Master of Arts
Core Exams
All M.A. candidates must pass either an examination or course in at least two of these four core subjects by the beginning of their final semester:
- American Foreign Policy Since World War II
- Comparative National Systems
- Evolution of the International System
- Theories of International Relations
International Economics
Our International Economics courses provide an understanding of the theory and tools of economics and finance, and the functioning of the international economic system. The following requirements must be fulfilled by passing a SAIS course, a Pre-Term course or a waiver exam. Beginning in fall 2013 a minimum of four economics courses must be completed for credit. Students who complete Pre-Term courses or waiver exams must choose alternate economics electives to meet the four-course requirement.
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- International Trade Theory
- International Monetary Theory
Concentration
SAIS’s interdisciplinary program offers the theoretical insight and practical tools required for leadership in the field of international relations. All M.A. students pursue two concentrations— the first in international economics and the second in either a global theme or a region of the world. In addition, students satisfy a quantitative reasoning requirement, complete a program capstone and achieve proficiency in a foreign language.
Global Themes
Language Studies
In today’s globalized world, possessing a second language has become a necessity for success. Professionals in international relations must be able to communicate with their international counterparts, and SAIS’s foreign language proficiency requirement gives our graduates a competitive edge. The school offers an unparalleled language program—a highly trained dedicated language faculty, small class size and a specialized curriculum that emphasizes the vocabulary and grammar needed to engage in the range of political, economic and international topics studied at SAIS.
Voices of SAIS
We offer 17 language programs that prepare students to converse across borders and cultures—whether negotiating an international treaty or a corporate contract.
Specialization
Dual Degrees
To enhance their graduate education and professional opportunities, numerous SAIS students pursue dual-degree programs in business, law, public administration and public health. SAIS offers partnerships with leading graduate schools in the United States and around the world. Students may also create ad hoc dual-degree programs with other prominent universities.
Voices of SAIS
For those accepted to a dual-degree program, SAIS reduces the number of required courses from 16 to 12 in recognition of course work taken at another approved school. Students in the dual-degree program receive a quarter/semester of advanced standing at each school, allowing them to complete the two degrees in one year less than traditionally required.
Dual-Degree Options
- M.A. - M.B.A with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- M.A. - M.B.A with the Tuck School at Dartmouth College
- M.A. - M.B.A with INSEAD in France and Singapore
- M.A. - J.D. with Stanford University Law School
- M.A. - J.D. with the University of Virginia School of Law
- M.A. - M.P.A with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University
- M.A.I.A. - M.A.I.S. with Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (SAIS Bologna campus)
- M.A.I.A. - Laurea Magistrale with University of Bologna main and Forlì campuses (SAIS Bologna campus)
- M.A.I.A. - Master’s Degree with Sciences Po Lille (SAIS Bologna campus)
Hopkins-Nanjing Center Five-Semester Option
Students who meet admissions requirements for both the HNC and SAIS complete two semesters in Nanjing and receive a certificate in Chinese and American Studies, followed by three semesters at either SAIS’s Washington/Bologna M.A. program. Through this joint program, students can apply their regional and linguistic skills to the broader study of international relations.
Learn MoreSpecializations
Students may pursue a specialization in addition to their required M.A. curriculum. Specialization areas include those related to international economics, such as Development Microeconomics, Economic Policy, International Finance, and Quantitative Methods and Economic Theory; and Emerging Markets.
International Economics Specializations
Students with a strong interest in a particular area of economics may pursue a specialization in Development Microeconomics, Economic Policy, International Finance, or Quantitative Methods and Economic Theory.
Emerging Markets Specialization
This specialization is available to students in African Studies; Asian Studies/South Asia and Southeast Asia; Middle East Studies; Russian and Eurasian Studies and Western Hemisphere Studies/Latin America who are interested in emerging markets and their increasingly important role in the global economy.
Meet Our Students
All StudentsI chose to come to SAIS so I could deepen my study of China while also broadening my regional understanding with a concentration in Southeast Asia Studies. I felt that only at SAIS could I enhance my previous experience studying China in Chinese at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center while gaining nuance from a broader regional focus and the rigor of the economics curriculum.
Amy Weiner, Hopkins-Nanjing Center graduate certificate, M.A., China Studies
Career Interests
China and/or Southeast Asia-related public sector work; private contracting for the public sector
At SAIS
- Intern, U.S. embassy, Indonesia, intern, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State
