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Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA)

Shape Policy. Think Global.

The Master of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech equips you with skills and knowledge to tackle complex international policy challenges—preparing you for leadership roles in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other public and private institutions. Experience the program in Arlington or Blacksburg.

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The Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, Virginia is home to programs in the School of Public and International Affairs programs

Why Virginia Tech

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.

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

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

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

 

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.

Locations

Student Types

✔️ Full-Time Graduate Students 

✔️ Part-Time Working Professionals

✔️ Accelerated 4+1 Program for Undergrads

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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 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 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

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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