• International Affairs (MS) 2

    International Affairs (MS)

  • Take the Next Step

  • Contact Us

    Admission Contact
    Merida Escandon Gasbarro
    72 Fifth Avenue, 1st floor
    New York, NY 10011
    646.909.1108
    [email protected]

    Program Contact
    International Affairs Program
    72 Fifth Avenue, 7th floor (Map)
    New York, NY 10011
    [email protected] 
    Phone: 212.206.3524
    Fax: 212.924.1292

  • The Master of Science (MS) in International Affairs is a self-designed modular program designed for students who already have at least three to five years of professional experience in international affairs. The flexible MS structure provides further conceptual grounding in the field, combined with specialized subject-matter knowledge in a given field.

    • Degree Master of Science (MS)
    • Credits 30
    • Format Full-time or part-time, on campus
    • Duration 14-18 months (full-time)
    • Start Term Summer, fall, or spring

    Customized Modules

    The MS program modules draw from programs across The New School in fields such as social research, design, and media. Students customize their course of study by choosing one of the Subject Modules, through which students gain in-depth, substantive knowledge of a particular thematic area of professional interest. They also choose one of the Critical Tools and Analysis Modules to develop specific applied skills in preparation for professional careers. 

    There are dozens of potential module combinations. Examples of strategic pairings, just to name a few, include:

    • Humanitarianism + Geographic Information Systems

    • Global Advocacy + Media Production

    • Cities and Sustainable Development + Community and Engagement and Participation

    • Development Policy + Economic Analysis

    You can also design your own modules in consultation with academic advisors.

    Curriculum

    The MS program combines two core courses and two module selections (spanning five classes) with a range of electives and opportunities for social research and hands-on experience.

    Courses

    Credits

    NINT 5001 Global Flows3
    NINT 5000 Theories, Histories, and Practices of Development3
    Subject Module (three courses)9
    Critical Tools and Analysis Module (two courses)6
    An elective3
    Capstone Project6
    Total30

    Core Courses

    All MS students take two required core courses that provide a critical and historical introduction to key concepts in international affairs. Global Flows is an analysis of globalization from the colonial era through the present. Theories, Histories, and Practices of Development examines basic concepts, practices, and issues of development. 

    Modules

    Each student selects one module from each of the two categories: one Subject Module (9 credits) and one Critical Tools and Analysis Module (6 credits).

    International Field Program and UN Summer Study

    Students can earn up to six credits toward their MS through these experiential-learning programs:

    • The International Field Program provides field experience with a local or international organization in another country under academic supervision. Past sites have included Cuba, India, Kosovo, China, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Argentina, Hong Kong, Colombia, Brazil, Lebanon, Turkey, and Nepal. New sites are frequently developed.

    • The United Nations Summer Study offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in consultancy work with the UN system through a summer intensive curriculum based in New York City.

    Electives

    International Affairs offers a selection of elective courses that range from general surveys to advanced research seminars to practice-oriented courses. MS students can take electives offered by International Affairs or by other New School graduate programs in fields such as design, social research, media, and many others. 

    Capstone Project

    All MS students must complete a capstone project — either a thesis, a research portfolio, a practicum, or a practice-based portfolio. Students choose their final project in consultation with their advisor after they have completed 18 credits.

    Graduate Minors

    You can also use your elective courses to complete one of the university's graduate minors, which provide a structured, accessible way to complement your primary course of study with fresh ways of thinking. Your graduate minor is officially recorded on your transcript.

     

  • Take The Next Step

Submit your application

Undergraduates

To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

Undergraduate Adult Learners

To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

Graduates

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

Close