Flexible Degree Options
Define your global career and make it a reality.
SIA students come from more than 70 undergraduate majors, such as biology, business administration, computer engineering, criminal justice, environmental science, journalism, mechanical engineering, military and strategic studies, political science, security and risk analysis, and more.
At SIA, you will find flexible, interdisciplinary, and customizable program options that allow you to focus on what is most important to your unique career future.
Customizable Concentrations
Our master’s degree program offers 12 optional concentrations, plus the ability to create your own. Recent SIA graduates have crafted unique concentrations including International and Nontraditional Security Studies, International Community and Economic Development, Climate and Energy Risk, and Global Media Studies, among many others.
Interdisciplinary Studies
SIA faculty includes professors with expertise in law, policy, engineering, diplomacy, economics, African studies, Asian studies, comparative literature, media, and more, plus affiliate faculty from eight colleges across Penn State. You can take courses from across the University, including the prestigious colleges of Engineering, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Business, and Education.
Flexible Programs
If a two-year master’s program is not the right fit, explore one of four residential Graduate Certificates to acquire specialized knowledge to expand your professional skillset. For maximum flexibility, we also offer a fully online Graduate Certificate in International Affairs through Penn State World Campus. Our graduate certificates can be completed in one year or less, putting you on the fast track to a more global career.