Global affairs are the world’s big issues—and the way that countries and people work together to solve them. The field takes into account politics, economics, history, international relations, environmental studies, journalism and more. It’s about integrating knowledge across disciplines to think more flexibly, and about learning to see the connections between different cultures, times and systems.
Students in the program build a robust foundation of knowledge and gain an understanding of the processes that shape our global world and globalizing societies, including the impact of terrorism, refugee crises, international conflict and development challenges. They choose a thematic or regional concentration to tailor their degree to their interests and career goals. In the capstone project, students join small groups and apply their academic training to a policy problem at a government agency or nongovernmental organization in the United States or abroad.
Our Master of Science in Global Affairs at NYU School of Professional Studies (SPS) prepares you to lead, solve and communicate the most pressing global issues. Through real-world examples, simulations like Model UN, and hands-on research, you’ll learn to think flexibly, and understand how different perspectives and disciplines can intersect. And, you’ll graduate with a set of skills that employers in all sectors are looking for.
Get the full definition of “global affairs” in our easy-to-use dictionary. Look up the meaning in American and British English, plus listen to how it’s pronounced. Plus, find the origin of the term and other interesting facts.