$2,575 Per credit
$26,520 Per term (10-12 credits)
Become a Global Changemaker with an MS in Global Affairs
The NYU School of Professional Studies Master of Science in Global Affairs (MSGA) will prepare you for an impactful career across public, private, and non-profit global sectors. Our career-connected, interdisciplinary international studies program addresses pressing topics that range from environmental policy and international security to resource crises and diplomacy.
As a student of the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs, you'll immerse yourself in New York City—home to the United Nations (UN)—and explore current issues in fast-evolving areas such as sustainability, transnational security, human rights, gender studies, and international development.
Become a Global Changemaker with an MS in Global Affairs
Tuition*
# of Credits
42 credits
Study Options
Online: may be completed 100% online
Hybrid: choose a mix of online and onsite courses
Onsite: all courses onsite
Onsite | Hybrid
Fall | Spring
Full-time | Part-time
Minimum Duration
18 months
*See NYU Bursar site for more info.
11.5%
Job growth in this degree area
$87,900
Median national salary for this degree
96%
Of our grads working, in school, or both within 6 months
1,962
Global CGA alumni
Why This Degree?
Real World Experiences
Your journey might begin in the classroom, but we ensure that you can learn through experience—rolling up your sleeves and taking your studies to the real world.
GFI to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Students learn about UAE’s success stories with a focus on gender equality and sustainable development.
Learn more About Global Field Intensives
GFI to Rwanda
Learn more About Global Field Intensives
Consulting Practicum: UN Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED)
Students work with the UN’s counterterrorism officials to improve UN counterterrorism strategies.
Learn more About Global Field Intensives
Consulting Practicum: Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP)
Students investigate the challenges faced by women leaders in post-conflict contexts.
Learn More About Consulting PracticumWhere You’ll Go
With a degree in Global Affairs, a world-wide range of career paths are open to you.
Where Our Alumni work
- Milken Institute
- Microsoft
- Human Rights Watch
- Open Society Foundations
- Department of Homeland Security
- United Nations
- K2-Intelligence
- Teneo
- US Attorney’s Office
- Save the Children
- Mitsubishi Financial Group
- Patron Capital
- EcoHealth Alliance
- CIV:LAB
- Search for Common Ground
- US State Department
- Morgan Stanley
- US Space Force
- Médécins Sans Frontières
What Our Alumni Do
- Senior Policy Advisor
- Director of External Affairs
- Humanitarian Affairs Officer
- Senior Director of Investigations
- Global Executive Director
- Special Agent
- Director of Development
- Emerging Markets Analyst
- Gender-Based Violence Officer
- Political Affairs Officer
The above data is sourced from Lightcast
Alumni
Meet our alumni! Get to know some of our alumni and see into what exciting careers their MSGA degree has taken them.
CGA is not just an exemplary academic institution, but an engaging community of practitioners."
CGA is not just an exemplary academic institution, but an engaging community of practitioners."
CGA's malleable program allowed practitioners and leaders to bestow their knowledge at the cost of a more theoretical-based approach."
The program reflected my philosophy of developing dynamic curricula that respond to industry needs and current global issues."
The program reflected my philosophy of developing dynamic curricula that respond to industry needs and current global issues."
I'm proud to be an alum of SPS because of the exceptional CGA community."
I'm proud to be an alum of SPS because of the exceptional CGA community."
The CGA gave me the space to delve deeper into the issues of LGBTQ+ migration and displacement."
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The CGA gave me the space to delve deeper into the issues of LGBTQ+ migration and displacement."
Faculty
Learn from our faculty of world-renowned experts in global affairs.
We can't solve the world's problems with the same solutions we've used in the past."
Carolyn Kissane
Clinical Professor and Associate Dean, Center for Global Affairs
Read Carolyn's Story
We can't solve the world's problems with the same solutions we've used in the past."
Seeing the impact that academic research could have and better understanding the issues practitioners grapple with was rewarding."
Seeing the impact that academic research could have and better understanding the issues practitioners grapple with was rewarding."
Any meaningful peace research must include an action component."
Any meaningful peace research must include an action component."
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a global studies master's degree entail?
An MS in Global Affairs includes numerous interconnected disciplines and concentrations, including transnational security, cyber intelligence, global risk, international law, governance, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, gender, economics, development, the environment, energy, and human rights.
What can I do with an MS in Global Affairs?
An MS in Global Affairs prepares you for a range of professional options in government agencies, the UN, non-governmental organizations, corporations, think tanks, international organizations, and intelligence and security agencies. Graduate students who possess the knowledge and skills to address today’s global challenges are in high demand.
What is the difference between the SPS Master's in Global Affairs and the SPS Master's in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime?
The 42-credit MS in Global Affairs prepares students for jobs across the global public, private, and non-profit sectors. The MSGA curriculum provides the global insight and contextual perspectives of international affairs that are needed to become a well-rounded professional in the global arena.
The 36-credit MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime (MSGSCC) is a STEM graduate degree that provides a unique perspective and a competitive advantage by focusing on cyber conflict through the lens of the social sciences. The program prepares students to enter the fast-changing world of international security. It explores the fields of cyber espionage, cyber criminology, cyber warfare, and intelligence analysis, affording them the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of cyber security policy, while acquiring the skills to develop and execute cyber security and risk management strategies.
Where do your alumni work?
Many of our alums work for non-governmental organizations in the fields of human rights, refugee relief, child health, and welfare, advocacy international development, or foreign affairs. Other graduates work in government, including the US Departments of Homeland Security, State or Defense, the FBI, a mission to the UN, or a multilateral agency. The private sector also attracts graduates for international business, economic development, and data analysis roles.
What is the difference between the NYU SPS MSGA and the NYU MA in International Relations graduate programs?
The difference between the MS in Global Affairs and the MA in International Relations is how classroom learning is applied in the field. The eight MSGA concentrations and four specializations include many courses unique to the MSGA interdisciplinary program. Global Field Intensives (GFIs), internships, and our consulting practicum afford options to apply knowledge acquired at global sites, in the private sector, NGOs, and national and international agencies, such as the State Department and the UN Counter-Terrorism Directorate.
How long does it take to complete the MS in Global Affairs
The MS in Global Affairs is a 42-credit program that offers full- and part-time study options. It can be completed in as little as 16 months of full-time study.
Do you provide students with financial aid?
Yes. We recognize that getting a graduate degree is a big investment. We do our best to help students manage the cost of a graduate education. For more information, please reach out to Financial Aid.
Do you have resources to help students get internships?
Yes. Our faculty, graduate advisors, and the team at the NYU SPS Wasserman Center for Career Development are your partners in facilitating internships and career opportunities.
Do I need prior work experience to apply to your program?
No. Prior work experience is not required for applying to our master's programs.
Do you require the GRE?
No, the GRE is not required but you are welcome to submit your score as part of your application.
