University of Notre Dame, Keough School of Global Affairs

Range of Countries Represented in Program Emphasizing Fieldwork

The Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame draws students from a growing list of countries. International students make up more than 50 percent of the school’s Master of Global Affairs program, now in its fifth year, and students plus alumni represent more than 55 countries.

“We are excited that the program draws students from all corners of the globe, and every year the list of represented countries grows,” says Becca Méndez, associate director of the Keough School’s Master of Global Affairs program. “We place a lot of emphasis on making sure we have a diverse cohort, not just intellectually or globally, but also professionally.”

Given the importance of a variety of backgrounds, applicants should highlight their professional and cross-cultural work, and demonstrate how this degree would be a natural stepping-stone in their career plans.

Méndez recommends that candidates for the Master of Global Affairs program have at least two years of work or volunteer experience, because the curriculum focuses on the intersection of theory and practice. Students must be able to weigh academic theories taught in the classroom against their own experience.

Also, it is important that candidates identify with the Keough School’s mission of integral human development. The school is committed to addressing global problems from many different perspectives and disciplines and with a sensitivity to the cultures, religions, and histories of the communities where its faculty and students engage.

Admitting international students always has been—and will continue to be—a priority. The Keough School works with international students to overcome the challenges of travel during the pandemic.

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Adapting Fieldwork During the Pandemic
The Keough School values students working in the field and traveling for their studies. After a year of primarily virtual modes of work, the school is looking to send students back into the field with new and innovative ways to engage with partners. “We understand things continue to shift as far as the pandemic is concerned,” Méndez says. “But the creativity of our faculty, students, and global partners has allowed us to amp up both the number and the kind of field placements.”
)))In addition, the Keough School builds upon the expertise of nine global institutes. In partnership with Notre Dame’s Eck Institute for Global Health, the school allows students to pursue a global health specialization while working toward a degree in global affairs, preparing them for careers that address global health from a policy perspective.

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Graduate Degree Program Options
• Master of Global Affairs
• Master of Global Affairs and JD
• Master of Global Affairs and MBA
Each degree offers three concentrations: Sustainable Development, International Peace Studies, and Governance and Policy, with opportunities to specialize.

Deadlines for Fall 2022
(Master of Global Affairs)
Application: December 15, 2021
Financial Aid/Scholarships: December 15, 2021
Applicants to the dual-degree MGA/JD and MGA/MBA programs must apply separately to each program, and they will be evaluated independently by each program. For detailed application requirements, see https://keough.nd.edu/mga.

Standardized Exam Scores: The GRE will not be required for those applying to start the Master of Global Affairs in fall 2022. Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores unless they have studied at least two years at a university where instruction is in English.

Recommendation Letters: Three letters of recommendation are required for the Master of Global Affairs. At least one letter should speak to the candidate’s academic ability, and one to their professional abilities. Letters attesting to the applicant’s character are also valued.

Application Checklist: https://keough.nd.edu/apply