The world needs changemakers like you
Fletcher’s Global Master of Arts Program (GMAP) is designed for experienced professionals who want to advance in their international careers—without stepping away from them. Whether you’re a diplomat, investment banker, military officer or government leader, the program offers a flexible, hybrid format that allows you stay on the job while gaining cutting-edge expertise in international relations. Lead with confidence in a fast-changing world.
Become a Leader in International Affairs
The program combines the best of in-person immersions with the flexibility of online studies. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides a 360-degree perspective of international affairs, diplomacy and foreign policy essential for global leaders. The first hybrid program of its kind, it is a one-year, online master’s in international relations for seasoned professionals maintaining their full-time career anywhere in the world.
When I realized my knowledge of the international human rights framework and my managerial skills were not sufficient to effectively respond to humanitarian crises, I chose GMAP due to its multidisciplinary focus and its impressive alumni network.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fixed curriculum will introduce students to a wide range of topics and skill-building experiences critical to career advancement. For more specifics on the exact courses that comprise the program, read more here.
The Global Master of Arts Program is for mid-career students who want to pursue an online degree.
The Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy is a two-year, residential degree program designed for recent college graduates, young professionals and experienced professionals looking to make a change and explore their interests in international affairs.
The Master of Global Affairs is an intensive degree designed for more experienced professionals who want to dive deep into one field of study and pursue a comprehensive course load over 16 months.
The Master of Arts is a one-year, residential degree program designed for mid-career students with at least eight years of experience.
They are thoughtfully designed to make the best use of in-person interaction with faculty and peers. Immersions involve real-world simulations, leadership workshops, policy pitching and negotiations. Cultural activities, timely global affairs discussions and social and networking opportunities also provide unique bonding experiences.
The program requires that students complete two eight- to nine-day immersion programs—the initial immersion held on the Fletcher campus just outside Boston, and the international residency held at a different location each year. Residency costs, including lodging, meals, exclusive site visits and course content, are included in the comprehensive tuition charges for the program.
Skills summits are just what they sound like—short (one-week), immersive courses designed to help you cultivate specific skills. More specifically, they help you learn "Data Science and AI for Global Leaders" and the "Arts of Communication." You can learn more about them in GMAP Courses.
We suggest that applicants have eight years of work experience, though we have occasionally admitted individuals with less.
With respect to industry, students come from across the public, private and civil sectors. They’ve worked in international NGOs, the military, politics, accounting, engineering and medicine. Students with a background that displays intellectual curiosity, determination and a desire to be a difference maker will fit well in this program.
Language proficiency is not required for students in this program, but a number of options are available to assist students who would like to improve their foreign language capabilities.
No, the GRE or GMAT exam is not an application requirement for any Fletcher degree program, though applicants who wish to submit score reports as part of their application are welcome to do so.
The degree offers two forms of scholarship opportunities.
The most common is partial scholarships that help defray the cost of tuition. These are allocated to the students with the combination of greatest need and merit. While most students will receive some scholarship, please note that the amount you are offered will depend on how strong your application is and how much financial need you have. Please also note that your scholarship reward will be relative to the strength of other applicants.
Scholarships are determined by the GMAP Committee on Admissions and Scholarships. We encourage all applicants requiring assistance to submit a financial aid application with their program application.
Students may also receive merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are given to extraordinary individuals who have proven and acute financial aid needs.
Additional resources on scholarships available to students may be found here.
Yes, it is designed for working professionals. Coursework will fit into your work schedule, wherever you may be in the world. Students are required to attend two in-person immersions, one international and one on Fletcher’s Boston-area campus.
No, we do not accept transfer credits.
Graduates’ careers span the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Alumni are CEOs and entrepreneurs, high-ranking government officials, media figures, elected representatives, military leaders and more.
Typically, students are mid-career professionals who use the program to help them advance in their current field. However, a number of students have used the degree as a springboard to a different career.
We highly encourage you to make the time as the immersions are mandatory for completion of the degree. Missing days would require you to return to a future immersion and complete the entire course, which you missed during your initially scheduled immersion.
Your Global Career
People with knowledge and expertise in international affairs are in demand across sectors, given the ever-increasing complexity of our interconnected world. Fletcher’s rigorous and holistic experiential education maps to your goals while helping you expand your global network to shape the world. Fletcher graduates drive environmental policy at major technological companies, facilitate groundbreaking dialogue with NGOs and advance defense and intelligence missions.
Experiential Education
Gain the practical experience you need to thrive in today’s global job market—while pursuing the issues you’re most passionate about. With dedicated events for online students, you'll find meaningful opportunities to build your resume and leadership skills. Below are just a few of the hands-on opportunities available:
- International Immersion: take your education beyond the classroom and learn about the entrepreneurial and geopolitical environment of a new city through site visits, tailored coursework and meetings with local alumni and leaders.
- On-Campus Immersion: work on a capstone project to help you build real-world skills.
- Simulations: gain high-stakes decision-making experience through the semi-annual Red Team Exercise or the intergovernmental negotiation simulation.
Get the latest insights from Alum Philippe Rose
At the Coalface is a podcast featuring many Fletcher alumni and faculty who share stories about their life and lessons learned about making an impact in the world as practitioners in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, journalism and the private sector.
Featured News
