Global Affairs

The Master of Global Affairs program at Rice University is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary graduate degree designed to prepare students for leadership roles in international policy, diplomacy, development, and global business. Through rigorous coursework and practical experiences, students explore complex global issues such as international security, economic development, human rights, climate change, and international law. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and analytical skills, enabling graduates to craft innovative solutions to pressing challenges faced by nations and organizations worldwide. Students benefit from a diverse and collaborative learning environment, engaging with faculty who are experts in international affairs, policy analysis, and global strategy. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research projects, and simulations, that prepare students to operate effectively in international settings. Rice's strategic location in Houston facilitates access to a vibrant international community and numerous global organizations, providing valuable networking and employment opportunities. The Master of Global Affairs program aims to develop globally minded leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding necessary to make impactful contributions in government, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, or private sector entities operating on a global scale. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers worldwide, influencing policy development, advancing humanitarian efforts, or contributing to international business initiatives. Whether students aspire to serve as diplomats, policy analysts, development specialists, or global consultants, the program provides a rigorous foundation and a broad perspective essential for success in the complex and interconnected world of international affairs.

Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Global Affairs degree must complete:

• A minimum of 36 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• The required Internship.
• The required Capstone project.

 FIRST-YEAR CORE REQUIREMENTS
During their first year, students must complete the following 12 courses (18 credit hours) to satisfy the Master of Arts in Global Affairs degree program's Core Requirements:

• GLBL 501 Global Systems I [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 502 Institutions and Development [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 503 Introduction to Statistics for Masters Students [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 504 Quantitative Applications in Global Politics and Policy [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 505 Macroeconomics and the Global Economy [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 506 Macroeconomics for the Global Economy [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 507 Decision Making Under Uncertainty [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 510 Cultural Directions in International Affairs [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 512 International Conflict [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 513 International Cooperation [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 514 The Middle East Cauldron and United States Policy [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• GLBL 515 International Security in a Multipolar World [ 1.5 credit hours ]

SECOND-YEAR AREA OF SPECIALIZATION ELECTIVES 
Students must complete 3 courses (a minimum of 9 credit hours) from one area of specialization. Students will choose their electives according to their individual academic interests and career goals.  No more than 3 credit hours at the 400-level (one course) can be used toward the Area of Study.

International Political Development 

• GLBL 531 Conflict, Cooperation, and Change in World Politics [ 3 credit hours ]
• GLBL 541/POST 501 Energy Policy [ 3 credit hours ] 
• GLBL 553 International Crisis Management in a Multi-Risk, Inter-Connected World [ 3 credit hours ]
• HIST 372 Immigration and the State [ 3 credit hours ]
• HIST 436 America and the Middle East [ 3 credit hours ]
• HIST 572 America in the Middle East [ 4 credit hours ]
• POLI 354 Latin American Politics [ 3 credit hours ]
• POLI 459 Gender and Representation in Latin America [ 3 credit hours ]
• POST 530 The Shaping of Health Policy [ 3 credit hours ]
• SOCI 368 Sociology of Disaster [ 3 credit hours ]

International Political Economy 

• GLBL 531 Change in World Politics [ 3 credit hours ]
• GLBL 541/POST 501 Energy Policy [ 3 credit hours ]
• GLBL 542 International Macroeconomic Policy [ 3 credit hours ]
• ECON 435 Industrial Organization [ 3 credit hours ]
• ECON 437/ENST 437 Energy Economics [ 3 credit hours ]
• ECON 483 Public Finance [ 3 credit hours ]
• HIST 372 Immigration and the State [ 3 credit hours ]
• HIST 436 America in the Middle East [ 3 credit hours ]
• POLI 335 Political Environment of Business [ 3 credit hours ]
• POLI 354 Latin American Politics [ 3 credit hours ]
• POLI 374 Strategic Interactions in International Relations [ 3 credit hours ]
• POLI 466 Parties and Voting Behavior [ 3 credit hours ]

International Security 

• ECON 437/ENST 437 Energy Economics [ 3 credit hours ]
• GLBL 551 Cyberpolitik: International Affairs in Technology & Information [ 3 credit hours ]
• GLBL 552 International Security [ 3 credit hours ]
• GLBL 553 International Crisis Management [ 3 credit hours ]
• HIST 436 America in the Middle East [ 3 credit hours ]
• POLI 373 War and Politics [ 3 credit hours ]
• POLI 374 Strategic Interactions in International Relations [ 3 credit hours ]
• POLI 478 US - China: Conflict and Cooperation [ 3 credit hours ]

NOTE: Courses vary. Some listed courses may not be offered every year, and others may be offered that satisfy the requirements with pre-approval. Students should consult their academic advisors before enrolling and check for any course pre-requisites.

GLBL 519 MASTER OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP (6 CREDIT HOURS)
Students are required to complete a minimum eight-week extensive field experience in which they intern at one of a variety of internationally-based or internationally-focused governmental and nongovernmental organizations, international commissions, embassies, agencies, or corporations. The internship will provide students valuable real-world application of their degree with the goal of facilitating their employment in these organizations. 

GLBL 520 GLOBAL AFFAIRS CAPSTONE (3 CREDIT HOURS)
In the second year, students must select a topic of concentration and pursue in-depth research which delves into the real-world, policy aspects of the topic.   

Foreign Language Proficiency
Students who expect to complete their degree program with a particular regional focus in mind are expected to be proficient in one of the primary languages of that region.  Proficiency is defined as the ability to read and speak the language.  This requirement can be met in one of three ways:

• By passing a language proficiency exam administered by the Rice Language Center.
• By achieving a grade of B+ or better in an intermediate language course at Rice.  Taking this class does not count toward the 36 credit hours total for degree completion.
• By graduating from a high school or university where a language other than English was the primary language of instruction.

• B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited four-year college or university (except Rice students enrolling in their senior year as described HERE)
• Excellent critical thinking skills, communication skills, and leadership skills
• Superior quantitative skills as evidenced by GRE scores, prior coursework, or relevant work experience 
• Application fee: $85
• Statement of purpose
• Professional resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Approved scores from the Graduate Record Examinations
  • Rice University Code 6609
• Approved TOEFL scores for applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive a degree from a country in which English is the official language of communication
  • (Rice University Code 6609) 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Financing studies within the Global Affairs program at Rice University are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the financial mechanisms that underpin international relations, development projects, and global economic policies. Students gain insights into the sources of international funding, including government grants, private investments, and multilateral financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical skills needed to analyze financial flows, assess project viability, and develop strategies for funding international initiatives.

Students are introduced to key topics like development finance, global financial markets, currency exchange, and risk management. They learn how to evaluate the financial needs of countries and organizations, craft funding proposals, and manage budgets in complex international contexts. The program also covers the ethical considerations and geopolitical factors influencing international financing, ensuring students understand the broader implications of financial decisions in global affairs.

Internships and experiential learning opportunities allow students to work directly with organizations involved in financing international projects, providing real-world experience and professional networking opportunities. Scholarships and financial aid options are available for eligible students, helping to offset tuition costs and support participation in study-abroad programs or internships abroad. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in international development organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations involved in global finance. Overall, the financing studies at Rice University’s Global Affairs program equip students with the necessary financial expertise and strategic thinking skills to contribute effectively to global economic initiatives and sustainable development efforts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Affairs at Rice University offers students a comprehensive introduction to the complex and interconnected issues shaping the modern world. The program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of international relations, global political economy, human rights, environmental challenges, and foreign policy analysis. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining insights from political science, economics, history, and cultural studies to prepare graduates for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, or further academic study.

Students in the Global Affairs program engage in coursework that covers a wide range of topics including international security, diplomacy, global economic development, cultural diplomacy, and global governance. The curriculum promotes critical thinking, analytical skills, and cross-cultural competence, which are essential for navigating the complexities of global issues. The program encourages experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and research projects, enabling students to gain practical experience and build professional networks.

Rice University’s faculty members involved in the Global Affairs program are distinguished scholars and practitioners with expertise in various international fields. They provide mentorship and guidance to help students understand theoretical frameworks and apply them to real-world situations. The university’s location in Houston offers unique advantages, including proximity to international business hubs, diplomatic missions, and multinational companies, facilitating internships and collaboration opportunities.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue advanced degrees such as master's or doctoral studies in international relations, political science, or public policy. They also find employment in diplomatic services, international nonprofits, think tanks, multinational corporations, and media outlets covering global issues. Overall, Rice University’s Global Affairs program is committed to developing informed, engaged, and responsible global citizens equipped to address the world's most pressing challenges.