| Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs | |
| Abbreviation: | APSIA |
| Type: | Non-profit |
| Headquarters: | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Founded: | 1989 |
| Key People: | James Levinsohn (president) |
| Fields: | International affairs Higher education |
| Leader Title: | Executive Director |
| Leader Name: | Carmen Iezzi Mezzera |
The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) is a non-profit educational organization of graduate schools of international affairs, with 42 members and 37 affiliates around the world as of February 2022; two members were on suspension.[1] [2]
Started as a network of American graduate schools in the mid-1970s, APSIA was incorporated in 1989 and grew into an international association, with member and affiliate schools around the world. APSIA seeks to "advance international understanding, prosperity, peace, and security through the people and ideas shaped by our schools."[3]
The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs comprises 42 member schools and 37 affiliate member programs. Full members of APSIA have undergone a review process and meet qualifications required for full membership. Affiliate members undergo a similar review process and meet some but not all of the full membership requirements.[4]
Requirements for membership include: commitment to graduate professional training, an educational program of high academic quality, at least three classes graduated from its two year master's degree program, a substantial and demonstrated commitment to the study of international affairs, at least one master's degree program requiring two years of academic coursework to complete, and significant autonomy within a major university.[5]
The member schools of the APSIA are the primary sources of education for international affairs professionals in their respective countries. These schools provide multidisciplinary, policy-oriented, intercultural studies.[6]
APSIA works to connect students with scholarships and fellowships to help fund their studies. A fellowship board provides students at all levels one location for funding opportunities specific to their field. A list of scholarships and fellowships is available on APSIA's website.[7]
APSIA alumni have gone on to work in a range of fields, with more than 12 in positions as heads of state and senior cabinet officials. APSIA schools are consistently in the Top Five producers of US Presidential Management Fellows and Boren Fellows rankings. Each year, APSIA schools welcome more than 80% of Pickering and Rangel Fellows. Member schools have a 91% full time employment or PHD program placement rate shortly after graduation. In the fall of 2021, APSIA schools welcomed an incoming class that was 57% female, and enrolled 40% international students.