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School of Diplomacy and International Relations

Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations

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Through our highly regarded, customizable master’s program, students evolve from consumers of information to producers of knowledge—ready to contribute to various globally focused fields. You’ll build essential skills and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and how you can impact our complex, interdependent world.

As a Diplomacy graduate student, you'll access practical learning opportunities such as internships, international study seminars and original research projects. You’ll apply your knowledge and skills in international relations directly to real-world situations.

With guidance from faculty mentors, you can turn academic projects into published works that advance new ideas, discuss current issues with UN officials and more. The program emphasizes experiential learning through the UN Summer Session, the National Security Fellowship and pur student produced,  Journal of Diplomacy.

Distinguished by its personalized learning environment and smaller class sizes, students benefit from direct interaction with faculty who are practitioners in the field.  The availability of open-source syllabi allows students access to the curriculum in advance, promoting transparency and informed decision-making.

Accreditation & Awards

Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
A photo of SHU School of Diplomacy and International Relations Dean Courtney Smith

"Our world-class faculty, combined with our proximity to New York and Washington, ensures that our students receive a front-row understanding of international relations."

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Admissions Requirements

The School of Diplomacy offers open enrollment with priority application deadlines. Priority scholarship consideration will be given based on these deadlines as well. Applications received after the priority deadlines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deadlines

  • Fall Semester Priority Deadlines

    February 20

    March 31

  • Spring Semester Priority Deadline

    October 31

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International Students Welcome!

Seton Hall welcomes applications from international students for admission into full-time graduate degree programs.

Curriculum Overview

Coursework in this 45-credit program includes an introduction to international relations theory, diplomacy, research methods and policy analysis. Classes also examine international security, conflict resolution, international development, international law and development.

Along with core requirements, students take one course from each pair:

  • Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism or Comparative Foreign Policy
  • International Organizations or Public International Law
  • Art and Science of International Negotiation or International Security
  • International Political Economy or Advanced Economic Aspects of International Relations

Students choose two of our 13 specializations and select three courses in each.

Functional Specializations include Foreign Policy Analysis, Global Health and Human Security and Global Negotiation and Conflict Management.

Regional Specializations include Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East.

  • 100

    Graduate Student Body

  • 40+

    Countries Represented

  • 20+

    International Leaders Hosted

  • 24

    Annual Professional Development and Career Sessions

Career Opportunities

Earning a graduate degree in Diplomacy and International Relations prepares you to work in international affairs, diplomacy, international law diplomacy, and roles within international relations government sectors. The program focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate complex global issues, fostering a deep understanding of international dynamics. Graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions in various settings, ranging from business, to governmental agencies and international organizations.

Like the accomplished alumni who have come before you, you will leave Seton Hall with a thorough understanding of international affairs, a set of adaptable skills and leadership abilities essential in the field of diplomacy and the self-confidence to draw upon your education and advance your career. The diverse, practical experience you’ll gain here will prepare you for an exciting and challenging career.

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6-8%

Employment for international relations professionals is expected to grow through 2032 (BLS)

$106,182

Estimated average salary of an international affairs professional.

24

Annual Professional Development Workshops and Career Sessions

Our alumni work at the best organizations around the world.

The IIE logo
The International Rescue Committee Logo
The USAID Logo
The PWC logo
The U.S. Department of Defense logo
A photo of SHU MA Diplomacy and International Relations alum Anneliese Ivy Preske

"One of my favorite experiences as a graduate student was participating in the National Security Fellowship. This research opportunity connected me with my mentor, who has been instrumental in helping me grow as a student, analyst, and person."

Our Faculty and Students

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad Delivers Powerful Human Rights Address

The School of Diplomacy and International Relations hosted its World Leaders Forum, featuring Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2019 for her tireless work in the fight against human trafficking and sexual violence.

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Upcoming Events

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.

  • 50%

    Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the School Offer Financial Aid?

Yes. There are a variety of ways to support your graduate studies. Many students take advantage of loans to help fund their education.  To learn more about student loan programs and graduate scholarships, connect with the Office of Financial Aid.

Are Graduate Assistantships available?

Yes. As part of its financial aid packages, Seton Hall offers graduate assistantships. These professional assigments draw on a variety of different skills and require 20 hours of on campus work each week. Students must be admitted to a program before they can apply for a graduate assistantship. Additional awards can be viewed here.  The School also offers Research Assistantships and Graduate Fellowships based on academic merit.

Is the School Affiliated with External Scholarships?

Yes. The School of Diplomacy also serves as a host institution for various prestigious external scholarships, including the Fulbright Scholarship, Pickering Fellowship and more. We encourage you to browse and consider the options highlighted here, among others, independently. 

See all Graduate Admissions FAQs

View a list of list of frequently asked questions related to graduate studies at Seton Hall.

Additional Resources

Matching Scholarships

Diplomacy Graduate Programs

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Explore our Specializations

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Office of Graduate Affairs

(973) 275-2892

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About Seton Hall

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One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.

Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interpro­fessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.

  • 1856

    Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley

  • 14

    Miles from New York City

  • 90+

    Career-Building Graduate Programs

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