Master's Degree (MA) in Diplomacy and International Commerce
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The Master’s in Diplomacy and International Commerce is designed for students who want to launch or advance a career in international affairs without spending years in graduate school. With an accelerated path to completion and intentionally small class sizes, Patterson offers a focused, personalized graduate experience preparing students for careers in government, diplomacy, international business, international security and intelligence, NGOs and international development.
Program Overview
Earn Your Master's in 18 Months
Patterson's focused curriculum allows students to complete their master's degree 18 months—providing a faster path from graduate study to the next stage of their career. The Patterson School prepares students to navigate the complex landscape of global relations and policy. Rooted in a multidisciplinary and practical approach, the program blends political science, economics, law, and communication to equip graduates with the analytical and practical skills needed for careers in diplomacy, international business, international development, security and more. Students engage with real-world issues through coursework, simulations, and internships, gaining the tools to influence decision-making and pursue meaningful international work.
Small Program. Big Opportunities.
Patterson's small class sizes create a personalized learning environment where students build meaningful relationships with faculty, classmates, alumni and professionals working across international affairs. For more than 60 years, the Patterson School has prepared students for careers in international affairs through a small, selective and highly experiential graduate program. Students learn from faculty with academic and professional foreign affairs experience and extend their learning beyond the classroom through internships, diplomacy simulations, visiting experts and other opportunities to engage with real-world international challenges
Related Careers
Graduates from our program have obtained careers such as:
- Congress
- State and local government
- Department of Commerce
- Think tanks
- NGOs
- International organizations
- Private sector /industry
- Peace Corps
- U.S. Trade Representative
- National Air and Space Intel Center (NASIC)
- Export Import Bank
- World Bank
- Journalism
- U.S. or foreign diplomatic services
- Departments of Defense
- Department of Homeland Security
- Office of Foreign Asset Control
- Kentucky Refugee Ministry
- Development Contractors
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
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Fall
- 07/24/2026
International Students
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Fall
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Choose from four areas of concentration.
Four concentrations:
- Diplomacy
Prepares students for careers in foreign and diplomatic services, international organizations, government, NGOs and other organizations engaged in global affairs. Students develop expertise applicable to diplomacy, public policy, international relations and cross-cultural engagement.
- International Commerce
Prepares students for public- and private-sector careers focused on international trade, economic policy and global business. Career paths may include trade policy and enforcement, economic analysis, commercial advocacy, business development and international finance.
- International Organizations and Development
Prepares students to work with international institutions, development organizations and NGOs addressing global economic, political and social challenges. Students explore the roles of organizations such as the United Nations and European Union as well as nongovernmental and development organizations.
- International Security and Intelligence
Prepares students for careers in national security, intelligence, defense, homeland security and political risk analysis. Students gain knowledge relevant to careers in government intelligence and security agencies as well as private-sector organizations assessing geopolitical and security risks.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
“Patterson’s interdisciplinary curriculum broadened what I could do with my experience and opened doors I could not have opened alone.”
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Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Program Specific Funding Opportunities
Making Your Education Affordable
- Students from Academic Common Market* states can attend Patterson School at in-state tuition costs. See the states listed in the section below and confirm eligibility.
- 95% of students who attend Patterson School receive scholarship aid that reduces their tuition. Apply by February 1 to be considered for available scholarships.
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25% of students receive fellowships that cover in-state tuition, fees, and includes health insurance. Students are considered upon application to the program, as long as they apply by February 1. No additional application is needed to apply for the Patterson fellowship.
* Consult your state rep listed on the Academic Common Market website to see if your state can participate if not listed
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Market.
Alabama
Arkansas
Delaware
Georgia
Louisiana
Maryland
Mississippi
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia
Expand Your Learning
Students learn across political science, economics, security, development and international business while gaining practical experience through simulations, internships and engagement with professionals in the field.
The result is a graduate education designed not simply to study international affairs, but to prepare students to work in it.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
