Program Overview

The Politics Department of The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a unique program leading to a Master of Arts Degree in International Affairs (MAIA).The Department also offers a Graduate Certificate in International Affairs which requires fewer courses. Originally designed over three decades ago to provide advanced degree educational support to active duty military in the National Capital Region, the program now provides this support to active and reserve members of all the armed services and civilians employed by federal and local government agencies as well as private businesses and non-profit organizations. Graduates of the program can be found in senior public and private positions that literally span the globe. Graduates hold command and staff positions throughout the military services and have been Fellows for the Council on Foreign Relations, Defense Attachés, Senior Fellows at Harvard University, special assistants to Presidential Cabinet Secretaries, senior staff for Members of Congress and congressional committees, and advisors to foreign governments.

The International Affairs Program is designed for the working professional: maximum flexibility for the student combined with a wide range of course offerings. Classes are conducted in the early evening  at the Hall of States near Capitol Hill and Union Station. Small class size facilitates student interchange with each other and with the instructor. The program provides an instructional blend of both highly respected and internationally known academics with very successful individuals who have a wealth of practical experience in their respective fields. All have earned doctoral degrees from distinguished American universities and many have studied at universities in Europe, South America, and the Middle East. The students, many of whom are already actively involved in global affairs, are drawn from a wide variety of academic and experiential backgrounds which greatly enhances the learning experience. The MAIA program is semester based (Fall and Spring), and includes Summer sessions.