What You'll Study
The Master of Arts in Global Risk (online) is a specialized international studies master's program that examines how the changing global economy, international politics, and shifting security alliances affect business and policy risk.
Unlike broader international affairs master's programs, this degree focuses specifically on risk management within the international context. You'll gain the analytical depth of an international relations master's and the practical expertise of an economic policy master's degree.
How You'll Learn
The MA in Global Risk program builds your risk modeling expertise step-by-step while expanding your ability to analyze risk holistically.
You start with mathematics and statistics to establish a foundation for data analysis, then progress sequentially through coursework that takes you from basic principles to advanced analytical skills.
The online curriculum is rigorous but structured so you can keep working while you study from abroad. Most of our students work full-time while completing the degree and complete the coursework in 21 months.
In-Person Residencies in Washington DC
While most learning takes place online, you'll travel to the Johns Hopkins University campus in Washington DC for two short, required in-person residencies.
This is your chance to immerse yourself in a major hub for international policy and return home with a clearer view of how decisions in DC shape markets and governments worldwide.
A Relevant Capstone That’s Ready for Employers
Your capstone project centers on a region and risk challenge that matters to your work. Many students choose topics tied to their home country or region so that they can analyze the economic risks, geopolitical considerations, or security challenges specific to their area of expertise.
Find out more about what it's like to be a student in our program.
Partial Tuition Scholarship
Students admitted to the Master of Arts in Risk (online) program for fall 2026 are eligible for a partial tuition scholarship, including international students.
- No separate application or extra materials are needed. Simply check a box on the admissions application to indicate you’d like to be considered.
- Your eligibility will be reviewed as part of the standard admissions process.
Earn Your Degree From Your Home Country
Nearly one-fifth of our MA in Global Risk (online) students live and work outside the United States. You’ll join students from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Our courses combine on-demand content with scheduled live sessions, so you can keep up from your time zone.
In-Person Residences as an International Student
The program includes two required in-person residencies in Washington DC. All international students must obtain an F-1 visa for each residency. The visa issued to you will be valid only for the duration of the residency, not for the entire length of the master’s program.
Johns Hopkins University's Office of International Services will guide you through the visa application process approximately four to five months before your first residency. They provide support with Form I-20, application procedures, and any questions about F-1 status.
International Admissions Snapshot
Typical application materials for international applicants include:
- Online application and application fee
- Resume/CV
- Analytical essay
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions (translated into English)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for most non-native English speakers
This is just an overview. Because every student’s background is different, the best way to confirm your application materials or ask about residency requirements is to speak with an enrollment specialist. Complete the request information form on this page or call +1 443-565-4632.
Johns Hopkins SAIS
For 75 years, students have come to the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) to build their professional networks, learn from renowned faculty, train with policy practitioners and gain hands-on work experience.
Today, guided by the vision of its founders, the school’s cadre of expert faculty prepares students for exciting careers across sectors and around the world. With a global alumni network of more than 20,000 graduates, you can be sure to find our alumni taking action in dynamic roles. From private-sector executives to entrepreneurs, leaders of nongovernmental organizations to ambassadors, and international media correspondents to energy consultants, alumni of the school are known for being innovative thinkers and problem-solvers with the economic and policy expertise to address today’s most pressing challenges.
Rankings and Accreditation
U.S. News & World Report recognizes Johns Hopkins for its commitment to student success, excellent student social mobility, faculty as well as its reputation among leaders at other universities.
U.S. News ranks Johns Hopkins as a top-10 national university as well as top-10 in most innovative schools in the country. Some other key rankings include:
#7
Best National Universities, U.S. News & World Report
#14
Best Global Universities, U.S. News & World Report
#2
Best Graduate Programs for International Relations, Foreign Policy Magazine
