Master of Arts in International Affairs: United States Foreign Policy and National Security
Washington, USA
DURATION
2 up to 6 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 2,000 / per credit
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* * Rollling applications
Key Summary
Introduction
Gain knowledge and skills for a lifetime of foreign policy challenges
The United States Foreign Policy and National Security (USFP) program will prepare you to be an effective international affairs practitioner. We have designed the program to enable students to step into a variety of jobs that demand the knowledge and analytic skills of a professional with expertise in US foreign and national security policy. Our graduates work in the intelligence community, the White House, executive branch agencies such as the State and Defense Departments, Congress, private sector consulting firms, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations.
Rooted in the wealth of resources the School of International Service provides, the USFP program has a cohesiveness that enables students to find meaningful ways to collaborate with and learn from other students, establish contacts with alumni, and develop lifelong friendships.
Faculty
Our faculty is a mix of scholars involved in cutting-edge research and practitioners who have held senior positions in government, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations. All are distinguished by their commitment to teaching excellence and engagement with students.
Prime Location
USFP offers a master’s degree at a top-ten international affairs school located at the epicenter of global affairs. Strategically located in Washington, DC, the USFP Program brings the nation’s capital into the classroom. The combination of a large faculty all of whom are actively engaged with the city’s various institutions, alumni committed to supporting current students, and student organizations that support inclusiveness and outreach, gives you access to a wide-ranging network of individuals and organizations that will benefit you during your time in SIS and long after.
Curriculum
The USFP program requires 36 credit hours of graduate coursework that can be completed in two years (full-time) or up to six years (part-time). Students study the historical underpinnings, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy; complete a rigorous course of study that features programmatic flexibility with a large number of concentrations through which they can pursue specialized interests; gain experience through practicum opportunities and internships; and learn from faculty experts with international reputations as practitioners or scholars.
Career Opportunities
Top Employers
- US government, such as the State Department, US Congress, and Defense Intelligence Agency
- Private sector, such as Booz Hamilton, SAIC, and Creative Associates
- Think tanks and NGOs, such as Brooking Institution, Atlantic Council, and National Endowment for Democracy
Admissions
Student Testimonials
Scholarships and Funding
Need-based Aid
Awards go to students with demonstrated financial need. AU determines your need based on the information you provide on the required financial aid applications.
Merit-Based Aid (Scholarships)
All students who apply to AU are considered for most merit awards, including Deans' and Presidential, on the basis of their admissions application.
Student Employment
Income from work-study jobs is to be used exclusively for educational purposes. Award amounts vary; hourly wages are determined by the employer and job category.
What you will need
- Financial Aid School Codes (FAFSA 001434 and CSS Profile 5007)
- Parent and Student Federal Student Aid Identification
- Parent and Student Social Security Numbers
- Federal Tax Forms to include W2s, 1099, etc.
- Non-Custodial Parent Contact Information
English Language Requirements
Certify your English proficiency with PTE. The faster, fairer, simpler English test, accepted by thousands of universities around the world. PTE, Do it worry-free!
Program Admission Requirements
Demonstrate your commitment and readiness to succeed in business school by taking the GMAT exam – the most widely used exam for admissions that measures your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Download the GMAT mini quiz to get a flavour of the questions you’ll find in the exam.