Master Program in

American Studies: Politics,

Strategy & Economics

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

About the Program

American Studies: Politics, Strategy & Economics

The goal of this graduate program is to present, explain and comprehend the politics, history, international relations, economy and culture of the United States of America.
The program includes two semesters of courses and a summer period when students will write their thesis. The curriculum is developed in consultation with Professors from New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, who also teach in the Program.
The program accepts applications from students who have completed their undergraduate studies prior to the commencement of classes in early October of every academic year.

Recent Events

10/07/2026

Επετειακή εκδήλωση για τα 88 χρόνια του Πανεπιστημίου Πειραιώς

19/05/2026

Press Release: Awarding of Mr. Kostis Fragoulis

15/05/2026

Invitation: 2nd Conference on Women and Diplomacy

06/05/2026

Invitation: Greece and Africa International Conference

31/10/2025

Event: Prospects and Career in Diplomacy, 6/11/2025

26/10/2025

Welcome Ceremony for the New Graduate Students

17/08/2025

CfIR Ambassadors’ Forum event – Keynote Speaker H.E. GEORGE J. TSUNIS

17/08/2025

Ceremony for the Conferment of an Honorary Doctorate on H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides

17/08/2025

THE ‘UGLY AMERICAN’: FROM JEFFERSON TO TRUMP

17/08/2025

The Geopolitical Storm Surrounding Semiconductor Chips – CHRYSOSTOMOS L. NIKIAS

17/08/2025

Opening Ceremony 2021

17/08/2025

Scholarship Award Ceremony of the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Piraeus to Armed Forces Officers

Announcements

Testimonials

MSc in American Studies: Politics, Strategy & Economics is one of the best things that have happened to me, because I earned so many benefits!  It was the perfect stepping stone for my PhD in International & European Studies;  It helped me understand the strategic culture of the U.S.A. from Washington’s perspective;  I was given the opportunity to expand my expertise in International Relations: I was introduced to new topics and was provided with material that help me deepen my understanding of topics that I already knew;  I had the chance to learn from reputable academics of the American academia without leaving Greece;  I earned experience with new models of academic assessment which are long-standing in the United States but new in Greece;  I earned valuable experience with the model of online learning for academic purposes, which is the future in education;  Every single day, I studied material that I loved, and, last but not least,  I had amazing networking opportunities, including getting to know diplomatic and administrative staff from the U.S. Embassy to Athens! I loved this program so much, that I would do it all over again if I had the chance!

The Master’s degree in American Studies significantly deepened my understanding of how the United States conducts its foreign policy. Through a wide range of courses, it also provided valuable insight into the culture and mindset behind the American political system. More broadly, the program helped me develop critical thinking skills and a nuanced perspective on international affairs. My thesis allowed me to explore the complex dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean and the role of American involvement in the region, as well as how my own country has been affected by that presence. This knowledge has proven useful in my professional life, particularly in managing interactions and navigating situations involving people from different countries and Organizations. Beyond academic enrichment, the program connected me with outstanding professors and fellow students, with whom I hope to maintain long-lasting friendships and professional relationships. Completing this program is not the end of a journey, but the beginning—equipped with the right tools and mindset, the path forward becomes more interesting. I am sincerely grateful for this experience and proud to be part of the program’s alumni community. I highly recommend it to anyone considering this field of study.

The Master Program in American Studies: Politics, Strategy and Economics has been a very interesting and exciting experience for me. The environment of the Program was very friendly and the schedules proved very flexible and adjustable to the needs of a professional working daily, even at times when work related emergencies would restrict me to a phone connection. The Professors were extremely attentive and accommodating, the management staff was always quick to assist to any issues and facilitate solutions to our requests. Last but not least, the Director of the Program, Professor Tziampiris, was the driving force behind the experience. He sought to connect to the students and incite our interest with facts about the United States that are little or completely unknown to Greeks. As for the knowledge we gained from the Program, I personally was amazed by how different the American systems are regarding politics and economy. At moments it felt like a completely different world, but the Professors were quick to lead us down the paths that explain how the systems work, their values, strengths and weaknesses. Finally, I’d have to admit that having professors from the United States teaching classes gave us a better feel for the different angles, views and goals between USA and Europe, or Greece in particular. I would recommend the Program to anyone that expects to closely work with Americans in the sectors of industry, economy, politics or the military; I would also recommend it to any Europeans interested in expanding their horizons and learning how the other side of the Atlantic feels, thinks, acts and reacts.

Why American Studies?

In cooperation with New York University (Center for Global Affairs)
Online instruction
Scholarships available
Summer school in Hydra
Educational excursions to the United States
International students are welcome
Scholarships and tuition reduction to all members of the Greek and the Cypriot armed forces

The benefits of this program

Development of hard and soft skills that will boost career prospects in business, academia, politics, public administration, parliamentary organizations, consulting, the media, the military and the wider realm of public security.
Access to University of Piraeus and New York University’s prestigious academics and experts who are shaping policy and conducting cutting-edge research in their fields.
Engagement in an international level curriculum and program at a very competitive tuition cost.

Welcome from the director

Welcome to the Master of Science (MSc) in American Studies: Politics, Strategy and Economics of the Department of International & European Studies of the University of Piraeus, Greece. The Program is taught online, in English, and in collaboration with New York University’s Center for Global Affairs (CGA).It is also the first of its kind in modern Greek history. It aims to attract students who have professional goals in business, academia, politics, public administration, parliamentary organizations, consulting, the media, the military and the wider realm of public security.

The MSc in American Studies program has been established to systematically fill the void of a master’s level program dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the politics, strategy, culture and economics of the United States of America. It focuses on cutting-edge topics and current research, as well as the analysis of various regional policies of the US. The program is offered by academics with extensive knowledge and experience and a demonstrated track-record of conducting research, teaching and acting as practitioners in America but also South Eastern Europe and the wider Eastern Mediterranean. Taught online and in English, the program aspires to attract students from Greece, Cyprus, Southeastern Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as neighboring regions who aim to pursue manifold professional opportunities. It thus offers students the opportunity to engage with the complex and diverse forces that have come to shape the past and present of the United States; to examine American ideals and how conflicts challenge them; to understand the changing relationship between the United States and the rest of the world and to analyze transatlantic relations in depth, as well as US policies in the Balkans, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The program aims to equip its graduates with suitable specialized knowledge and adequate tools for them to have a competitive advantage in the job market, while also offering a deeper understanding of US decision-making processes. It is supported by distinguished Professors from the University of Piraeus, New York University and other Universities in Europe, as well as globally recognized experts, who come together with great enthusiasm in this innovative curriculum.

Dr. Aristotle Tziampiris

Professor of International Relations

Chair of the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Piraeus

Director of the Master of Science in American Studies: Politics, Strategy and Economics

Welcome from the director of the program to the Master of Science (MSc) in American Studies: Politics, Strategy and Economics of the Department of International & European Studies of the University of Piraeus, Greece. The Program is taught online, in English, and in collaboration with New York University’s Center for Global Affairs (CGA).It is also the first of its kind in modern Greek history.

Tap to read more

It aims to attract students who have professional goals in business, academia, politics, public administration, parliamentary organizations, consulting, the media, the military and the wider realm of public security.The MSc in American Studies program has been established to systematically fill the void of a master’s level program dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the politics, strategy, culture and economics of the United States of America. It focuses on cutting-edge topics and current research, as well as the analysis of various regional policies of the US. The program is offered by academics with extensive knowledge and experience and a demonstrated track-record of conducting research, teaching and acting as practitioners in America but also South Eastern Europe and the wider Eastern Mediterranean. Taught online and in English, the program aspires to attract students from Greece, Cyprus, Southeastern Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as neighboring regions who aim to pursue manifold professional opportunities. It thus offers students the opportunity to engage with the complex and diverse forces that have come to shape the past and present of the United States; to examine American ideals and how conflicts challenge them; to understand the changing relationship between the United States and the rest of the world and to analyze transatlantic relations in depth, as well as US policies in the Balkans, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The program aims to equip its graduates with suitable specialized knowledge and adequate tools for them to have a competitive advantage in the job market, while also offering a deeper understanding of US decision-making processes. It is supported by distinguished Professors from the University of Piraeus, New York University and other Universities in Europe, as well as globally recognized experts, who come together with great enthusiasm in this innovative curriculum. Dr. Aristotle Tziampiris Professor of International Relations and Chair of the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Piraeus Director of the Master of Science in American Studies: Politics, Strategy and Economics.

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic and personal journey? Our MSc program offers an inspiring environment where ideas grow, perspectives expand, and futures are shaped. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge or open doors to new opportunities, now is the time to act.

APPLY NOW

Alumni Club

The University of Piraeus is launching the Alumni Club, a dynamic community designed to keep graduates connected with the MSc American Studies: Politics, Strategy & Economics.

Through the Alumni Club, members can:

Network with peers and industry professionals.
Participate in events, seminars, and conferences.
Stay informed about collaboration and career opportunities.
Share knowledge, experiences, and new ideas.

The registration process is simple and quick! All you need to do is create your profile and connect with the University of Piraeus community. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Make your university experience more meaningful by enhancing your interaction with classmates and professors.

JOIN NOW ›

Advisory Board

Costis J. Frangoulis, President, International Propeller Club, Propeller Club Port of Piraeus

Founder, President and CEO of Franman

He holds a B.A from the University of Richmond, U.K in Economics and Business Administration.

He is the Founder, President and CEO of Franman Group which he formed in May 1991. For over 30 years, Franman has been providing a wide range of equipment, products and services to the international shipping industry.

In year 1996, he founded Imperium Shipmanagement SA which managed and owned 5 handysize bulk carriers. After a decade and while the Dry Cargo market was booming, he decided to exit the market by taking advantage of the very high asset values at the time.

Costis Frangoulis is the President of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, 2nd Vice President of the International Propeller Club of the United States, an Ambassador of the Sailors’ Society in Greece, a non-executive member of the board of Sfakianakis Group and a member of the Advisory Board of the Council for International Relations – Greece (CfIR-GR).

Nick Larigakis, President & CEO, American Hellenic Institute

NICK LARIGAKIS has held different positions with AHI since joining the organization in 1987. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the College of New Jersey, and did post graduate work in International Affairs at American University. For his work in support of Hellenism, Mr. Larigakis has been honored with the 1995 Hermes Expo International Award, the 2007 Hellenic News of America Award, the 2008 Society of the Argonauts Award, and by the Greek Independence Day Committee of Tarpon Springs, FL, where he served as Honorary Grand Marshall of the 2001 and 2009 parades.

Eirini Cheila, Professor Emerita

Ms. Eirini Cheila is a Professor of International Politics at the University of Piraeus, Department of International and European Studies, and a Visiting Scholar at George Washington University (Elliott School of International Affairs). She is a graduate of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Law School of the University of Athens, holds a Master’s degree from Paris II University (Pantheon-Sorbonne) in International Studies, and a PhD in International Relations from Panteion University. She taught for 26 years (1993–2019) at Panteion University in the Department of International and European Studies.

Katerina Tsapikidou, Diplomat, Director of the Office of the Hellenic MFA in Thessaloniki

A seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2007, currently serving as the Director of the International Relations Service in Thessaloniki. Throughout a distinguished career, key leadership roles have included Embassy Counselor and Head of Unit for the Council of Europe during the Greek Chairmanship (2017-2021) and Consul of Greece in New Delhi, India (2011-2016). The foundational years were marked by strategic assignments as an Embassy Attaché within the UN and International Organizations Directorate, the Protocol Department, the Diplomatic Cabinet of the Vice Minister, and the Embassy of Greece in Beijing. Beyond direct diplomatic service, contributions extend to international advocacy as a member of the ICC Women Hellas Diplomacy Cluster and previous roles at the European Economic & Social Committee in Brussels. Additional expertise includes strategic communications as a Press Officer for the Volos-Larissa 2013 Bidding Committee and executive support within the defense exhibition sector at Defendory International.

May Zanni, President and Co-founder Women Act

May Zanni is the President and Cofounder of Women Act Greece, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization aiming at empowering women in leadership positions in the public sphere. She is also a political analyst serving as special advisor at the Secretariat of the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic. May was born in Athens, Greece and then moved to the United Kingdom where she obtained her BA in Politics with History from Queen Mary College, University of London, her MSc in European Politics from Birkbeck College, University of London and her MSc in Politics of Empire and Post-Imperialism from the London School of Economics. Throughout her career she had work experience at the House of Commons in London, the European Parliament in Brussels and UNESCO in Paris. In addition May worked in Brussels for the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) and in Paris for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Upon her return to Greece she served as advisor to the Minister for Justice, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and then worked as a political analyst in the private sector. May was the Deputy International Secretary of New Democracy from 2011-2016 and since then is the Deputy Secretary of Strategic Planning & Communication of New Democracy. In 2011 she represented Greece at the State Department IVLP program “Women in Public Service”. In 2012 she completed the Harvard John F Kennedy School of Government program “Public Leaders in Southeast Europe” in Istanbul, Turkey. She is a member of the Board of the Hellenic Alumni Association of LSE and an alternate member of the Board of the Jockey Club of Greece. She has one daughter, Olympia.

Coordinating Committee

Professor Aristotle Tziampiris, Chair
Professor Foteini Asderaki, Member
Professor Spyridon Roukanas, Member
Professor Ioannis Paravantis, Member
Professor Emerita Eirini Cheila, Member

Academic Advisor (2025-2026):

Assistant Professor E. Markozani
Professor M. Simiti (deputy)

Internship Committee for the MSc American Studies: Politics, Strategy and Economics:

Professor A. Tziampiris (Internship Coordinator)
Assoc. Professor G. Galanos
Assoc. Professor Aik. Oikonomou

Appeals Committee:

Assistant Professor I. Konstantopoulos
Professor Ch. Gkousios
Assoc. Professor E. Evagorou

Committee for the Management of Student Complaints and Objections

Irini Mamakou, ΕΕΠ
Aspasia Aligizaki, ΕΔΙΠ
Assoc. Prof. Ilias Papagiannopoulos

Regulation for the Management of Student Complaints and Objections (Relevant forms included) ›