Global Affairs

Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for engaging with complex global issues. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, intercultural communication skills, and a deep understanding of international relations, economics, politics, and cultural dynamics. Students will explore a wide array of topics including international development, human rights, global health, security, and environmental sustainability. The curriculum combines coursework in political science, economics, history, and cultural studies, providing a well-rounded academic foundation. Through rigorous seminars, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities such as internships and study abroad programs, students gain practical skills and firsthand international experience. The program also fosters a global perspective by encouraging students to analyze issues from multiple cultural and disciplinary viewpoints. Graduates of the Global Affairs program are equipped to pursue careers in international organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and multinational corporations. They will be prepared to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy, policy analysis, development initiatives, and cross-cultural collaboration. The faculty comprises experts in various fields of international studies, dedicated to mentoring students and supporting their professional growth. With its strong emphasis on ethical leadership, social responsibility, and global citizenship, the program aims to cultivate graduates who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to solving global challenges. Overall, Notre Dame’s Global Affairs program offers an intellectually stimulating environment, innovative coursework, and unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning, ensuring students are well-prepared to engage with the world's most pressing issues and contribute positively to society.

The Master of Global Affairs curriculum gives students options to take courses within the Keough School and throughout the University of Notre Dame. We offer small, diverse, engaged classes and all the resources of a major research university with global connections.

Foundational seminars for all Master’s students address themes central to the mission of the Keough School — including integral human development, ethical reasoning, and commitment to action for the common good.

Core classes in global affairs provide broad knowledge and engagement in critical world issues, while skills and methods classes focus on practical skills needed for success in the global workforce. All students take classes related to their choice of concentration — International Peace Studies, Sustainable Development, or Global Affairs (with various options for specialization).

Integration labs organized around real-world problems draw together theory and practice throughout all four semesters of the program. Working in teams, students engage in close partnerships with leading organizations, practitioners, and policymakers; spend extended time working in the field; and produce a professional-quality project that is presented to professors and students, policymakers and practitioners.

Three ways to approach your Notre Dame degree (choose one)

Global Affairs – International Peace Studies

International Peace Studies builds on the Master’s degree offered for 30 years by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. You’ll join more than 500 master’s-trained strategic peacebuilders — skilled professionals working at all levels of society to build sustainable peace and justice through policy analysis and political change, government and organizational leadership, and conflict analysis and transformation. 

Global Affairs – Sustainable Development

You’ll be prepared for a high-impact career focused on development practice and policymaking in governments; bilateral and multilateral organizations; nongovernmental organizations; and the private sector. Your interdisciplinary training will include strong grounding in quantitative and qualitative methods, equipping you to become a skilled and sophisticated problem-solver addressing critical global challenges. 

Global Affairs – [Choose a Specialization]

You’ll receive multidisciplinary training for a wide range of careers in global affairs, as well as deep, specialized training in an area you create in collaboration with a faculty mentor. You’ll customize your degree to focus on an area of interest such as human rights, international law, regional studies, global religion, democratic politics, migration and refugees, or other areas that match your professional goals.

Skill Development

The Master of Global Affairs curriculum places special attention on the practical skills students need for careers of impact and influence. These and other skills are strengthened not only in classes but also in Integration Labs and in professional development workshops.

• Analytical skills 
• Organizational leadership
• Project management
• Mediation and negotiation
• Advocacy and coalition-building
• Conflict analysis and transformation
• Policy formulation and implementation
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Strategic peacebuilding and reflective practice
• Persuasive writing and effective communications
• Cross-cultural and multi-lingual proficiency

• University of Notre Dame Graduate School Application
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Intent
• Short essay (300 words) for chosen concentration
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts with proof of B.A. or equivalent degree (and English translation if necessary)
• TOEFL or IELTS (for non-native speakers of English)
• Graduate Record Exam (see below for exceptions)
• Application Fee of $75.

Scholarships

All students accepted into the Master of Global Affairs are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship and stipend for living expenses.

When you apply for the Master of Global Affairs, you will be considered for financial support (there is no separate application for scholarships).

The Keough School is committed to attracting the most promising students into the Master of Global Affairs, regardless of their financial background or circumstances, and to ensuring that students do not graduate with debt that would prevent them from having an impact and pursuing their professional calling in public service.

The University of Notre Dame offers a comprehensive program in Global Affairs designed to provide students with a deep understanding of complex international issues and the skills necessary to navigate the global landscape. The program encompasses a multidisciplinary approach, integrating politics, economics, history, and cultural studies to prepare graduates for careers in diplomacy, international development, policy analysis, and related fields. Students in the Global Affairs program engage with a diverse curriculum that covers international relations theory, global governance, security studies, human rights, economic development, and environmental policy. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research projects, and study-abroad opportunities, enabling students to acquire practical skills and real-world experience. Notre Dame's strong connections with international organizations and diplomatic missions provide students with valuable networking opportunities and access to global policy discussions. The faculty comprises renowned scholars and practitioners with extensive expertise in global affairs, offering mentorship and research guidance to students. Additionally, the program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a holistic understanding of global challenges such as climate change, migration, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. Graduates of the program are equipped to analyze complex international issues critically, communicate effectively across cultures, and develop innovative solutions to global problems. Notre Dame's commitment to ethical leadership and social justice is embedded throughout the curriculum, inspiring students to pursue careers that promote peace, justice, and sustainable progress worldwide. The program also offers specializations in areas such as International Security, Global Development, and Human Rights, allowing students to tailor their education to their career interests. Overall, Notre Dame's Global Affairs program prepares students to become responsible global citizens capable of making meaningful contributions on the international stage.