Get your Master's Degree Major in Diplomacy, Security, Commerce, or Development

2024 ISCNE Anne Ngarhasta — Anne Ngarhasta takes charge at the 2024 Crisis Simulation.

Mark Mahan

Masters in Diplomacy and International Commerce

The Patterson School curriculum is carefully designed to prepare exceptional students for careers in international affairs. If you are a high achiever, bring passion to learning, flourish in a rigorous academic environment, and intend to operate on the world stage, this may be your place. Our master's program will provide you with the fundamental skills you need to successfully pursue professional work in either the public, private, or non-profit sectors.

Four concentrations

Diplomacy

International Commerce

International Organizations and Development

International Security and Intelligence

Patterson School Lexington Alumni Event

Apr 24, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 PM

The Patterson School is excited to host a local event for our alumni. We invite you to join us here in Lexington, at the Old North Bar this April. PleaseRSVP if you plan on attending: https://forms.gle/j5ee4imRn9u3nkzB8.

Talking China in the Bluegrass - Panel Discussion

Apr 27, 2026, 5:00 – 6:00 PM

The panel discussion, Talking China in the Bluegrass, will be held April 27 from 5-6 PM at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning in Gratz Park, and will feature four great speakers, including Vice-Mayor Dan Wu and our own Yujia He from the Patterson School. The poster is below. This is open to a public audience, including students. Summary: Where do we find China in Kentucky? Join local experts and community members for a discussion of how global transitions in economy, migration, politics, and culture are changing life in Kentucky.

Patterson School Atlanta Alumni Event

Mar 17, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 PM

Every year, the Patterson School takes a spring break trip and invites our alums to connect with our current students. This year, we are coming to Atlanta! We would like to invite you to a reception for Patterson Alums in the Atlanta area, our students and faculty, and diplomats in the region. You can RSVP here: https://forms.gle/R9UKpUzZBpHhJMr99

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Upcoming Events

Patterson School Lexington Alumni Event

Apr 24, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 PM

The Patterson School is excited to host a local event for our alumni. We invite you to join us here in Lexington, at the Old North Bar this April. PleaseRSVP if you plan on attending: https://forms.gle/j5ee4imRn9u3nkzB8.

Talking China in the Bluegrass - Panel Discussion

Apr 27, 2026, 5:00 – 6:00 PM

The panel discussion, Talking China in the Bluegrass, will be held April 27 from 5-6 PM at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning in Gratz Park, and will feature four great speakers, including Vice-Mayor Dan Wu and our own Yujia He from the Patterson School. The poster is below. This is open to a public audience, including students. Summary: Where do we find China in Kentucky? Join local experts and community members for a discussion of how global transitions in economy, migration, politics, and culture are changing life in Kentucky.

Learning beyond the curriculum

Visiting Speakers

Patterson students are frequently visited by special guest speakers: admirals, presidents, intelligence experts, diplomats and leaders of international NGOs. Quite often an international expert is sharing a room with 35 our brightest.

24 10 15 ISCNE Crisis Sim Room, three students discuss

Diplomacy Simulations

Each fall, we host the U.S. Army War College's International Strategic Crisis Exercise team for fast-paced two day simulation of a real world diplomatic crisis. Students form teams, act as diplomats, and try to negotiate a way forward.

2024 ISCNE: Central Asia

2022 Fall ISCNE: South China Sea

2022 Spring Crisis Simulation: Migration Crisis, Latin America

Fall Conference

Patterson brings experts in international issues from around the globe to speak share a room solely with Patterson students and discuss some of the most pressing issues in trade, development, security and the shifting balance of international power in a day long event. Four panels of practitioners, ambassadors, military officials, and global leaders, are up close and personal. Students will meet, mingle, and engage them in this exclusive event.

60 Years of history

Established in 1959, the Patterson legacy is rich and deep.

35 Spring cohort size

At this size, each student has unparalleled access to faculty and resources.

18 Months

Three semesters of coursework, summer reading, travel, crisis simulations, speakers and more.

Get your Master's Degree Major in Diplomacy, Security, Commerce, or Development

Four concentrations

Upcoming Events

Learning beyond the curriculum

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