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Advance quantitative skills for global policy leadership

The STEM-designated Global Governance, Politics, and Security: Quantitative Economic Methods (GGPS:QEM) master's degree program is where advanced economic and quantitative training meets real-world international policy challenges. Our mission is to train students to apply quantitative methodologies to global issues, developing more data and economics skills than a traditional international affairs degree. We want our graduates to be well qualified for the most desirable positions in international affairs today—including ones requiring more superior data analytics and economics skills. 

The Washington, DC location gives you access to a rich internships and networking opportunities. The program's STEM designation may also allow F-1 international students to apply for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training, granting them the ability to work in the US for up to three years in their major field of study. For more information, please consult with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

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The MA in Global Governance, Politics, and Security: Quantitative Economic Methods (GGPS:QEM) degree requires 36 credit hours of full-time graduate coursework, including a capstone. Students complete an advanced series of courses in economics and quantitative methods. You will learn to apply these economic and statistical tools by also studying the foundations of global politics and choosing a second specialization in Global Security; Multilateral Diplomacy & Global Governance; State, Society & Politics; or International Economic Policy. This flexibility ensures students can tailor their program of study to their career goals and the needs of the international affairs workforce. Finally, students will complete their degree with either a practicum, substantial research paper, or thesis.

Explore degree flexibility options

Full degree and admission requirements

As top scholars and practitioners in their fields, GGPS: QEM professors regularly publish books and articles, appear in national and international media, and interact with students inside and outside the classroom. Our distinguished international faculty includes economists, political scientists, and international relations experts.

Meet the GGPS:QEM faculty

With residents and visitors drawn from all over the world, Washington, DC, is a vast campus that extends far beyond the SIS classroom. The GGPS:QEM degree’s academic content is complemented by internship, research, mentoring, and policy-oriented opportunities available to students in DC. These opportunities to build professional networks and apply their coursework to real-world challenges make American University the ideal place to study and to jump-start a career after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

We encourage you to apply as early as you can. Applications are reviewed by round, so applying earlier means you will receive your decision sooner and can start planning accordingly. For international applicants, this provides additional time to complete the visa application process.

All applications completed on or before March 15 for fall entry and November 1 for spring entry are automatically considered for funding. Applications completed after the deadlines are considered on a rolling basis, as space and funding allow. All dates apply to both domestic and international applicants.

Fall Start

Round 1
October 15
Round 2
January 15
Round 3
March 15

Spring Start

Only Round
November 1

View required application materials

The GGPS:QEM program prepares graduates for careers in US and foreign government agencies, regional and multilateral organizations, financial and other multinational corporations, trade associations, regulatory authorities, think-tanks, and international consulting firms.

Our graduates have found rewarding careers in governmental organizations that include the US Commerce Department, European Central Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, US State Department, US Treasury Department , World Bank, and private-sector firms such as AIG, Booz Allen Hamilton, Chemonics, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, IBM, S&P Global, Summit Consulting, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Looking for more information or help? SIS has a dedicated career development center to assist current students and alumni.

The School of International Service offers merit-based aid in the form of scholarships and fellowships at the time of admission. SIS also has partnerships with a number of organizations, like the Peace Corps and Pickering Fellowship, which provide qualified individuals with funding.

Financial aid information for prospective students

Need-based aid is managed centrally by AU and generally takes the form of a federal low-interest loan package.

Federal loan and work study information for graduate students

Still have questions? Send us an email with program-specific questions at [email protected]