The MIA degree will prepare you to make a lasting impact on international affairs and contribute to the greater good for our planet. The MIA program offers flexible pacing to accommodate varying student needs. While some students opt to complete the program in one year (three semesters), others choose to extend their studies by an additional semester. This option allows for a reduced course load per semester, with the opportunity to incorporate an internship or participate in an international academic exchange.
Our curriculum blends the best of advanced quantitative analysis and qualitative learning, offering students the opportunity to pursue one or more of three multidisciplinary concentrations*:
Security, Diplomacy, and Governance
Finance and Trade
Global Development, Environment, and Sustainability
You’ll take 36-hours, with five required core courses to acquire essential competence in international and global governance, history, statistics, economics, and policy analysis. You’ll take an additional required core concentration course related to your major concentrations, three additional concentration courses, and three electives. The combination of a rigorous core, multiple concentration options, and flexibility to tailor your elective courses from a broad set of courses at the O’Neill School, Hamilton Lugar School, and within the College of Arts and Sciences, makes the program an attractive option for anyone considering a career in international affairs. You will also have access to career services support from both HLS and O’Neill.
The following is a general guide. You will work with your advisor and refer to the bulletin for your schedule.
Fall Semester
2 core courses
1 concentration core course
1 concentration elective course
1 general elective course
Spring Semester
3 core courses
2 concenration elective courses
Summer
2 general elective courses
Students may also substitute an internationally focused internship as an elective. This could potentially be paired with an online course over the summer. If you need to complete the degree part-time over a period that extends beyond one year, you can discuss this possibility with the MIA co-directors once you’re admitted.
Sample Courses:
History of the International System
International Economic Strategies and Trade Policy
Global Governance and International Organizations
Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making
Practicum in International Policy Analysis
Core concentration course
Sample courses:
Fall
International Economic Strategies and Trade Policy
Global Governance and International Organizations
Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making
International Security Regimes
1 Elective in Concentration
Spring
Practicum in International Policy Analysis
History of the International System
2 Electives in Concentration
1 Elective outside Concentration
Summer
International Internship for 3 credits
1 Elective course online
Note: Choices are more limited in the summer
Sample courses:
Fall
International Economic Strategies and Trade Policy
Global Governance and International Organizations
Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making
Development Economics
1 Elective in Concentration
Spring
Practicum in International Policy Analysis
History of the International System
2 Electives in Concentration
1 Elective outside Concentration
Summer
2 Elective courses outside Concentration
Note: Choices are more limited in the summer
Sample courses:
Fall
International Economic Strategies and Trade Policy
Global Governance and International Organizations
Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making
2 Electives in Concentration
Spring
Practicum in International Policy Analysis
History of the International System
Seminar in Global Development
1 Elective in Concentration
1 Elective outside Concentration
Summer
Internationally oriented internship in Bloomington for 3 credits
1 Elective course outside concentration
Note: Choices are more limited in the summer
The above are examples of your course options. For a complete listing, see the current curriculum and work with your advisor as you make your schedule.
* With the permission of the MIA program director you may design your own concentration. This option is intended to be exercised in very limited circumstances.
Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs resources and social media channels
