Academics / Concentrations

International Political Economy

Shape policies that govern economic and business practices.

Study the effects of globalization on economic and political influencers, including governments and international institutions, and impact regulations that shape business activity.

This concentration is only available for students enrolled in the Master of Public and International Affairs program.

Areas of Focus

  • International trade and regulatory policy
  • Multinational corporations and global supply chains
  • International finance and macroeconomic policy
  • Globalization and development
  • Political economy of global energy and environment
  • International economic institutions

Major Courses and Plans of Study

With the international political economy concentration, you will choose from a range of core courses tailored to you interests as well as taking a set of required degree courses.  A set of required degree courses are outlined in the MPIA plan of study for this concentration.

Internship Experiences

Gain skill in applying your knowledge to real issues in the public or private sector. Prior to graduation, you’ll also complete a 300-hour internship at an approved site.

Previous Internship Sites

  • United Nations Industrial Development Organization
  • Deloitte Consulting LP
  • National Endowment for Democracy
  • International Fund for China’s Environment
  • U.S. Green Building Council
  • WEConnect International

Career Paths

With a keen understanding of global trade, finance, and politics, paired with deep analytical skills, you’ll be prepared for careers in a range of industries, from the government and nonprofits, to large corporations and banks.

Potential Workplaces

  • Global companies and nonprofits like MAXIMUS, the Asia Society, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development
  • Government agencies like the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Reserve, and the SEC
  • Global finance organizations like the World Bank, Bloomberg, and the International Monetary Fund
  • Consulting firms like Ernst & Young and Deloitte Consulting
     
Student interns at Google as part of her masters program
students sitting around conference table
Faculty Experts

Work with faculty whose academic backgrounds, fieldwork, and research make them experts in international political economy. 

Erica headshot

Erica Owen
Associate Dean, Associate Professor

Owen is an expert in the political economy of trade, foreign direct investment, and the politics of labor and multinational firms.

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Ilia Murtazashvili

Ilia Murtazashvili
Professor

A specialist in political economy, Murtazashvili studies economic and political institutions that are closely associated with wealth creation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

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Michael headshot

Michael Lewin
Senior Lecturer

A former Senior Economist at the World Bank, Lewin specializes in international economics (trade and finance) and economic development.

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