Overview of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy

Under the auspices of the American Graduate School in Paris (AGS), the American Graduate School of International Relations and Diplomacy prepares students for high-level careers in international affairs: intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, government, diplomacy, international business, media, journalism, and academics.

AGSIRD offers a US-accredited Master and a Ph.D. degree, as well as study abroad programs for both graduates and undergraduates, and various part-time options for professionals.

Students may also opt to earn a European graduate degree in addition to AGSIRD’s American M.A., by following one of the double-degree programs offered by the school in partnership with French universities.

The language of instruction is English; no knowledge of French is required for admission. AGSIRD provides its students with the opportunity to follow optional french language courses at its partner school, the Alliance Française.

Subjects taught at AGSIRD include international law, geopolitics, conflict resolution, and environmental studies. As part of the curriculum of the graduate degree programs, students do a monitored internship, incorporating hands-on experience in their coursework. The internship program takes advantage of the many opportunities that Paris offers for the practice of international relations, with the presence of numerous intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and diplomatic missions.

The low student/professor ratio in each class, combined with full dedication to students and strong commitment to academic excellence, carry AGSIRD towards a pedagogy based on active interaction with professors and close guidance of students.

The AGSIRD faculty is composed of both academics and professional practitioners such as diplomats, journalists, and lawyers. Additionally the school often invites prominent guest speakers in class and organizes visits to embassies and international organizations.

The faculty as well as students come from many different countries on all continents. Through the multi-cultural profile of its students and faculty coming from around the world, as well as through the nature of the disciplines taught , AGSIRD provides an international classroom environment and diverse perspectives on the topics addressed.