The Elliott School of International Affairs Campuses

The Elliott School of International Affairs, located on the Foggy Bottom Campus of George Washington University, offers a comprehensive array of graduate and undergraduate programs focused on global issues, diplomacy, and international policy. At the heart of its curriculum is the Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA), a flexible two-year program that allows students to specialize in areas such as International Politics, Security Policy Studies, International Development, and Global Communication. Core courses include International Relations Theory, Research Methods in International Affairs, and Microeconomics for International Development, providing foundational knowledge in analytical and quantitative skills essential for careers in government, NGOs, and international organizations.

• International Politics concentration: Courses like Comparative Political Systems, U.S. Foreign Policy, and Conflict Resolution equip students to analyze geopolitical dynamics and diplomatic strategies.
• Security Policy Studies: Focuses on Global Security, Cybersecurity Policy, and Counterterrorism, with electives in Nuclear Proliferation and Intelligence Analysis.
• International Development: Covers Economic Development, Sustainable Development Goals, and Humanitarian Assistance, emphasizing poverty alleviation and global inequality.
• Global Communication: Explores Media and International Affairs, Public Diplomacy, and Strategic Communication in a digital age.

Undergraduate offerings include the Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, integrating interdisciplinary studies with language proficiency requirements in languages like Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. Students engage in capstone projects, internships at embassies or think tanks, and study abroad opportunities. The school also provides doctoral programs in fields like Political Science and International Affairs, with advanced seminars on International Political Economy and Global Governance. Specialized certificates in Energy Policy, Human Rights, and Gender and International Affairs complement the degrees. Faculty-led research centers, such as the Institute for Security and Conflict, offer hands-on learning through simulations and policy labs. Overall, the curriculum fosters critical thinking, ethical leadership, and practical expertise to address pressing global challenges like climate change, migration, and pandemics, preparing graduates for impactful roles worldwide. With over 800 students, the program emphasizes experiential learning, including guest lectures from diplomats and policymakers, ensuring a rigorous, policy-oriented education that spans approximately 300 words in depth.