As the global landscape shifts and the walls between disciplines and sectors blur, international affairs professionals are confronting a new reality: the need to develop professional adaptability to future-proof their career. This crucial ability to integrate diverse knowledge and skills allows one to pivot between sectors and analyze complex issues from fundamentally different perspectives, whether it’s viewing a public health crisis through an economic lens or interpreting a geopolitical conflict by its technological, security, and environmental underpinnings.

Mastering this skill requires a specific kind of training, and the solution lies in a graduate education. These programs provide an interdisciplinary framework for understanding complex, interconnected issues, while also equipping students with critical skills to connect and collaborate with people from different backgrounds to solve problems together.

This special-edition FP Guide explores how leading graduate programs are redefining international affairs education to prepare their students to adapt, pivot, and lead throughout their career.

Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders for Tomorrow’s Global Order

University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs Strategic Shift Strengthens Graduates’ Preparation for Tomorrow’s Challenges

Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Shaping Confident, Forward-Thinking Global Professionals

The Fletcher School at Tufts University Navigating Complexity Through a Multifaceted, Ongoing Commitment to Student Development

Rice University, School of Social Sciences Cultivating Agile Global Leaders Through Immersion in Diverse International Settings

Penn State University, School of International Affairs Core Skills Drive Resilience to Navigate New Career Frontiers

Augusta University, Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences PhD Program Prioritizes Student Publication Opportunities

Virginia Tech, School of Public and International Affairs Flexible, Personalized, Engaged Learning in the Nation’s Capital

American University, School of International Service A Diversity of Education, Experiences Develops Agile Professionals

George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs Navigating an Unpredictable World Requires Education Rooted in Practice

University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy Graduate Students Gain Professional Advantage Through Case Competitions

The University of Texas at Austin, Clements Center for National Security Interdisciplinary Center Connects Students with Scholars, Practitioners, and Opportunities

Contents

• Developing Professional Adaptability in a Changing World
• Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service
• University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
• Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
• The Fletcher School at Tufts University
• Rice University, School of Social Sciences
• Penn State University, School of International Affairs
• Augusta University, Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Virginia Tech, School of Public and International Affairs
• American University, School of International Service
• George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs
• University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
• The University of Texas at Austin, Clements Center for National Security

FP GUIDES are prepared by the business department of The FP Group and do not involve the editorial department of FP magazine. Director of Academic Partnerships: Emma Braithwaite, [email protected]. Editor: Tara Shubbuck. Writers: Christa Avampato, Veronica Gorodetskaya, Karen Jensen, Seamus Roddy, Rich Shea, Tara Shubbuck. Copy Editor: Rachel McVearry. Designer: Tara Shubbuck. © 2025 THE FP GROUP, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED