Masters of Arts
in International Affairs
World-Class Faculty
Conduct research while attending classes taught by renowned professors.
The SAIS Advantage
Offered in Bologna, the M.A.I.A. is a two-year research-oriented master's degree. It does not require a concentration and allows students to submit a thesis in lieu of two of the 16 non-language courses normally required for the M.A. Applicants put forward a research proposal which, if accepted, becomes the subject of an M.A.I.A. thesis in the second year.
A World of Resources
The Students
Dual degree programs with University of Bologna in Italy, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna in Austria or Sciences Po Lille in France are available with this program and offer students experience with diverse academic environments. With access to archives and libraries across Europe, M.A.I.A. students benefit from a wealth of international resources for their research.The Faculty
Courses at SAIS Bologna emphasize economics, political science, history and foreign language proficiency, providing a cross-disciplinary approach. Core faculty and adjunct professors from major European institutions combine personal advising with a broad choice of curriculum. M.A.I.A. students select a course of study that complements their research focus.Recent Speakers
- Mario Draghi
- Romano Prodi
- Kenneth Waltz
- Tariq Ramadan
Broaden Your Experience in Bologna, Italy
Home to the oldest university in Europe, Bologna’s long tradition of education, cultural heritage and political vitality makes it an attractive location for SAIS' European campus. On the cusp of its 60th anniversary, SAIS Bologna is distinguished by strong faculty-student relationships, vigorous debate and a cohesive social and intellectual community. Exposure to contrasting European and U.S. perspectives on global issues offers a distinctive academic pairing—making for an extraordinarily enriching experience.
Teaching at the Bologna campus is complemented by a thematic seminar series, and small classes, strong faculty-student relationships and vigorous debate characterize the cohesive social and intellectual community.
Gain a Career-Building Edge
SAIS graduates are highly valued by employers and in great demand in the international relations field. Economics knowledge, analytical abilities, regional expertise, diplomatic skills, language proficiency and the capacity to apply theory to real-world problems give our students a career-building edge.
Career Services
The Office of Career Services works with students to explore careers and set goals, acquire job experience and contacts, and strengthen their leadership abilities.
A Global Alumni Community
Students have access to a lifetime network of SAIS alumni–extraordinary individuals who hold positions of global leadership in government, business, journalism, nonprofit groups and multilateral organizations.Common Paths
Students graduating from SAIS have pursued careers at:- U.S. Department of State
- United Nations
- The World Bank
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- U.S. Agency for International Development
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- The EU Commission
- Brookings Institution