Curriculum
Learn across disciplines, connect across borders
The Master of Global Affairs (MGA) is a full-time, two-year professional degree program that connects theory, practice and policy. You’ll gain broad interdisciplinary training in global affairs, specialized expertise in your chosen concentration, and hands-on experience through a fully-funded field placement.
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Learn alongside world-renowned experts
From the former president of Oxfam America to a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, your professors bring expertise from the highest levels of government, business and civil society to bear on classroom discussions. Faculty also share their expertise outside the classroom by mentoring and working closely with student research assistants.
In addition to Notre Dame’s top-tier faculty, you’ll learn from prominent visitors to campus—CEOs of nonprofits, diplomats and other government officials, and world leaders such as Ban Ki-moon, Samantha Power, Muhammad Yunus, Beatrice Fihn and Denis McDonough.
Explore the MGA curriculum
Degree Requirements
- 46 credit hours of graduate level coursework
- full-time, residential enrollment (at least 9 credits/semester)
- a curricular practicum and final project that includes a fully funded field experience
Core Curriculum
12 credit hours
Foundational courses present an integrative understanding of global affairs and provide you with a breadth of knowledge on different approaches and topics. You will learn to view issues from multiple perspectives and to work across disciplines alongside colleagues from across the world.
- Integral Human Development (3 credits | Semester 1)
- Economics of Growth and Development (3 credits | Semester 2)
- One approved Research Methods course (3 credits)
- One approved Global Politics course (3 credits)
Note: In some cases, required courses within your major may fulfill the research methods or global politics requirement.
Electives
12-18 credit hours
Where do you want to make an impact? With direction from faculty and the director of your chosen major, major directors, you will select elective courses that help you craft an academic experience tailored to your unique career goals. Select from a rich array of classes offered both at the Keough School and across the University of Notre Dame.
Field Experience
9 credit hours
Students gain real-world skills through their practicum experiences: International Peace Studies majors complete a dedicated Peace Studies internship, while Governance and Policy and Sustainable Development majors participate in the Innovation Lab (i-Lab). Both provide immersive, hands-on learning that bridges research and action. These immersive experiences equip graduates with strategic thinking, data analysis and leadership skills that are highly transferable—preparing them to drive impact not only in public service and international organizations but also in the private sector and beyond.
Major Requirements
12 - 16 credits
MGA students specialize in one of three majors, selected at the time of application. Each major includes required coursework, electives, and a customized field placement.
Dual Degrees
Additional programs are available for students interested global affairs and other academic disciplines.
- Dual MGA/MBA: Students can earn both a Master of Global Affairs (typically 2 years) and an MBA (typically 2 years) at Notre Dame in a total of three years. Students should apply separately for each program. Students may submit both applications at the same time, or apply to one program after having enrolled in the other (either one can begin first).
- Dual JD/MGA: Students can earn both a Master of Global Affairs (typically 2 years) and a JD (typically 3 years) at Notre Dame in a total of four years. Students should apply separately for each program. Students may submit both applications at the same time, or apply to one program after having enrolled in the other (either one can begin first).
- For more information, contact Keough admissions.
Choose your path
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Governance and Policy
For students who seek to design and manage broad-scale programs for global change. Learn about institutional design, organizational behavior, macro-level policy analysis and critical thinking and the management of international and non-profit organizations.
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International Peace Studies
For students dedicated to sustainable peace and justice. Gain practical experience for an internship and prepare for careers in policy analysis, political change, leadership and conflict analysis and transformation that serve communities in complex and dynamic environments.
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Sustainable Development
STEM-Designated
For students pursuing careers as international development practitioners or policymakers. Explore approaches to environmental sustainability, human-centered design,and impact evaluation, while gaining practical experience through project-based fieldwork.