Compare Programs

The chart below offers a basic comparison of the degree programs' key features.

MALD	MGA	MIB	MA	LLM	MATA	PhD	GMAP	GBA
Duration
2 academic years (19 months)	16 months full time (part time option available*)	2 academic years (19 months)	1 academic year (9 months)	1 academic year (9 months)	2 academic years (19 months)	3-5 years	1 year (12 months)	16 months (full time) to 24 months (part time)
Professional Experience
None required, 2 years recommended	2-4 years strongly recommended	None required, 2 years recommended	8 years of professional experience required	2-4 years professional legal experience encouraged	None required, 2 years recommended	None required, 2 years recommended	8 years of professional experience required	At least 6 years of professional experience preferred
Age – Middle 50%
25-28	25-28	26-30	32-39	25-31	25-28	27-34	30-50	30-35
Entry Term
January or September	September	January or September	January or September	September only	September only	September only	August	January, May or September
Entering Students
180	TBD	30	18	15	10	20	20	TBD
Number of Classes Required
16	14	18	8	8	12 and a required internship	Minimum of 12 for external PhD candidates	11 in a core cirruculum + 3 live residencies	11 + two immersions
MYF Admissions Option for College Seniors
Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No

MGA vs. MALD

Master in Global Affairs	Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy
Specialized: Completion of one field of study (5-6 required  courses).	Expansive: Completion of two fields of study (3-4 required courses).
Upskilled: Two skills classes required plus those required in field. Distributional breadth requirement.	Flexible: Skills courses available. Distributional breadth requirement.
Experiential: Required practicum in field and optional summer internship for credit.	Customized: Required capstone and optional internship (not for credit). Dual degrees and exchange programs permitted.
Intensive: 16 months total with summer classes required.	Paced for exploration: 21 months total with no required summer classes.
Part time optional*: For visa purposes, international students are not allowed to be part time.	Full time: Part time not allowed.
Residential and hybrid: Residential academic year, hybrid summer.	Residential: All classes residential.

MGA vs. MIB

Master in Global Affairs	Master of International Business
Specialized: Completion of one field of study (5-6 required  courses).	Global business + international context: Completion of one business field and one international affairs field (3-4 required courses in each field).
Upskilled: Two skills classes required plus those required in field. Distributional breadth requirement.	Business-focused: Core curriculum with MBA-like foundations, and other required classes in law, economics, and international affairs. Skills courses available. Additional electives available.
Experiential: Required practicum in field and optional summer internship for credit.	Customized: Required capstone and optional internship (not for credit). Dual degrees and exchange programs permitted.
Intensive: 16 months total with summer classes required.	Paced for exploration: 21 months total with no required summer classes.
Part time optional*: For visa purposes, international students are not allowed to be part time.	Full time: Part time not allowed.
Residential and hybrid: Residential academic year, hybrid summer.	Residential: All classes residential.

*Part-time MGA students need to take a minimum of 2 full-credit classes (6 SHUs) per term, including during two summer terms. International students must pursue the program on a full-time basis to maintain their immigration status. Students must select the full-time or the part-time option during the admissions process. Once enrolling on a part- or full-time basis, students cannot change their enrollment status unless there are compelling circumstances. The maximum time to complete the MGA degree part time is 28 months. Students who are enrolled on a part-time basis will not be permitted to audit any courses. Part-time students should be aware that most classes at Fletcher take place during working hours.

Professional Degrees

MGA - Master in Global Affairs
Build purposeful skills and expertise to propel you on the fast track into an impactful global career

MALD - Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy
Highly flexible interdisciplinary degree in international affairs

MIB - Master of International Business
Hybrid international business and international affairs program

MA - Master of Arts
Self-designed mid-career program in international affairs

LLM - Master of Laws in International Law
International law program for legal professionals

MATA - Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs
A jointly-awarded degree by Fletcher and the College of Europe, with a focus on transatlantic issues

MAHA - Master of Arts in Humanitarian Affairs
A jointly-awarded degree by Fletcher and The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, with a focus on areas of nutrition, food policy, and economic, political, and social development as they relate to aid activities in complex emergencies

MS - Master of Science in Cybersecurity & Public Policy
This innovative, new master’s degree, unites those from both technology and policy backgrounds alike, preparing them to tackle the increasingly common and complex threats taking place in our global and digital world

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations
Advanced study in international affairs

GMAP - Global Master of Arts
Interdisciplinary, cohort-based, mid to senior-level international affairs program with three live residencies and asynchronous instruction

GBA - Master of Global Business Administration
Designed for early- to mid-career professionals, this new degree offering allows students to engage with business and international affairs faculty, and each other, through live and recorded class sessions