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Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA)

Why Virginia Tech MPIA?

Personalized Experience
Small, discussion-based classes with faculty mentors 

Exceptional Value
Competitive tuition leading to career returns

Flexible Format
Full-time or part-time with a mix of in-person and online classes

Learn from faculty experts in geopolitics, global security, international political economy, cybersecurity, and international development

Join Hokie Nation and connect with a vibrant alumni network in the Washington, D.C. Metro Region

Benefit from a schedule tailored to working professionals and full-time students

Explore key policy questions through a multidisciplinary approach

Build your path: Finish in two years or at your own pace

Upcoming Application Deadlines

Fall 2025: Aug. 1 for non-visa requiring applicants

 

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Our Purpose

 

The Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA) at Virginia Tech is a multidisciplinary program that prepares you to lead on global policy challenges—from diplomacy and security to economic development and climate change. Grounded in political science, geography, sociology, history, and science & technology studies, our courses explore foreign policymaking, connecting theory with practice. We teach you to approach the policy questions of our time with methodological soundness and analytical originality. The MPIA is offered through the Government and International Affairs (GIA) program in the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs.

 

Our Locations

The Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, Virginia is home to programs in the School of Public and International Affairs programs
Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, Virginia
Two students in the foreground sitting beneath a tree on the Drillfield near Burruss Hall
Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus
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Frequently Asked Questions
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For Current MPIA students

Our Curriculum

With a flexible and organized structure, the MPIA program allows you to tailor your studies to fit your career goals and lifestyle.

  • GIA 5004 Power & Policy in the US
  • GIA 5274 Social Movements
  • GIA 5524 International Development
  • GIA 5444 International Politics
  • GIA 5034 Global Political Economy
  • GIA 5404 Topics in Political Geography
  • GIA 5374 Electronic Governance
  • GIA 5474 Global Governance

There are two required Methodology Courses:

  • GIA/PSCI 5115 Research Methods
  • Major Paper, Practicum or Thesis (GIA 5904 Project and Report or GIA 5964 Fieldwork/Practicum or GIA 5994 Thesis)

Select two other courses from this list (or another committee-approved methods/theory course):

  • UAP 5224  Quantitative Techniques
  • GIA/PSCI 5354  Public Policy Analysis
  • GIA/PSCI 5214  Contemporary Political Theory
  • GIA/PSCI 5224  Alternative Political Theory
  • GIA/UAP/PAPA 5464  Qualitative Methods in Global Studies
  • GIA/PSCI 5474  Global Governance
  • GIA/UAP/PSCI 5504  Discourse Analysis

Going into effect for Fall 2025, students should select two other courses from this list: UAP 5224 Quantitative Techniques, PAPA/GIA 5354 Public Policy Analysis , PSCI/GIA 5214 Contemporary Political Theory, GIA 5464 Qual. Methods, GIA 5504 Discourse Analysis, GIA/PSCI 5116 Research Methods II.

Select four couress from the GIA Elective Courses list below. Non-GIA courses can also count towards the elective requirement with prior approval. Ask your adviser for suggestions and approval.

  • GIA/UAP/PSCI 5254  Global Conflicts
  • GIA 5624  Conflict Resolution & Peace Building
  • GIA/PSCI 5514  Global Security
  • GIA 5614  Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
  • GIA/PSCI 5484  Contemporary American Foreign Policy
  • GIA/PSCI 5434  Politics of Developing Areas
  • GIA/PSCI 5584  Environmental Politics and Policy
  • GIA/PSCI 5704 Transatlantic Relations
  • GIA/PSCI 5744 European Security
  • GIA 6114  Critical Geopolitics
  • GIA/PSCI 6134  Topics in Conflict Analysis
  • GIA/PSCI 6144  Topics in Global Governance
  • GIA/PSCI 6124  Topics in Security Studies: Cybersecurity
  • GIA/PSCI 5704 Transatlantic Relations
  • GIA/PSCI 5714 European Union

Options for Final Master's Requirements:

GIA provides several ways to demonstrate your mastery of the coursework and field of study:

  • GIA 5904 Project and Report
  • GIA 5964 Fieldwork/Practicum
  • GIA 5994 Thesis

The Major Paper (Project and Report) and Fieldwork/Practicum are qualitatively equivalent final projects. In both instances, students will put together a committee with one GIA adviser and two other GIA faculty members. An oral defense will be scheduled.

For more information, please see the Major Paper and Practicum Rules and Guidelines.

Special Offerings

Europe and Transatlantic Relations Graduate Certificate

Our Faculty

  • Bio Item
    Nataliya Brantly
    Nataliya D. Brantly , bio

    Assistant Professor, Government and International Affairs (GIA) | Deputy Director for Health Technologies, Tech4Humanity Lab | Office: Architecture Annex, Room 215, Blacksburg | Email: nbrantly@vt.edu

  • Bio Item
    Yannis Stivachtis
    Yannis Stivachtis , bio

    Professor of Government & International Affairs, GIA | Jean Monnet Chair in EU Strategy. Director, Center for European & Transatlantic Studies (CEUTS) - A Jean Monnet Center of Excellence. University Coordinator, Diplomacy Lab.

  • Bio Item
    Gerard Toal
    Gerard Toal , bio

    Professor, Government and International Affairs (GIA) | Office: Arlington, Room 6-020 | Email: toalg@vt.edu |

  • Bio Item
    Chad Levinson
    Chad Levinson , bio

    Assistant Professor, Government and International Affairs (GIA) | Office: Arlington, Room 6-016 | Email: chadlevinson@vt.edu |

  • Bio Item
    Tim Luke
    Tim Luke , bio

    Interim Director and University Distinguished Professor, Government and International Affairs (GIA) | Office: Blacksburg | Email: twluke@vt.edu | Phone: (540)-231-6633

  • Bio Item
    Giselle Datz
    Giselle Datz , bio

    Associate Professor and Chair, Government and International Affairs (GIA) | Office: Arlington, Room 6-010 | Email: gdatz@vt.edu

  • Bio Item
    Aaron Brantly
    Aaron F. Brantly , bio

    Associate Professor, Department of Political Science | 526 Major Williams Hall (0130), 220 Stanger Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061

  • Bio Item
    Joel Peters
    Joel Peters , bio

    Professor, Government and International Affairs (GIA) | Office: Arlington, Room 6-032 | Email: peters25@vt.edu |

  • Bio Item
    Ariel Ahram
    Ariel Ahram , bio

    Professor of Government and International Affairs (GIA) | Office: Arlington, Room 6-022 | Email: ahram@vt.edu

  • Bio Item
    Joyce Barr
    Joyce Barr , bio

    Professor of Practice, Government and International Affairs (GIA) | Office: Arlington, Room 5-042 | Email: ambbarr@vt.edu

Thinking of applying? Talk to us!

We highly value offering a tailored educational experience. Our GIA advisors will be able to answer any questions you may have about the degree and whether it meets your professional and academic needs. They can also guide you through the application process.

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Related Degrees & Certificates

Europe and Transatlantic Relations Graduate Certificate