Overview

The Global Affairs programme at the University at Buffalo provides students with a sophisticated understanding of the complex processes and institutions defining the modern international system. This curriculum examines how domestic and regional factors influence relations between countries, non-governmental organisations, and global actors.

Students develop the conceptual and methodological expertise necessary to excel in diverse professional environments. The course focuses on the interdependence of the global system, ensuring graduates can conduct rigorous empirical analysis to address contemporary political and economic issues.

The academic framework encourages the critical assessment of disciplinary knowledge through intensive seminar discussions and close reading of primary texts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 12870 per semester
National fee: USD 12870 per semester
Local fee: USD 5655 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

To earn the degree, students must complete 30 credits, including core requirements, research methods, and a culminating experience. Modules may include:

Political Inquiry
Basic Statistics for Social Science
International Politics
Comparative Politics
Comparative Judicial Politics
Major Political Systems
International Law
International Theory
Conflict Processes
International Economic Relations
Civil War & Political Violence
International Organization
International Protection of Human Rights
Comparative Politics Frontiers
International Political Frontiers
Intermediate Statistics for Social Science
Formal Political Theory
Text as Data
Experimental Design and Analysis
Advanced Statistics for Social Science
Empirical Political Frontiers
Independent Study

The programme concludes with a final requirement to demonstrate comprehensive subject mastery. Students may choose to complete this through a formal thesis, a specific project, or a comprehensive examination.

Careers with Global Affairs

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of globally-focused careers within international organisations and governmental agencies. The analytical training provided also supports pathways into private enterprise and roles within academia.

The curriculum specifically targets roles that require an appreciation of global interconnectedness and the ability to perform empirical research. This foundation allows alumni to navigate the complexities of international relations and policy-making effectively.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Political Inquiry

International Politics

Comparative Politics

Comparative Judicial Politics

Major Political Systems

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Buffalo, United States

Disciplines

International Relations International Development Political Science View 232 other Masters in International Relations in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is recommended for admission to the graduate programs

GRE scores

Letters of Recommendation

The non-refundable graduate application fee is $75 U.S.

Official results of the TOEFL or IELTS examination

A certified copy of the International Applicant Financial Form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Out-of-State

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11310 USD / year

≈ 11310 USD / year

Living costs

Buffalo

United States

920 - 1560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Global Affairs.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Buffalo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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