International Affairs, M.A.

International Affairs

Unlock global opportunities and choose from specialized emphases, gain practical experience, with a diverse community of learners.

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International Affairs, M.A.

The M.A. International Affairs degree opens doors to career opportunities in an increasingly globalized world — not only in cities abroad but also right here in Middle Tennessee. Our graduates enjoy professional positions in the U.S. government and military, in business and industry, in higher education, and in the nonprofit sector, and they live in far-flung cities like London, Geneva, and Riyadh, as well as in our own backyard, in places like Huntsville, Clarksville, and Nashville.

About The M.A. International Affairs Degree Program:

Within Tennessee, MTSU's M.A. in International Affairs is the only degree program of its kind. Students in this interdisciplinary program develop applicable skills as well as in-depth knowledge of the theory and practice of international affairs. Within this subject area, students may specialize their studies by choosing an emphasis in:

  • international development, human security, and globalization
  • international security & peace studies
  • area studies, with a country-specific or regional focus (examples: China, Russia, Africa, Middle East)
  • global justice, human rights, and civil advocacy

International Affairs Degree Outcomes:

Highly qualified faculty with expertise in these specialized areas guide student learning and support degree candidates who seek to advance their careers. The program also features a practicum in which students gain on-the-job experience, build their networks, and earn academic credit. Our interns have worked for:

  • government bodies like the State Department and NASA
  • law enforcement entities including the FBI and TBI
  • international organizations like the United Nations
  • nonprofits including the American Red Cross, Free For Life International, and the Tennessee World Affairs Council
  • think tanks like the Cato Institute
  • industry-leading companies like Apple and SpaceX

MTSU's M.A. in International Affairs program emphasizes applied learning, collaborative teamwork, and practical skills useful in many different career tracks. All majors are accepted, and the program can be completed in as little as three semesters. While students are encouraged to develop their language skills, no foreign language study is required for the degree.

International Students:

International students are welcome. Classroom exercises are enhanced by the rich diversity of students from Tennessee, the southeastern United States, and around the world, including but not limited to Angola, Bangladesh, and Brazil.

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Careers
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News Briefs

Several recent graduates from MTSU’s Master of Arts in International Affairs program have turned their education and enhanced internship experiences into career-building professional positions in policy analysis, nonprofits, education, international business, government and more. (MTSU graphic illustration by Stephanie Wagner)

Recent alumni of International Affairs graduate program on the move in government, nonprofits

Several recent graduates from MTSU’s Master of Arts in International Affairs program have turned their education and enhanced internship experiences into career-building professional positions in policy analysis, nonprofits, education, international business, government and more.  “We are excited about where our students go, both after graduating and while they’re completing their degrees — whether it be Atlanta to intern with [ Read More ]

News Briefs

Several recent graduates from MTSU’s Master of Arts in International Affairs program have turned their education and enhanced internship experiences into career-building professional positions in policy analysis, nonprofits, education, international business, government and more. (MTSU graphic illustration by Stephanie Wagner)

Recent alumni of International Affairs graduate program on the move in government, nonprofits

Several recent graduates from MTSU’s Master of Arts in International Affairs program have turned their education and enhanced internship experiences into career-building professional positions in policy analysis, nonprofits, education, international business, government and more.  “We are excited about where our students go, both after graduating and while they’re completing their degrees — whether it be Atlanta to intern with [ Read More ]

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CAREERS

International Affairs, M.A.


MTSU’s Master of Arts in International Affairs program is designed to prepare students for careers and pursuits related to international relations, including but not limited to work in government, nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits, business, education, and intelligence. 

Professional positions held by graduates of MTSU’s Master of Arts in International Affairs program include: 

  • Political Analyst 
  • International Trade Analyst 
  • Business Analyst 
  • Conflicts of Interest Surveillance Analyst 
  • Legislative Research Analyst 
  • Program Analyst 
  • Program Manager 
  • Risk and Financial Advisory Associate  
  • Nuclear Operations Officer 
  • Associate Editor 
  • Grant Writer 
  • Grants Manager  
  • Director of Talent Pipelines 
  • Student Success Advisor 
  • Systems Administrator 
  • Technical Officer

The variety of government institutions, NGOs, nonprofits, and companies that have employed our graduates underscores the wide range of career options open to those with an M.A. in International Affairs from MTSU: 

  • Apple 
  • Argus Media 
  • Austin Peay State University 
  • CapitalOne 
  • Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc. 
  • Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville 
  • Deloitte 
  • Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Investigation 
  • Harmonic Finance, Inc. 
  • IDEASWorld.org 
  • International Labour Organization 
  • King Abdul Aziz University 
  • LCC International University, Lithuania 
  • Leidos 
  • Magellan Provider Services 
  • Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County 
  • Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 
  • Nashville State Community College 
  • NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
  • National Center for APEC 
  • Oasis Center 
  • OneMain Financial 
  • Progressive Corporation 
  • simpliHŌM 
  • Social Security Administration 
  • Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury 
  • Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) 
  • Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) 
  • Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Elections 
  • UBS 
  • U.S. Air Force 
  • U.S. Army, 20th CBRNE Command 
  • U.S. International Trade Commission 
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center 
  • VirtueHire LLC 
  • Zurich North America

Recent graduates also have successfully gained admission to advanced degree programs, including Columbia Law School and Ph.D. programs at Emory University and the University of Kansas. 

MTSU Career Development Center

MTSU’s Career Development Center

MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.  

Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career

Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake

Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides. 

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Financial Aid

A limited numbers of graduate assistantships and scholarships are available in addition to other forms of aid. Applications may be obtained from the College of Graduate StudiesWeb site. The Student Financial Aid Office has information on various kinds of financial aid online.

Academic Common Market

The SREB Academic Common Market is a program that allows students to study in a specialized field at an out-of-state college while paying in-state tuition. Students from such states as Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, West Virginia, and other states in the south may be eligible. For more information, go to: http://www.sreb.org/page/1304/academic_common_market.html.

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