RICE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Master of Global Affairs (MGA)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 36Total Credit Hours Required
- 24Minimum Graduate Credit Hours at Rice
- 3Areas of Specialization
- 8 weeksMinimum Internship Duration
- 2.67Minimum GPA Requirement
The Master of Global Affairs (MGA) is a non-thesis master's degree designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex global challenges. The program focuses on developing leadership, communication, and research abilities to formulate policy recommendations in the international arena. Students will learn to apply quantitative skills to data analysis, understand real-world international public policy development through internships, and assess the social responsibilities of various global actors. The MGA degree aims to foster innovative solutions for emerging global issues. The program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, with at least 30 graduate-level credit hours taken at Rice University. A significant component of the MGA is a mandatory Graduate Field Internship, providing practical experience in international public policy. Students must also complete a capstone project and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.67. The curriculum is structured to allow for specialization in one of three areas: International Political Development, International Political Economy, or International Security.
Curriculum
The MGA program requires 36 credit hours, including core courses, specialization courses, an internship, and a capstone project. Core requirements must be completed in the first year, while specialization and internship occur in the second year.
- Year 1
- Global Systems IGLBL 501
- Institutions & DevelopmentGLBL 502
- Decision Making Under UncertaintyGLBL 507
- Quantitative Applications in Global AffairsGLBL 523
- Macroeconomics in a Global EconomyGLBL 524
- International SecurityGLBL 525
- Year 2
- Area of Specialization (Choose 3 courses)
- Master of Global Affairs InternshipGLBL 519
- Master of Global Affairs CapstoneGLBL 520
Careers
The MGA program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in international public policy development. The internship requirement provides valuable real-world experience to facilitate employment in international organizations.
- Policy analysis
- International development
- Global governance
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Government agencies
- International commissions
- Embassies
- Corporations
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic and language requirements for the Master of Global Affairs (MGA) program?
- You need an undergraduate degree with official transcripts showing conferral dates. Applicants whose native language is not English and did not receive a degree from an English-speaking country must provide approved TOEFL scores. Proficiency in a primary language of your chosen regional focus, demonstrated through an exam or coursework, is also expected.
- How many credit hours are required for the MGA program and how is it structured?
- The MGA program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, with at least 24 graduate-level credit hours taken at Rice University. The curriculum is divided into two years, including core courses, specialization courses, a mandatory 8-week internship, and a capstone project.
- What are the career opportunities after completing the MGA program?
- The MGA program prepares graduates for roles in policy analysis, international development, global governance, NGOs, government agencies, international commissions, embassies, and corporations. The program includes a mandatory internship to provide valuable real-world experience.
- What documents are needed for the MGA application?
- You will need to submit a Statement of Purpose, a professional resume, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. TOEFL scores are required if applicable. GRE or GMAT scores are recommended but not required.
- Does the MGA program offer specific areas of specialization?
- Yes, students can specialize in one of three areas: International Political Development, International Political Economy, or International Security. Specialization courses are completed in the second year of the program.
- What is the minimum GPA requirement for the MGA program?
- To remain in good standing and graduate from the MGA program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.67.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeOfficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, with official degree conferral date.
TOEFLApproved scores required for applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive a degree from a country where English is the official language.
While not required, submission of GRE or GMAT scores is recommended. Applicants are expected to be proficient in a primary language of their chosen regional focus, demonstrated by passing a language proficiency exam or achieving a B+ or better in relevant coursework.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Specific tuition and living cost information for international students is not provided in the source material.
How to apply
1. Submit Application MaterialsProvide all required documents through the application portal.
2. Statement of PurposeClearly articulate your goals and motivations for pursuing the MGA degree.
3. Professional ResumeHighlight your relevant experience and qualifications.
4. Letters of RecommendationArrange for three professional or academic references to submit letters of recommendation.
5. TranscriptsSubmit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities, showing degree conferral dates.
6. English Proficiency ScoresIf applicable, provide approved TOEFL scores.
7. Optional Test ScoresConsider submitting GRE or GMAT scores if available, as it is recommended.
Scholarships
Templeton Foundation Academic Cross Training Fellowship$220,000 for up to 3 years
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic and language requirements for the Master of Global Affairs (MGA) program?
+
You need an undergraduate degree with official transcripts showing conferral dates. Applicants whose native language is not English and did not receive a degree from an English-speaking country must provide approved TOEFL scores. Proficiency in a primary language of your chosen regional focus, demonstrated through an exam or coursework, is also expected.
How many credit hours are required for the MGA program and how is it structured?
+
The MGA program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, with at least 24 graduate-level credit hours taken at Rice University. The curriculum is divided into two years, including core courses, specialization courses, a mandatory 8-week internship, and a capstone project.
What are the career opportunities after completing the MGA program?
+
The MGA program prepares graduates for roles in policy analysis, international development, global governance, NGOs, government agencies, international commissions, embassies, and corporations. The program includes a mandatory internship to provide valuable real-world experience.
What documents are needed for the MGA application?
+
You will need to submit a Statement of Purpose, a professional resume, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. TOEFL scores are required if applicable. GRE or GMAT scores are recommended but not required.
Does the MGA program offer specific areas of specialization?
+
Yes, students can specialize in one of three areas: International Political Development, International Political Economy, or International Security. Specialization courses are completed in the second year of the program.
What is the minimum GPA requirement for the MGA program?
+
To remain in good standing and graduate from the MGA program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.67.