The world needs changemakers like you
In a rapidly evolving world, where diplomats, CEOs and NGO leaders navigate challenges at lightspeed, the need for agile and impactful solutions has never been greater. Are global supply chains ready for the next pandemic? Can governments counter misinformation in a multipolar world? How does modern warfare affect women and marginalized communities differently, and what solutions can governments and nonstate actors develop to address these problems?
Become a Leader in International Affairs
Prepare for your career in international affairs with the Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD). With unmatched flexibility, the program lets you chart your own path to select specialized fields of study in areas such as global governance, security, sustainability, economics, technology and beyond. Gain real-world experience in and beyond the classroom that puts you on track for multi-sectoral careers with global impact.
It’s very clear that the professors are invested in the students they teach every day and want all of us to do well…You hear faculty talking about how their former students will still call them up when they have a difficult issue they’re working out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students are required to select courses across a range of topics.
This unique degree feature is designed to prepare you for any job in the field of your choosing through a combination of breadth and depth requirements across 16 courses (48 course credits). Students develop breadth across international affairs by selecting two courses focused on Diplomacy, History, and Politics, one course in International Law and Organizations and one course in Economics and International Business. Students develop depth by selecting two fields of study.
Additional flexibility allows you to tailor your degree through cross-registering at one of our partner institutions. Learn more about taking courses at other graduate schools at Tufts University or at Harvard.
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.
The Global Master of Arts Program is for mid-career students who want to pursue an online degree.
Students choose two fields of study around which to shape their degree. Students can also create their own field of study (read more below). This interdisciplinary framework puts you in control of shaping your curricular path.
Through your chosen fields, you can address your specific policy interests and gain the knowledge and skills needed for your ideal career.
Yes. Cultural sensitivity and multilingual competence are cornerstones of careers in international affairs, so demonstrating proficiency in more than one language is a graduation requirement for the degree. This may be done in one of four ways:
Language testing
Students can take one free reading and oral exam (plus one retest) through LTI. To meet the requirement, both exams in the same language must score ILR Level 2: Limited Working Proficiency.
All exams are online with remote proctoring: reading is multiple-choice; oral is via avatar (OPIc) or live tester (OPI).
Completion of intermediate-level language courses
Successful completion of two semesters of intermediate-level or above language instruction for credit at Tufts University or Harvard University, achieving a third-year language level.
Courses may be taken for a letter grade or pass/fail, with a minimum grade of B- required. Up to 8.0 credits (two full-semester courses) can be taken as electives, with a maximum of 4.0 credits per term.
Prior completion of language courses at the intermediate level
Successful completion of two or more semesters of intermediate-level or above language instruction for credit at another institution within five years before enrolling at Fletcher with an official transcript.
Prior degree completion in a language other than English
Evidence of a prior undergraduate degree (lasting at least three years) or graduate degree (lasting at least two years) where the primary language of instruction was not English. An official transcript or certification letter is required.
All students complete a capstone project under the direction of a professor whom they select based on alignment and goals. The capstone allows students to sharpen their analytical skills, build deep knowledge in a specific area of expertise, and create a bridge to their job search. Capstone projects have included business plans, policy memos, case studies, podcasts, documentaries and academic theses. Learn more about the capstone.
Fletcher is immensely proud of our award-winning faculty who are committed to teaching and mentoring students in the classroom and beyond. Fletcher is a large enough school to host preeminent thought-leaders, faculty and students from around the world, and small enough to create lifelong relationships with faculty, staff and peers.
You will be challenged and supported by faculty who truly care about your success throughout your career.
There are a myriad of ways to engage with cutting-edge research during your time at Fletcher. From becoming a research assistant at one of our research centers, to joining the editorial board of one of our esteemed student-run journals (Fletcher Forum, Praxis, and the Fletcher Security Forum), to the work you’ll do on a capstone project. We want you to dive deeply into the ideas and issues that intrigue you. Learn more about our research centers and their work.
Our graduates work across the private sector, government, international organizations and NGOs. Many build careers spanning multiple sectors, perhaps starting in government and later moving to the private sector, or the other way around. There’s no single pathway, and that flexibility is one of the degree’s strengths. Here are some examples of roles our alumni pursue after graduation:
- Security and defense officers
- NGO directors, program managers, and research assistants
- Foreign Service Officers
- Senior analysts in the private sector
- Climate finance associates
- Senior management consultants
- Ministry officials
- Legal associates
The greater Boston area is an innovative hub of technology, environmental research, international finance, security and global healthcare. Whether your career interests lie in biotech, the defense sector, academic research or starting your own business, Boston has the ecosystem to support you.
Fletcher’s Medford location provides students with the best of both worlds—connections to a vibrant city and a tight-knit campus community with opportunities to build deep connections with peers and professors.
Boston was voted the #1 student city in America by QS World University Rankings 2026. As a graduate student at Fletcher, you’ll be surrounded by a community of elite scholars studying, working and exchanging ideas.
Your Global Career
Experts in international affairs are in high demand across all sectors as our world grows more interconnected. Fletcher’s rigorous programs provide the knowledge, skills and global network to advance your career and shape change. Our graduates drive environmental policy at leading tech companies, craft laws and regulations at multilateral organizations, lead dialogue with NGOs and more.
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 more than 30 student-led conferences and clubs, you'll find meaningful opportunities to build your resume and leadership skills. Whether you're organizing delegations to the Arctic Circle Assembly, participating in Army War College simulations or contributing to cutting-edge transnational research, Fletcher empowers you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Below are just a few of the hands-on opportunities our students have enjoyed:
- Intern in the United States and globally: gain practical experience between your first and second years, and build professional connections to help you in your career search. Past students have pursued internships at NATO, European Public Law Organization, World Expo, the United Nations, the World Bank and more.
- Treks: team up with classmates to design and lead international trips focused on geopolitics and global affairs. Recent treks include visits to Oman, Japan, Israel, Palestine and Greece.
- Simulations: gain high-stakes decision-making experience through the semi-annual Red Team Exercise or the Army War College Strategy Competition.
- Research: Work as a research assistant in one of our research centers alongside faculty, do field work for your capstone project or engage with real-world clients on research projects through one of our practicums.
Specialize through a field of study
Students choose two fields of study, pairing their interests to build a broad, integrated understanding of global challenges.
Focus on areas like conflict resolution, environmental sustainability, international business or the future of tech and security. With a flexible curriculum, you can combine disciplines, specialize strategically and prepare for a globally impactful career.
Our fields of study are:
- Conflict Resolution
- Environmental Sustainability
- Global Governance
- Global Politics
- Human Security
- International Business
- International Economics
- International Law
- International Security
- Technology Policy
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