Arizona State University: New ASU Master's Program Focuses On International Affairs, Leadership

Press release from Arizona State University:

April 7, 2021

Those who work in international affairs face a wide range of challenges in foreign policy decision-making, national security, international trade, climate change and human rights issues — all through a local, national and international lens.

To assist with navigating these complex challenges while forging leaders in the international affairs realm, Arizona State University’s newly launched Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab partnered in the creation of the School of Politics and Global Studies’ unique online Master of Arts in international affairs and leadership.

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The program is now accepting applications for the fall semester. The priority deadline to apply is July 23, with applications being reviewed on a rolling basis.

“In our volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, we need character-driven leaders with solutions,” said retired Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, who is co-founder of the ASU Lab for Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security. “Our Master of Arts in international affairs and leadership will develop leaders who commit to doing the right thing, for the right reasons, in the right way.”

Many of the faculty that students will learn directly from are U.S. ambassadors, military general officers, senior leaders in U.S. government and other senior foreign policy experts. The program’s integration of how to be a “character-driven leader" helps prepares students for a successful career in international affairs.

The program is a hybrid online degree where students will benefit from two in-person intensive training weeks in Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the program. They will have the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill, think tanks, nongovernmental organizations and U.S. government agencies, such as the State Department, to develop their knowledge and understanding of international affairs and the U.S. government. Students will participate in leadership discussions and challenging exercises, and will visit key historical sites in the Washington area.

Lt. Gen. Freakley, retired U.S. State Department Ambassador Edward O’Donnell and Ambassador-in-Residence Michael C. Polt, who are all teaching in the program and are co-founders of the ASU Lab for Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security, offered insights into the new ASU Online degree.

This press release was produced by Arizona State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.