Compare Programs
Fletcher's interdisciplinary degree programs all provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to prepare for the career of their choice. Regardless of degree program, students typically have the opportunity to enroll in all Fletcher courses, creating a rich base for classroom discussion, and offering students many curricular options. The degree programs vary, however, in focus, length, delivery method and prerequisites. The chart below offers a basic comparison of the degree programs' key features.
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
LL.M. - 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
M.S. - 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
Ph.D. - 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 two-week residencies and internet-mediated 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
| MALD | MGA | MIB | MA | LL.M. | MATA | Ph.D. | 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 or January | January, May or September |
| Entering Students | ||||||||
| 180 | TBD | 30 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 45 | 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 curriculum + 3 two-week residencies | 11 + two immersions |
| MYF Admissions Option for College Seniors | ||||||||
| Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| 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. |
| 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.