School of Advanced International Studies

About Johns Hopkins SAIS

The Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (Johns Hopkins SAIS) is a premier graduate school devoted to the study of international relations. A division of The Johns Hopkins University since 1950, Johns Hopkins SAIS is a truly global institution with a permanent physical presence on three continents: North America, Europe and Asia, in Washington, D.C., Bologna, Italy, and Nanjing, China.

Mission and Vision

Defining International Relations for more than 75 Years

For more than 75 years, students have come to the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies to build their professional networks, learn from renowned faculty, train with policy practitioners, and gain hands-on work experience.

The school was founded in 1943 by Paul H. Nitze and Christian A. Herter who sought new methods of preparing men and women to cope with the international responsibilities that would be thrust upon the United States following the end of World War II. Scholars and professionals were assembled to teach an academic curriculum emphasizing international relations theory, international economics, and foreign languages. That education, combined with skills training and experiential learning, would prepare students for impact-oriented work in policy and other sectors. In 1955, a campus in Bologna, Italy was established, and in 1986 the school initiated one of the first Western university programs in the People’s Republic of China in Nanjing.

Today, guided by the vision of its founders, the school’s cadre of expert faculty prepares students for exciting careers across sectors and around the world. With a global alumni network of more than 20,000 graduates, you can be sure to find our alumni taking action in dynamic roles. From private-sector executives to entrepreneurs, leaders of nongovernmental organizations to ambassadors, and international media correspondents to energy consultants, alumni of the school are known for being innovative thinkers and problem-solvers with the economic and policy expertise to address today’s most pressing challenges.

For more information about our faculty view the Faculty Directory.  

Accreditation

Accreditation

The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000. Middle States is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Middle States has continuously accredited Johns Hopkins since 1921 and most recently reaffirmed the university’s accreditation in 2014 following a decennial self-study and reaccreditation process. In addition to the university’s institutional accreditation by Middle States, certain Johns Hopkins schools and/or programs are accredited by specialized accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

International Recognition of Accreditation

The Johns Hopkins University (“JHU”) operates programs in multiple approved locations in the United States, and a few programs in approved locations outside of the United States.  Among the programs located outside of the United States is the Bologna campus of JHU’s United States-based School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).  The Bologna campus was established in 1955 as part of JHU and as an extension of SAIS, it is usually referred to as “SAIS Europe.”  All degrees awarded by any of The Johns Hopkins University Schools (including SAIS) are Johns Hopkins University degrees. No distinction is made between degrees offered in the United States or outside of the USA.

As a U.S.-based and accredited institution, JHU cannot guarantee approval of degrees for employment or other purposes by entities or governments outside of the United States. However, the university will work with students to provide relevant documentation in order to facilitate approval processes.

State Authorization

The Johns Hopkins University is authorized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to operate as an institution of higher education in Maryland, offering educational programs beyond secondary education, including programs leading to a degree or certificate. MHEC is responsible for establishing and enforcing policies regarding the integrity, review, and approval of proposals for new and substantively modified academic programs offered by Maryland’s public and private colleges and universities.

Doctoral Degrees

Master's Degrees

Diploma and Certificate Programs