you to contact an admissions advisor (see below) if you need help at any stage of the application process. You will be required to submit the following items:

  • Application form
  • Official transcript of your undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university, mailed to the address below.
  • Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (TOEFL)

Transcript Links

Mail transcripts to:
Norwich University
College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
P.O. Box 367
Northfield, VT 05663

For electronic delivery, we accept transcripts delivered from Parchment, National Clearing House, and other services if sent to cgcsamt@norwich.edu via password protection.

To contact an admissions advisor:

Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu

Currently the only graduate level Global Affairs program encompassing every region in the world, Norwich's M.A. in Global Affairs provides students with the tools needed to embark on meaningful international work. Some of the key courses are:

IR510 -- World Politics – International Relations
This course lays a foundation for all future studies of international relations and world politics. It explores the dominant theories of international relations, and main trends in world politics. The course addresses seminal changes and developments in modern international politics, especially since the end of the Cold War. It reviews all main theoretical assumptions and world views in the study of international relations. The course also surveys the evolution of the discipline, its various areas of study.

GA544 -- Eurasia
The course explores political, social, economic, security, and international dynamics of the largest landmass of the world, Eurasia. It addresses military conflicts involving the Russian Federation, relations of Russia with its neighbors, nation-building and regional transformations in Central Asia, conflict, security and cooperation in the Caucasus, and changes and initiatives in the Far East. Regional events are discussed in their historical contexts, and such themes as group identity, nationhood, self-determination, and sovereignty and territorial integrity are investigated.

GA546 -- The Middle East
This course lays a foundation for understanding Middle Eastern politics, economics, and culture, among others. It introduces the historical, political, and economic developments in the region, and explores the trend in religious extremism and nationalism within the Middle East. The course addresses seminal changes and developments in the Middle East in modern and late modern times, and it analyzes current regional conflicts and their influence on regional socio-economic and political development. In addition, this course reviews the cultural, political, and economic foundations of the main actors such as nation-states, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental actors, and surveys current events impacting regional relations.

Norwich’s online master’s courses are delivered over 11 weeks at a time, and the typical program completion time is 18 months.

To view additional program details such as course offerings, requirements, and curriculum maps for the Global Affairs program, visit the Norwich University Course Catalog using this link.

Online Master's

When applying for a graduate program at Norwich University, there are two essential factors to consider: what does it cost, and how can you pay for it? There are many ways to get financial assistance and several financial strategies that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. We are here to help you identify and pursue the options that are best for you.

Tuition at a Glance
Credit Hours: 30
Cost Per Credit Hour: $698
Additional fees & discounts may apply.


Financial Aid Resources
Paying for your Education

Quick Info

100%

Online

Courses completed entirely online

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Access the online classroom anywhere, anytime

11.2k

Graduates

Over 11,000 previous online students

Alumni Testimonials

Rob Freas headshot

I would likely not have been accepted into the Army without Norwich on my resume. I am incredibly thankful for that.

Rob Freas

'22 Master of Arts in International Relations

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catherine_murtagh-schaffer image

I didn't choose Norwich; it chose me. I liked Norwich's unique military history, which I thought would provide a different perspective on world views.

Catherine Murtagh-Schaffer

'22 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

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Deborah Yemisi Ayodele headshot

Norwich University has made me a better person. I have gained up-to-date knowledge that I wouldn’t trade for gold.

Deborah Yemisi Ayodele

'21 Master of Science in Cybersecurity

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Edith Koumbairia headshot

One thing I’m grateful for is the opportunity that the online program offers to people like me who would not have pursued a degree without flexibility. I do not regret one bit of my decision to pursue an online program.

Edith Koumbairia

'20 Master of Arts in International Relations

Read Story

You're going to love this experience. It might feel overwhelming sometimes, but you're gonna be supported all along the way, not only by your friends and family, but by your classmates and your professors.

Jackie Gillespie

'18, Master of Arts in Military History

Read Story
Rob Freas headshot

Rob Freas

catherine_murtagh-schaffer image

Catherine Murtagh-Schaffer

Deborah Yemisi Ayodele headshot

Deborah Yemisi Ayodele

Edith Koumbairia headshot

Edith Koumbairia

Jackie Gillespie on a tank at Cantigny Park

Jackie Gillespie

Faculty & Staff

Careers & Outcomes

Career Opportunities for Global Affairs Graduates

The rapid pace of globalization ensures that a wide variety of international career opportunities, requiring specific region knowledge and an understanding of global affairs, will continue to grow. 

Our graduates can be prepared for roles in:

  • International Governmental Organizations
  • Non-governmental Organizations
  • Security and Intelligence Services
  • Diplomatic and Consular Services
  • Foreign Service
  • Federal Agencies
  • Military
  • Multinational Corporations
  • Universities
  • State Governments
  • Aid Organizations: Federal, International
  • Law Enforcement
  • News Organizations
  • High Schools
  • Electoral Campaigns