Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA)
Don't just think big. Think Global.
- Understand globalization's challenges and opportunities
- Join an elite part of the Hokie Nation working in international affairs and government in Washington, D.C. and around the world
- Make professional advancements with new training and skills in national security and economic development
- Achieve next-level engagement with national and international actors
The Master’s in Public and International Affairs (MPIA), offered through the Government and International Affairs (GIA) program, draws from across the fields of international relations, geography, sociology, and economics to understand how globalization touches international, national, and local politics.
The MPIA is available for full and part-time students, offered at the Virginia Tech Research Center - Arlington, conveniently located near the Ballston metro stop. MPIA graduates have gone on to careers in the US military, Capitol Hill, major global corporations, non-profits, and multiple executive branches.
Expand your academic & professional journey while exploring and specializing in:
GIA Professor Teaching a Course
- U.S. foreign policy
- Conflict resolution
- Global security
- International development
- Global political economy
- Transnational social movements
- Environmental politics
Full-time or part-time students are welcome!
Our current student body is diverse and vibrant, including full- and part-time professionals in the federal government, NGOs, and private contractors; military leaders; and recent graduates starting their careers in Washington, D.C.
Graduates go on to work for the federal, state, and local governments, military and intelligence agencies, a variety of nonprofits and NGOs, as well as private sector consulting and management.
Our Curriculum
The MPIA’s structure is straightforward:
- 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 6114 Critical Geopolitics
- GIA/PSCI 6124 Topics in Security Studies
- GIA/PSCI 6134 Topics in Conflict Analysis
- GIA/PSCI 6144 Topics in Global Governance
Options for Final Masters 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
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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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