Prepare to lead globally and strategically with the University of Miami’s MAIA program—offered entirely online.
With a focus on security management, the University of Miami’s online Master of Arts in International Administration (MAIA) degree prepares you to address complex global challenges. Designed for aspiring leaders—including professionals in international business, diplomacy, nonprofits, and global strategy—our MAIA program blends public, strategic, tactical, and operational security studies with cross-cultural communication, international development, and global policy.
Explore the dynamics of global politics, economics, national security, and diplomacy, and gain the tools to make thoughtful, informed decisions in international business and public service environments.
This fully accredited online program is taught by the same world-renowned faculty who teach on campus.
MAIA DEGREE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRAM | CREDITS | COST PER CREDIT | TUITION COST |
Master of Arts in International Administration | 30 | $1,454 | $43,620 |
*Based on the UM 2025-2026 UOnline tuition and fees rate. Fees are not included in the total tuition cost above. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
You can learn more about financial aid opportunities available to you here.
For students who wish to complete their Master's in International Administration online and start classes in January, the early admission deadline is November 3, 2025.
Our MAIA program offers a flexible, career-focused path to global leadership.
Complete your degree 100% online—perfect for working professionals.
Courses cover international relations, economics, project management, and global security.
Learn from Miami faculty with real-world experience in diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and international policy.
Build expertise in conflict resolution, intercultural negotiation, and global governance.
Join the University's extensive alumni community and gain lifelong connections and professional opportunities.
Earning a Master of Arts in International Administration opens the door to various global careers. Here are some common paths:
Represent your country abroad, manage international relations, and navigate complex political and economic issues. Diplomats often live overseas and may need to learn foreign languages.
Analyze current policies and recommend improvements based on research and socio-political trends. Many work in government or lobbying and specialize in sectors like defense or energy.
Lead or support nonprofit organizations focused on global or community issues. Responsibilities often include strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement.
Prepare for and respond to natural disasters and geopolitical crises. These professionals coordinate aid efforts, manage recovery plans, and act as public liaisons during emergencies.
Identify global growth opportunities and help companies expand into international markets. This role requires cultural awareness and strategic insight into global business dynamics.
"'Do something that matters' is the way we think about what the MAIA program can offer our students. Our alumni are well represented in organizations dealing with national security, disaster management and other domains central to the well-being of people and place. MAIA offers insight into the complex ways we need to think about security with emphasis upon the identification, analysis and effective engagement of real-world problems."
An MAIA degree, or Master of Arts in International Administration, is a graduate program that prepares students for leadership roles in global organizations. It combines international relations, public policy, and management to equip professionals for careers in diplomacy, nonprofits, and international development.
This degree could be an excellent fit if you're passionate about global affairs and want to impact international challenges. You'll build expertise valued across government agencies, NGOs, multinational corporations, and emergency response organizations. The critical thinking and communication skills you develop are highly transferable, giving you flexibility in your career path. Consider your long-term goals and interests to determine if this aligns with your aspirations.
Yes, earning a Master's of International Administration online can lead to a rewarding career as a diplomat. You'll develop the cultural awareness, economic understanding, and political insights essential for effective diplomacy and international relations.
The field of international administration is growing rapidly. As businesses expand globally and international cooperation becomes increasingly important, organizations need professionals who understand cross-cultural dynamics and global systems. Technology has connected the world, creating even more opportunities for those with international expertise.
While both the MAIA (Master of Arts in International Administration) and the MPIA (Master of Public and International Affairs) prepare students for careers in global policy, diplomacy, and international service, there are key differences in focus and approach.
An MPIA degree typically emphasizes public policy, political science, and government administration within an international context. It's often geared toward individuals pursuing careers in public service, foreign affairs, or international development through governmental or intergovernmental agencies.
The MAIA degree, by contrast, offers a more interdisciplinary approach to international administration, blending global governance, security management, organizational leadership, economics, and cross-cultural communication. This flexibility appeals to professionals aiming to work in NGOs, multilateral organizations, the private sector, or international nonprofits—in roles that require both strategic and operational expertise.
The UOnline MAIA program is an excellent option for those considering MIS (Master of International Service), MIA (Master of International Affairs), or MPIA (Master of Public and International Affairs) degrees.