International Affairs (MAIA), 4+1 Early Acceptance

The 4+1 International Affairs Fast Flight Program at the University of North Georgia is designed for driven UNG students who are ready to accelerate their path from undergraduate study to earning a Master of Arts in International Affairs—all within five years.

Through this streamlined pathway, students complete the required 156 credit hours to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During your senior year, accepted students take 12 credit hours (four courses)—two in the fall and two in the spring—within the MAIA. These courses count toward both undergraduate and graduate requirements, reducing the time and cost needed to earn a master’s degree from UNG.

The MAIA provides an advanced understanding of international systems, with focused study on global security issues such as terrorism, strategic security policy, the economic dimensions of security, and the foundational theories that shape international affairs. Students develop strong research and analytical skills that prepare them to advance professionally or launch careers in government, nonprofit, military, and private sector fields.

This Fast Flight pathway is available to UNG students pursuing the following undergraduate degrees:

International Affairs
Strategic and Security Studies with a Concentration in International Affairs
Political Science
Political Science with a Pre-Law Concentration

Rooted in UNG’s commitment to leadership, global engagement, and academic excellence, this Fast Flight program is more than an accelerated option—it is a strategic launchpad to lead with integrity and navigate a complex global landscape with confidence

Note: Non-UNG International Affairs majors may apply to the traditional Master of International Affairs.

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Quick Facts

For UNG International Affairs majors
Early access to master's level coursework

Program starts fall term
30 hour program completed in 1 year with full-time option

Program Application Deadlines

All application materials are to be received prior to the deadline. If program capacity is met prior to established admission deadlines, we will stop accepting applications for admission and cancel remaining incomplete applicants. Applications will open after midterms and stay open for four weeks following that date. Completing your application earlier is better.

Fall Deadline

May 15

How to Apply to the Master of Accountancy, 4+1 Program at UNG

Degree Seeking Regular
Requirements

Be a current UNG International Affairs, Strategic and Security Studies with a Concentration in International Affairs, Political Science or Political Science with a Pre-Law Concentration major.

Have completed 80 credit hours.

Have completed 21 upper division credit hours (3xxx or 4xxx) excluding MILS classes in the 21 upper division class hours.

Have an overall GPA of 3.25.

Students must have submitted their essay and two letters of recommendation from UNG faculty.

Students MUST meet with Financial Aid and MAIA Advisor before being accepted to MAIA 4+1 track. Financial Aid/Advisor will both discuss how to maximize aid and plan classes if you are accepted into the program.

Stay on track for MAIA 4+1 Early Acceptance

Students accepted into the 4+1 MAIA program must, at the end of the summer sessions but before the Fall semester begins, meet the required number of credit hours and upper division credit hours in addition to the GPA requirements. Students that have been accepted under the contingent admissions policy that do NOT meet the standards to admission to the program will be informed by the MAIA coordinator via email.

If a student is off track and still wishes to be considered for admission will need to apply using the Regular Admission Requirements for the MAIA program.

Required Supplemental Documents

A 600-word personal statement describing the specific interest in the MAIA degree

2 recommendation letters from UNG professors

Applying to UNG

Step 1Application and Application Fee

Step 2Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

Step 3Persons Aged 62 or Over

Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

Non-refundable application fee of $40.

Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.

Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.

Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

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Submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license to enable UNG to determine eligibility.

Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.

May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

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Start Your Application Graduate Admissions Tuition Estimator

Questions?

For questions about the program, contact:

Dr. Cristian Harris, Program Coordinator
cristian.harris@ung.edu
706-867-3251

Dr. Craig Greathouse, MAIA Graduate Advisor
craig.greathouse@ung.edu
706-867-2577

For questions about the application process, contact:

Graduate Admissions

grads@ung.edu

706-864-1543

Where Could the MAIA 4+1 Early Acceptance Program Lead You?

Use the career insights tool to explore different opportunities related to this degree program. Learn about average salary and discover the skills you need to get the job you want.