MA in International Trade
Understand global trade. Explore a world of opportunity.
How do global markets, international business and government policies shape economies around the world? With an MA in International Trade from the University at Buffalo, you'll explore the forces driving globalization and develop the analytical, research and communication skills to understand international trade and its impact on people, businesses and communities.
Whether you're preparing for a career in business, government or education, or considering further graduate study, this program connects economic and geographic perspectives with real-world global challenges.
On this page:
At UB, you'll study international trade through a geographic lens, examining how economic activity, government policies and global connections shape opportunities around the world.
As a graduate student, you'll benefit from:
- A global perspective: Explore the relationships between international trade, investment, economic development and government policy.
- Personalized faculty guidance: Work with faculty advisers who help you select courses, develop your interests and plan your academic and professional goals.
- Applied research opportunities: Investigate questions about international business, economic development and global trade through research and projects.
- Career-focused learning: Build analytical and communication skills relevant to business, government, education and research.
Degree type: Master of Arts (MA)
Field: International Trade
Instruction method: In person
Enrollment: Full time
Program length: Approximately two years
What makes this MA stand out?
The MA in International Trade combines economic and geographic perspectives to help you understand how global markets, international investment and government policies shape economic activity around the world.
Your graduate training includes:
- Geographic perspectives on international business and world trade
- Statistics and quantitative research methods
- International trade, investment and economic development
- Global business landscapes and government policy
- Electives that support your academic and professional interests
- A culminating research project or competency portfolio
The program provides a foundation for careers in government, business and education while preparing students who wish to pursue doctoral or professional degree study.
Through coursework and applied research, you'll develop the skills to examine international trade, economic development and the policies that influence global markets.
By completing this program, you'll be able to:
- Describe basic statistical concepts and methods.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, including referencing and citation typical for the field.
- Describe the interactions between global trade, foreign direct investment, transnational production networks and state policies.
- Analyze environment and/or development dimensions of global trade, foreign direct investment, transnational production networks and related state policies.
- Evaluate trade and investment trends using environment and/or development dimensions.
The MA in International Trade gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge through a research project or competency portfolio. Both options help you demonstrate your understanding of international trade and your ability to investigate economic and geographic questions.
Research project
Conduct original research on a focused question related to international trade or economic development. You'll investigate a topic in depth, analyze your findings and prepare a substantial research report.
Competency portfolio
Demonstrate your research, analytical and professional skills through a collection of work. Your portfolio may include research papers, applied studies and materials that highlight your academic experience and goals.
Faculty guidance
Work with your faculty adviser to select the option that best supports your interests. Faculty provide guidance throughout the process and evaluate your completed research project or portfolio.
The MA in International Trade is designed to prepare students for employment in government, business and education. The program also provides a foundation for doctoral or professional degree study.
Depending on your interests and experience, you may pursue opportunities in:
- International business and trade
- Government and public policy
- Economic development
- Trade and investment analysis
- Research and consulting
- Education and further graduate study
Ready to explore your future in international trade? Learn more about admission requirements, connect with our department and discover how the MA in International Trade can support your goals.
Have questions about the MA in International Trade, admissions or choosing the right graduate program? We're here to help
For more information on this graduate program, please send an email with your request to geog@buffalo.edu