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Master's Degree in International Affairs in Rome, Italy

Master Global Politics by earning an MA in the Eternal City

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WHY STUDY AT JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY?

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ROME IS YOUR CAMPUS
Interact with the city of Rome, a global center for policymaking that bridges the cultures of Europe, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
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RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL FACULTY
Learn from international faculty engaged in cutting-edge scholarship and policy work.
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COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE IN JUST 12-16 MONTHS
The degree program can be completed in three semesters or an intensive one-year format. The program includes Foundation Courses, Research Seminars, Professional Development Modules and an MA Thesis.
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SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
John Cabot University helps dedicated and deserving students meet their educational goals through a focused, merit-based scholarship program.

ROME: THE CROSSROADS OF GLOBAL POLICY NETWORKS

Launch your global career with John Cabot University’s MA in International Affairs, a program designed to equip students with the skills and training needed to excel in global affairs.
With Rome as your classroom, you'll engage in small-class seminars led by international faculty, tackling the critical challenges shaping 21st-century policy. As part of a vibrant, multicultural community at a globally oriented American liberal arts university, you'll gain the expertise and perspective to make a meaningful impact in international relations.


Watch our video to learn more!


ABOUT THE PROGRAM

 

Students will gain expertise in international relations, undertake a professional internship, and complete an MA thesis.
With intellectually stimulating courses, hands-on experience, and access to career opportunities, our 36-credit program enables graduates to pursue careers in academia and research or to excel in professional, policy-making roles.

MEET THE DIRECTOR


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Prof. Michael Driessen
Director, Master of Arts in International Affairs 
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs 

"Politics is about the struggle for power, but it's also about our capacity as human beings to make collective decisions and to live together in a community. The study of International Affairs offers you tools to make sense of these dynamics, to ask why global politics have changed and what you can do about that." 


TESTIMONIALS

Catalina Zaza

Catalina Zaza

"Studying at JCU in Rome has been an incredibly enriching experience. Being based in a city that hosts key UN agencies focused on sustainable development and food security offers a unique opportunity to connect academic learning with real-world global policy work. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program has been its cross-disciplinary approach to International Affairs, which enables students to explore a range of topics and tailor their professional path according to their interests."
Lorenzo Di Franco-Cascone

Leonardo Di Franco-Cascone

"I chose the MA program because it made sense for me as I previously graduated from JCU with a bachelors in International Affairs. Though this, I've met many wonderful people from all over the world. The professors are brilliant and are guiding us to success each step of the way. The courses are amazing because they challenge me to push beyond what I already learned during my undergraduate degree."
Lilit Arshakyan

Lilit Arshakyan

"Studying International Affairs at JCU in Rome has been an incredible and transformative experience. I chose this program for its strong international focus, its connections to global institutions, and the opportunity to study in a city shaped by centuries of diplomacy and history. What I’ve enjoyed most is learning alongside people from all over the world, each bringing different cultural, educational, historical, and personal backgrounds. Our conversations and debates have helped me view political and global issues from perspectives I had never considered before. "

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS JCU ACCREDITED?

John Cabot University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801. (267-284-5000) www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The academic degrees conferred by John Cabot may be recognized for admission to the +2 in Italian universities, pending further requirements, when accompanied by the Dichiarazione di Valore or the Statement of Comparability. JCU’s Frank J. Guarini School of Business received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in 2022.

ARE CLASSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH?

All of the classes are in English (except for advanced foreign language and literature classes

DO I NEED A VISA?

If you plan to study for a semester or longer, are from the United States or another country that is not a member of the European Union, you need a student visa before entering Italy. A student visa is mandatory by Italian law and must be obtained before you arrive. Applying for a student visa is a completely separate process from applying to John Cabot University. During the summer sessions, citizens of the United States or other countries do not need a study visa, as students may stay in Italy for under 90 days without a visa. 

HOW IS THE CURRICULUM ORGANIZED?

To graduate from John Cabot University with a bachelor's degree, you must fulfill all academic requirements, earn an overall minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken at the University, with no more than two grades lower than C- in core courses and have earned at least 120 credits. Typically, one class is worth three credits, which reflects the number of academic hours spent in class each week. Most students enroll in five classes every semester, for a total of 15 credits. If you enter JCU with no transfer credits, as most American high school graduates, you will typically be able to earn enough credits to graduate in four years (eight semesters) of study. Pending previous coursework and/or a 13-year secondary school diploma, students may be granted transfer credits upon entry and may therefore be able to complete their degree in less than four years. American colleges and universities often apply the following titles to students to define progress toward graduation: Freshman (first year in college 0 to 30 credits), Sophomore (second year in college 31 to 60 credits), Junior (third year in college 61 to 90 credits) and Senior (fourth and final year in college 91 to 120 credits). 

DOES JCU HAVE HOUSING?

John Cabot University offers apartment-style housing for students. There are a few housing options: the Gianicolo Residence, the Trastevere Apartments, and the Lungara Apartments. On semesters with high enrollment, students may also be placed in neighborhood apartments in convenient locations. Thanks to Rome's public transportation system, no apartment is more than a short tram or bus ride away from JCU, and most are within easy walking distance. Shared apartments have fully equipped kitchens, bed and bath linens, and a washing machine. Amenities also include WiFi and 24-hour security in our residences. On-call JCU staff and a community of Resident Assistants provide support for students during their stay at JCU.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER I GRADUATE?

Students who earn degrees at John Cabot University are well-prepared to enter the international workforce. Our alumni are hired by multinational companies, universities, financial institutions, and diplomatic organizations. JCU graduates are also accepted into some of the finest graduate and professional schools in the world, including Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, the London School of Economics, King's College London, Oxford University, and UniversitĂ  Bocconi. 

Welcome to Rome

WELCOME TO

ROME

YOUR AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
ABROAD


Where History and Diplomacy Converge


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Via della Lungara 233
00165 Rome, Italy | +39066819121 | C.F. 01476880586

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