The 1-year MA in Global Studies (MAGS) Program at Bard College prepares students to address the 21st century’s most pressing global problems.
Tour of the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan.
About the Program
Students can choose to spend the full year in New York City, or to begin the program in Vienna, Austria with Central European University. All students spend the second semester in New York City, completing rigorous elective coursework and a capstone project, as well as, most importantly, an internship with an organization working on global affairs. By emphasizing critical thinking, writing, and experiential learning, the program will educate the next generation of global citizens to be actively engaged in the transnational public sphere.
Photo courtesy M. Bajis Salim
Professional Internships
The centerpiece of the MA in Global Studies experience is the internship, where students get an on-the-ground perspective on how a variety of civil society and private global actors address transnational problems. Whether it’s with an existing internship partner or at an organization new to our network, students are connected to high-profile and substantive internships in New York City.
Program Overview
Students complete 30 credits during the one-year MA program, including coursework on the form and function of the global political order, the histories and evolution of specific global problems and how groups and individuals have attempted to address them. Seminars range from skill-based courses that prepare students to enter the workforce, to rigorous elective coursework on a range of global events and issues.
2025–26 Admissions Updates
Students interested in applying to the Bard MA in Global Studies (MAGS) program can now choose between two tracks and degree options!
In the CEU track, students begin in Vienna, studying in the International Relations program at Central European University, before moving to the MAGS program in New York City, where they complete coursework and an internship in global affairs. Students interested in this track must submit applications to both CEU’s one-year program in International Relations and the Bard MA in Global Studies. After completing a capstone research project, students will graduate with a dual MA degree from both CEU and Bard.
The New York City track is a US-based program where students spend the full academic year in New York City. Students in this track spend the fall semester completing coursework in global affairs and getting their bearings in NYC. During the spring semester, students are required to complete coursework and an internship in global affairs, culminating in a capstone project and a degree from Bard College. Students who complete the New York City Track become eligible for one year of OPT (Optional Practical Training) following graduation.
Applications for both tracks close on February 1, 2025 at 11:59pm EST. Prospective students can apply to both or either degree track; those who indicate they would like to be considered for both tracks will be considered for the dual MA program (CEU Track) first, followed by the NYC track, pending admissions and aid capacity. See admissions page for full details and application requirements.
In the CEU track, students begin in Vienna, studying in the International Relations program at Central European University, before moving to the MAGS program in New York City, where they complete coursework and an internship in global affairs. Students interested in this track must submit applications to both CEU’s one-year program in International Relations and the Bard MA in Global Studies. After completing a capstone research project, students will graduate with a dual MA degree from both CEU and Bard.
The New York City track is a US-based program where students spend the full academic year in New York City. Students in this track spend the fall semester completing coursework in global affairs and getting their bearings in NYC. During the spring semester, students are required to complete coursework and an internship in global affairs, culminating in a capstone project and a degree from Bard College. Students who complete the New York City Track become eligible for one year of OPT (Optional Practical Training) following graduation.
Applications for both tracks close on February 1, 2025 at 11:59pm EST. Prospective students can apply to both or either degree track; those who indicate they would like to be considered for both tracks will be considered for the dual MA program (CEU Track) first, followed by the NYC track, pending admissions and aid capacity. See admissions page for full details and application requirements.