If you want to make the world a better place, you have to learn how to anticipate the consequences of specific actions or reactions, how to build scenarios out of seemingly unconnected events, and how to recognize which pathways for development are more likely than others. The Master of Arts in Global Risk will help you take advantage of the many important insights available from economics, history, and political science, in order to make sense of the world around you and to plan more effectively for the future.
The MA in Global Risk (online) program at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) prepares students to understand risk models and decision-making frameworks, and then take their insights a step further. By combining both the quantitative and qualitative tools of risk management with critical thinking, regional knowledge and research skills needed for more comprehensive risk analysis and mitigation, graduates of the MA in Global Risk are uniquely positioned to succeed in today’s global environment.
The MA in Global Risk (online) program includes a one-of-a-kind residency at the SAIS Europe campus in Bologna, Italy, so students will have the opportunity to build or expand their professional networks before they graduate, studying alongside their peers as well as connecting with our expert faculty and risk management practitioners. Before completing the program, students will participate in a final residency in Washington DC. Immediately following the residency, students will participate in the Johns Hopkins SAIS commencement ceremony with the school's entire graduating class. These residencies bring together the fall and spring cohorts, offering students an excellent opportunity to expand their network. For any questions or concerns regarding the in-person residencies, connect with an admissions counselor via chat or submit the request information form.
The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) has created a culture focused on supporting each other, collaboration, and challenging each other to continuously improve. All students, both online and on-campus, have opportunities to participate and build on that culture as members of this accomplished community.
While risk management has been a formal discipline for decades, the complexity and ways that organizations must deal with it have evolved considerably. One key factor in modern risk is the rise of emerging threats, which describe risk that stems from unexpected events like natural disasters and geopolitical conflicts. According to research firm Marsh & McLennan Insights, this is an area of increasing importance for risk management professionals. Furthermore, while risk is an increasingly global and interconnected discipline, there are no established processes for global governance and collaboration. As these challenges rise across all industries, there will be opportunities for risk management leaders to help address them, lead organizational change and establish best practices that pave the way for a better world.
Visit our global risk careers page for more information.
$18.5 billion
Total projected value of the risk management market in 2026
The MA in Global Risk (online) is a part-time, cohort-based program that is completed over 21 months in the fall or 18 months in the spring through a sequence of 12 courses (50-credit hours). The coursework covers statistics, economics, risk modeling, global markets and risk in different regions of the world. The curriculum has been designed to prepare graduates to better understand the greater context around risk and critically evaluate risk management strategies.
In addition to online coursework, the program features two one-of-a-kind residencies, giving students the opportunity to connect in-person with their cohort and other members of the Johns Hopkins SAIS community, as well as participate in rich experiential learning opportunities. Visit our residential experience page for more information.
View the course list below, or visit the curriculum page for full course descriptions.
The Johns Hopkins University MA in Global Risk (online) is open to applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We take a holistic approach to reviewing candidates, and, as a result, there is no minimum GPA or GRE/GMAT requirement for admission to the program.
See our admissions page for a full list of requirements.
To learn more about the MA in Global Risk (online) and download a brochure, fill out the fields below, or call +1 410-648-2495 or toll-free at +1 888-513-5303 to talk with one of our admissions counselors.