Degrees at a Glance
You're here to find new ways forward. GPS is here to help.
Whether you are launching your career in public service, analyzing global economic trends or advancing into an executive leadership role, the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) has a path for you.
Read about our world-class degree programs below to find the right fit, and reach out to our admissions team to take the next step.
| Degree | Target Audience | Key Focus Areas | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of International Affairs | Early-career professionals wanting to address global issues | International relations, data-driven regional politics and economics | Public sector, NGOs and global private firms |
| Master of Public Policy | Analytical thinkers focusing on domestic and global policy design | Data-driven research with STEM-designated policy evaluation | Government agencies, think tanks and policy consulting |
| Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs | Mid-career professionals with 5+ years of experience | Executive leadership, policy analysis and regional security | Senior administrative roles, military advancement and security consulting |
| Master of Chinese Economic and Political Affairs | Specialists aiming to deeply study China's global role | Chinese economy, bilateral U.S.-China relations and Asia-Pacific politics | International business, geopolitical risk analysis and diplomacy |
| Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs | Aspiring academic researchers and high-level policy analysts | Comparative policy analysis, quantitative research and political science | Academia, specialized research institutes and global think tanks |
| Concurrent Degrees | Open only to current UC San Diego undergraduate students | Combined bachelor's and master's coursework in 5 years | Accelerated entry into professional public and international careers |
Full-Time Professional Degrees
Master of International Affairs (MIA)
Develop the knowledge to engage with global issues and foster international cooperation. The program empowers you to guide critical decisions using data and informed analysis, preparing you for leadership roles on the world stage.
- Pace
- Full-time
- Duration
- 2 years
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Use data-driven research to understand and design policies that address today's most pressing domestic and international challenges. This STEM-designated program builds the analytical foundation necessary to evaluate and implement effective public policy.
- Pace
- Full-time
- Duration
- 2 years
Master of Chinese Economic and Political Affairs (MCEPA)
Use cross-disciplinary tools to dig deeply into the economics and politics of China. This specialized degree explores China's place in the Asia-Pacific region and its complex relationship with the United States.
- Pace
- Full-time
- Duration
- 2 years
Executive Degree
Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA)
Designed specifically for professionals with five or more years of work experience. The degree allows you to develop an executive mindset, refine your skills in policy analysis, and tackle regional security and economic challenges with precision.
- Pace
- Full-time or Part-time
- Duration
- 1–2 years
Doctoral & Concurrent Programs
Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs
Launch a high-level research career in political science. This joint doctoral program places a strong emphasis on international policy, comparative policy analysis and advanced quantitative research methodologies.
- Pace
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4–6 years
Concurrent Degree Programs
Available exclusively to current UC San Diego undergraduate students, our concurrent degree programs allow you to earn both your bachelor's degree and a master's degree in just five years, accelerating your transition into the professional policy sphere.
- Pace
- Full-time
- Duration
- 5 years
Take the Next Step
Ready to find out which program aligns with your career goals? Our admissions team is ready to answer your questions.