Degree Programs
GPS offers graduate programs for students who want to connect rigorous policy training with real-world international challenges. Across its degree programs, students develop analytical, regional and professional skills that can be applied in government, business, nonprofit, research and policy careers. For students interested in Japan, GPS provides different pathways to study the Pacific region while building expertise in international affairs, public policy or professional leadership.
Master of International Affairs (MIA)
The Master of International Affairs (MIA) is a two-year, full-time program for students who want a graduate experience built around international affairs, regional expertise and career preparation. MIA students choose both a career track and a country or regional specialization, allowing them to pair professional training with focused study of a region such as Japan. For Japan Focus students, this means they can connect coursework in international management, politics, economics, policy and language with a deeper understanding of Japan’s role in the Pacific Rim. The program is designed for students preparing for careers in global business, diplomacy, nonprofits, regional development and international policy, with a curriculum that builds both practical skills and regional fluency.
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year, full-time STEM-designated program for students who want to turn evidence into action. The MPP emphasizes data, empirical methods, economics and policy analysis, preparing students to evaluate the real-world consequences of public decisions and design more effective solutions. Students move from a core foundation in policy analysis and quantitative methods to a second-year capstone that applies those tools to a real policy problem. For students interested in Japan, the MPP can be a strong option for studying issues such as governance, technology policy, economic development, climate, social policy and public-sector reform through a more data-driven lens.
Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA)
The Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA) is designed for experienced professionals with five or more years of work experience who want to strengthen their ability to lead in international and policy-focused settings. The program can be completed in nine months full time or 18 months part time, making it a flexible option for professionals returning to graduate study. Unlike the MIA or MPP, the MAS-IA is built for students who are already established in their careers and want advanced training for higher-level organizational challenges with global implications. Students develop skills in policy analysis, cross-cultural diplomacy and regional problem-solving while sharpening their leadership, strategy and international affairs expertise.