Master of Arts in International Affairs - Cities and Social Justice

Concentrations within the MA in International Affairs program enable students to link theory, social research, and practice in building careers as scholars or practitioners in international affairs. The concentrations also offer a range of opportunities for applied research as well as connections to the practice curriculum through International Field Programs and Practicum in International Affairs projects. In addition, the concentrations sponsor invited guest lectures, organize workshops and events, and create working groups around topics of particular interest to students.

Students fulfill the concentration requirement by taking the foundation course as well as three concentration electives in their chosen area The Cities and Social Justice concentration focuses on how global factors interact with local environments, actors, and institutions to produce new urban forms, problems, and opportunities. The interdisciplinary courses provide students with the analytic and practical skills necessary to understand and productively engage with urban processes in a globalizing world.

Students can focus on a diversity of topics and issues affecting urban centers, including urban development and infrastructure, urban poverty and inequality, urban governance, citizenship and human rights, media and culture, environment, and sustainability. Students gain practical skills in geographic information systems, architecture and design, urban economics and finance, impact analysis, and critical analysis.

The faculty is comprised of scholars with backgrounds in economics, political science, anthropology, history, urban planning, and architecture. In addition, students have access to a broad range of opportunities for research and practice through organizations in New York City and through International Field Programs in cities around the world.

Statement of Purpose- Include a thoughtful description of your background, tentative plan of study or area of inquiry in the field as you now envision it, faculty work and concentrations that interest you, your academic and/or professional goals, and an explanation of how this graduate program will help you realize those goals. (750-1000 word limit) Submit Your Résumé or CV Submit a one to two-page résumé/curriculum vitae summarizing your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, published writing, volunteer/community work, professional networking, public speaking, and/or any other relevant experiences that may relate to your field of study, including dates and positions held. Please also note any special language or computer skills that you have. Submit Two Letters of Recommendation Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references are required. Recommendations must be submitted by recommenders directly via the online application portal. Instructions are included in the online application. Submit College Transcripts Applicants must upload an unofficial transcript, mark sheet, or academic record for each institution (even if you didn’t receive a degree) in the Academic History section of the online application. All uploaded transcripts must be accompanied by a key, a legend, or the back copy of the transcript. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation. Records from non-U.S. institutions must have grades or marks and contain a copy of diploma if the degree has been conferred. Make sure your name appears on the transcript/record. Scanned documents must be clear and legible. Minimum required scores are: TOEFL iBT- 92 IELTS - 7.0