Curriculum & Courses
Connect theory, practice, and policy
The Master of Global Affairs offers a two-year curriculum that connects theory, practice, and policy through a combination of coursework and practical experiences. You will develop critical skills needed to build your career while pursuing your choice of concentration and elective courses within global affairs.
Core Courses: Build your foundation
You will take several foundational courses that present an integrative understanding of global affairs. These courses will provide you with a breadth of knowledge on approaches and topics in global affairs, while also enabling you to view issues from multiple perspectives and to work across disciplines.
YEAR 1
Fall
Integral Human Development — Clemens Sedmak
Economics of Growth & Development — Lakshmi Iyer
Innovative Approaches (i-Lab) — Steve Reifenberg & Tracy Kijewski-Correa
Global Policy Seminar — Sara Sievers, Francis Taylor, Maura Policelli, & invited guests
Spring
Global Actors & Institutions — Tamara Kay & Susan Ostermann
Preparing for the Field (i-Lab) — Steve Reifenberg & Tracy Kijewski-Correa
Research design or methods course
Spring
Amplifying Impact (i-Lab) — Steve Reifenberg & Tracy Kijewski-Correa
Ethics, Leadership & Change — Ray Offenheiser & Caroline Hughes
Global Policy Seminar — Sara Sievers, Francis Taylor, Maura Policelli, & invited guests
Concentration coursework: Develop your expertise
As a Master of Global Affairs student, you will choose an area of concentration. Within each concentration, classes are designed to take you deeper into a specific field, giving you the professional skills and knowledge to address issues about which you are the most passionate.
International Peace Studies
Foundations of Peace Studies — Ann Mische
Strategic Peacebuilding & Reflective Practice — Susan St. Ville
Developing a Peacebuilding Practice (in lieu of i-Lab) — Susan St. Ville
Elective/skills courses
Sustainable Development
Foundations of Sustainable Development — Ray Offenheiser & Sandra Polanía Reyes
Quantitative Methods for Global Affairs (or Elective) — Thomas Mustillo
Policy Evaluation — Kasey Buckles
Applied Microeconomics (or Elective) — Sisi Meng
Environmental Policy — Lakshmi Iyer, Sara Sievers, & invited guests
Elective/skills courses
Global Affairs + Specialization
Foundations of Global Affairs — Gary Goertz & Sara Sievers
Quantitative Methods for Global Affairs (or elective)
Policy Evaluation — Kasey Buckles
Applied Microeconomics (or Elective) — Sisi Meng
Elective/skills courses
Electives: Customize your experience
With direction from faculty advisers and concentration directors, students choose elective courses from Keough School offerings and classes across the University of Notre Dame. The courses provide you with opportunity to specialize further, gaining the knowledge and skills that will be most directly connected to your professional goals. Courses vary by semester but fall into general thematic and professional skills areas:
Thematic Areas
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Environment & Climate Change
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Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution
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Global Education
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Global Religion
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Migration & Refugees
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Human Rights & International Law
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Global Health
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State, Society, and the International Order
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Courses with a regional focus
Professional Skills Areas
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Policy
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Management & Leadership
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Negotiation & Mediation
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Methods for Research & Project Design
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ICT4D (Information Communications Technology for Development)
Gaining practical experience
Building on your coursework, the Master of Global Affairs incorporates immersive practical experiences throughout the program, enabling you to take your classroom learning into the field and work alongside seasoned policymakers, global organizations, and renowned academic experts. Students in the Sustainable Development and Global Affairs concentrations participate in the two-year Integration Lab (i-Lab) program, while students in the Peace Studies concentration complete an extended, custom-designed field immersion. All students participate in the Global Policy Seminar.
