Shape the Future of Global Policy
Transform your passion into global impact with a master's degree from GPS.
Discover Which Degree Is Right for You!
When global challenges demand new solutions, you will be ready to build them. At the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS), you will learn alongside world-renowned faculty, policy practitioners and leading researchers. Through a data-driven, interdisciplinary curriculum, you will gain the analytical tools and strategic insight needed to lead in international relations, public policy and global economics.
Learn more about which option is right for you and request information today!
| Comparison category | 
Master of International Affairs (MIA) |
Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs
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Master of Public Policy
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|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit if |
You’re interested in developing the knowledge to engage with global issues and foster international cooperation, guided by data and informed by analysis. |
You have five or more years of work experience, and you’re interested in developing an executive mindset with skills in policy analysis and precision in tackling regional challenges. |
You’re interested in using data-driven research to understand and design policies that address today’s most pressing domestic and international challenges. STEM-designated program |
| Program format |
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| You will |
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| Career interests |
You are interested in working:
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You are interested in working:
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You are interested in working:
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| Language requirement |
Proficiency in a foreign language is required. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Thai, Tagalog or Vietnamese |
Proficiency in a foreign language is not required. |
Proficiency in a foreign language is not required. |
| GRE |
Optional |
Not required |
Optional |
| Next steps |
Master of International Affairs (MIA)
You’re interested in developing the knowledge to engage with global issues and foster international cooperation, guided by data and informed by analysis.
- Pace
- Full-time
- Duration
- 2 Years
- Language Requirement
- Proficiency in a foreign language is required.
- GRE
- Optional
You will:
- Focus on foreign policy, international relations and global issues
- Develop diplomatic, analytical and cultural competency skills
You are interested in working:
- In foreign service or diplomacy
- International NGOs, multinational corporations or international affairs roles in government
Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA)
You have five or more years of work experience, and you’re interested in developing an executive mindset with skills in policy analysis and precision in tackling regional challenges.
- Pace
- Full-time or Part-time
- Duration
- 1-2 Years
- Language Requirement
- Proficiency in a foreign language is not required.
- GRE
- Not required
You will:
- Cover core concepts of international relations, diplomacy and global policy issues
- Create a highly personalized curriculum to match your career goals
- Have a strong emphasis on leadership development and strategic decision-making
You are interested in working:
- Plan to take on a more strategic role in your current organization or advance your current career trajectory
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
You’re interested in using data-driven research to understand and design policies that address today’s most pressing domestic and international challenges.
STEM-designated program
- Pace
- Full-time
- Duration
- 2 Years
- Language Requirement
- Proficiency in a foreign language is not required.
- GRE
- Optional
You will:
- Focus on quantitative analysis, policy design and evaluative skills
- Learn to use data to drive policy decisions and may have a stronger focus on program evaluation
You are interested in working:
- In nonprofits, local and national government roles, think tanks and consulting firms