UNITAR has partnered with Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations to offer an Online Executive Master of Science in International Affairs and Diplomatic Practice.

Practitioners will explore contemporary diplomacy against the changing nature of world politics and investigate the complexities of relationships between different countries. Through a series of seven courses and six modules, students will build upon their knowledge and skills in international security, policy analysis, negotiation and conflict management and monitoring and evaluation, while developing a functional and/or regional specialty. 

The degree is designed for mid-career professionals who seek to develop additional skills or credentials to move ahead in their careers. This accelerated online M.S. degree, which allows for flexible pacing and can be completed full-time or part-time, has both synchronous and asynchronous lessons, thus immersing students in the content through engaging online material, lectures, case studies, interactive sessions, groupwork, and stakeholder discussions. 

This program distinguishes itself with experiential learning opportunities like the UN Summer Session and the National Security Fellowship offered by Seton Hall,  enriching students' practical experience in the field. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while faculty with real-world expertise in diplomacy bring current issues directly into the classroom. Open-source syllabi provide transparency on course content, enhancing student preparedness for diverse career paths in international relations and diplomacy. 

This program is developed and taught by leading international experts who work closely with the United Nations, international companies, and NGOs globally as well as renowned scholars who will guide and support participants throughout their study. This dedicated team of scholars and practitioners with diverse backgrounds, bridge the gap between theory and practice — in the classroom and beyond.

Apply for the Online Executive Master of Science in International Affairs and Diplomatic Practice

UNITAR

As the training arm of the UN, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future. UNITAR was created in 1963 to train and equip young diplomats from newly-independent UN Member States with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate through the diplomatic environment. Over the years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of training activities. We have become a leading institute in the provision of customized and creative learning solutions to institutions and individuals from both public and private sectors.  With a strategy fully focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNITAR supports Governments to implement the 2030 Agenda.

Seton Hall University

One of the leading universities in the United States, Seton Hall University has been offering world-class education since 1856. Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 rigorous majors, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. Seton Hall's 58-acre main campus is located in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, only 14 miles from Manhattan. 

Available January and August annually

• Next course start date: 15th January 2025
• Course length: 1 year
• Application deadline: Admissions are rolling

• Diplomats assigned to Permanent Missions to the United Nations
• UN and international organizations staff
• Representatives from nongovernmental organizations accredited to the United Nations
• Private sector employers/employees with international holdings/interests
• Peace Corps members and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
• Military service members

The Online Executive M.S. curriculum can be completed in just over a year full-time, including summer sessions, or through part-time study, and is customizable to meet each individual’s current interests and needs. The program begins with a four course core sequence. Through a series of six modules and three additional specialization classes, students can pursue functional as well as regional specializations, or explore a variety of topics relevant to their career goals.

The core courses taken with the School of Diplomacy are as follows: 

• Public International Law (3 credits)
• Art and Science of International Negotiation (3 credits)
• International Political Economy (3 credits) OR Advanced Economic Aspects of International Relations (3 credits)
• Comparative Foreign Policy (3 credits) OR Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism (3 credits)

UNITAR’s six modules (totaling 9 credits) include: 

• Project Management
• Public-Private Partnerships and Business Diplomacy
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution
• Leadership in International Organizations
• Public and Cultural Diplomacy in a Multilateral World
• Diplomatic Communication

Specialization Courses (9 credits): 3 courses in specialization selected from options available online

• Africa
• Global Health and Human Security
• Global Negotiation and Conflict Management
• International Economics and Development
• International Law and Human Rights
• Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and Sustainability

Course Fee: $44,700.00

For information on financial aid opportunities please see the resource below:

Graduate Studies Financial Aid

For full admissions requirements and application process information, please visit the Seton Hall University Website and use the checklist below: 

Graduate Admissions Requirements - Seton Hall University

 SHU Application Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions

For further information, please email diplomacy@unitar.org or diplomat@shu.edu