Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)

Overview

As the world continues to change quickly, it is essential for leaders to understand how economics, geopolitics, security, and the environment are inextricably linked—exactly what you will learn as a student at Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Become an Expert

We have reimagined the study of international relations and designed a bold new curriculum that allows you greater flexibility to focus on the issues that matter most to you. The Master or Arts in International Relations degree program will prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to tackle the complex global challenges of today—and tomorrow.

Core Curriculum

Build your expertise through a flexible and diverse curriculum, which includes core areas of study examining leadership, decision-making, data analytics, economics, geopolitics, and research methods. You will enroll in six courses (24 credits) within the following core areas:

• Leadership, Ethics, and Decision-Making
• World Order and Disorder
• International Economics (2 courses)
• Data Analytics
• Research Methods

Focus Area 

Functional

• Development, Climate, and Sustainability
• Governance, Politics, and Society
• International Economics and Finance
• Security, Strategy, and Statecraft
• Technology and Innovation

Regional

• Africa
• The Americas
• Asia
• China
• Europe and Eurasia
• The Middle East
• United States

Capstones

Building upon the leadership, economic analysis, analytical conceptualization and reasoning, regional expertise, and real-world problem-solving skills you will gain in the classroom, the capstone component enables you to focus on an experiential learning opportunity that will best complement your professional goals. You will apply the knowledge you have gained from your studies into one of the following culminating projects and courses during your final year of study:

Practicum Projects

Gain in-depth experience consulting for client organizations working to address real-word challenges. Draw on your qualitative and quantitative skills to analyze and identify client issues and make plausible recommendations to address those challenges.

Study Trips

Conduct field research, engage with partner organizations, gain new perspectives on major global issues and enhance your learning beyond the classroom. Recent study treks have taken students to Brazil, Cameroon, the Republic of Georgia, Japan, and Slovenia.

Key Leadership Roles

Participate in a key leadership, activity roles such as international staff rides or symposia or conferences which culminate in an experiential report detailing specific lessons learned and skills gained. 

Practical Research Papers

Author a substantial academic paper based on original research related to your area of interest. This capstone option is usually associated with a seminar course where a student researches a topic and designs, executes, and assesses the end result.

Internships

Augment your studies through an approved internship experience and gain hands-on experiencing in your desired field. (Note: The Offices of Co-Curricular and Experiential Learning and Global Careers will help support internship opportunities but cannot guarantee internships capstones.)

Language Training

Open doors to new professional possibilities through the study of a language. Our robust language studies program, emphasizing current political and economic topics, trains you to achieve proficiency in a non-native language. Students must complete proficiency in a language outside of their native tongues. 

Professional Skills Training