Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
About the International Affairs Master's at Loyola
Globalization in the form of growing interconnectedness of the world's almost 200 countries and the substantial impact of global forces on our daily lives has increased the need for professionals with advanced knowledge of international affairs.
The MA in International Affairs allows you to explore global problems and interactions from an interdisciplinary perspective that encompasses academic departments and colleges throughout Loyola Chicago. The breadth of curriculum choice allows you to focus on specific areas of expertise and tailor the degree to your interests and goals.
Program Structure
Most full-time students finish the program in 1.5 years by taking a full course load of three classes per semester, for three semesters, and one summer class.
The program can also be completed on a part-time schedule by taking one or two courses per semester at a pace that fits your needs.
Classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Lake Shore Campus on Chicago's North Side, just a train ride from downtown and Loyola's Water Tower Campus.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your eligible undergraduate degree.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for Your Master's Degree in International Affairs?
Loyola University's longstanding commitment to interdisciplinary education and Chicago's reputation as one of the top ten global cities in the world combine to offer a unique urban setting for the advanced study of international affairs.
- A degree designed to be tailored
- Skills enhancement for existing careers
- Internship opportunities with a global focus
- Flexibility to fit the needs of working students
- Leverage our networks and build your own
- Expert faculty with real-world experience
- Expert faculty with real-world experience
The master's degree in international affairs can be focused across a variety of career goals and interests. You can choose courses across much of the university's rich curricula to develop your expertise in specific areas of policy work.
The added international dimension of the degree opens advancement opportunities to already existing careers such as banking, journalism, and social work.
Chicago's status as both one of the most international cities in the United States and a major player in the global economy offers opportunities to leverage Loyola's partnerships with organizations that provide unique and meaningful internship experiences. Examples include:
- Economic organizations
- Consulate-generals representing government institutions from dozens of countries
- International nongovernmental organizations with offices in Chicago
- International offices of city, state, and local government
- Organizations focusing on international cultural issues
- Think tanks
- U.S. government institutions that have offices in Chicago that deal with international affairs
Full-time or part-time completion options, along with classes offered in the evening, allow you to balance educational goals with other personal and professional responsibilities.
Networking and professionalization opportunities and workshops led by our faculty and professionals working in the field can lead to future employment and help you build your professional network.
Faculty members are passionate teachers and dedicated scholars — all classes are taught by academics and policymakers who bring their relevant experience into the classroom.
If your post-master's goal is further education, the program can prepare you for advanced Ph.D. work focusing on international affairs.
Political Science Department
The Department of Political Science specializes in various aspects of politics, including the institutions of American government, constitutional law, political systems in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, foreign policy and international relations, and political theory, past and present. Find stories showcasing current students and graduates from the International Affairs MA program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteDepartment News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the department faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the International Affairs MA program.
FacultyInternational Affairs: Career Connections
The knowledge and skills you acquire in this program can enhance career advancement in your present job and make you competitive for many other employment opportunities including:
Specific job options include:
- Government jobs with the U.S. and other countries at the federal/national levels such as the State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, National Security Agency, the CIA, Department of Homeland Security, and congressional offices in the Senate and House of Representatives
- Careers in international offices of city, state, and local government, such as Chicago's Sister City Program and the International Business Division of the State of Illinois
- Positions with international governmental organizations such as the United Nations system and regional organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the European Union
- Careers with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as UNICEF USA, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Greenheart Travel
- Jobs with non-profit organizations with an international presence that speak to Loyola's Catholic/Jesuit mission, such as Catholic Relief Services and the Jesuit Refugee Service
- Private sector positions focusing on environmental or legal issues for private businesses with international presence
- Careers in international program development at universities, colleges, community colleges and high schools, many of which oversee offices of international programs and study abroad offerings
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the International Affairs MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide International Affairs MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogInternational Affairs: Results and Skills
Specific skills and areas of expertise that can be developed are:
- Critical thinking skills
- Communication and research skills
- Political analysis skills
- Understanding of global political systems
- Specific skills determined by electives chosen, including (but not limited to):
- Knowledge of international higher education systems
- Global strategic communications skills
- Understanding of migration, social justice and human rights issues
- International trade law
- Population health planning and management
- International marketing
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the International Affairs MA totals $34950.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,165.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
The Graduate School Scholarships
Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Graduate School offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the International Affairs MA are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall
Consideration for merit funding: February 15
Final deadline: June 1
Spring
October 1
Please note that applications are not reviewed until the deadline passes. Decisions are typically delivered within 1 month of complete application submission.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the International Affairs MA include:
Official Transcripts
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Admission to the International Affairs MA program requires at least 24 semester hours of undergraduate coursework in political science or related fields.
Statement of Purpose Details
Applicants to the International Affairs MA degree program should submit a statement of purpose, not to exceed two double-spaced pages, describing academic interests and professional goals and responding to the following questions: What specific areas are you interested in taking coursework while pursuing an MA in International Affairs? What relevant experiences have you had that have informed your decision and prepared you to pursue a graduate degree? What are your career goals following completion of your MA?
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the International Affairs MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAYRelated Programs
Masters | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus | Fall, Spring
This program will provide you with powerful preparation for career opportunities ranging from politics and policymaking to education and law, and virtually all points in between. The program offers a solid theoretical and practical foundation in methodological techniques and research design, with training in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
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