Master of Arts in International Affairs

Mission

The Master’s of Arts program in International Affairs seeks to prepare students to become effective professionals and leaders in national and international institutions, while upholding the highest intellectual and ethical standards, dedication to public service and international cooperation and understanding among people.

Program Objectives

Students who complete the M.A. in International Affairs program will:

  1. Gain critical understanding in the theoretical, practical, legal and ethical dimensions of international relations; 
  2. Demonstrate command of analytical and experiential approaches to learning;
  3. Develop dispositions for continuous professional development as life-long learners; and,
  4. Adapt to different academic and professional milieus.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students:

  1. Demonstrate a strong knowledge of political, historical, economic and social processes that shape national and international relations; 
  2. Exhibit an understanding of theories and paradigms used to comprehend and explain international relations; 
  3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills necessary to analyze and explain complex and dynamic processes at the national, regional and global levels; 
  4. Exhibit an ability to explain, defend and critique, orally and in writing, the causes, issues and institutional arrangements that shape today’s global order; 
  5. Utilize qualitative and quantitative research and writing skills necessary to produce quality research papers and a capstone research project
  6. Possess practical understanding of the workings of national and international institutions and organizations involved in international relations; and, 
  7. Possess practical leadership, conflict resolution and diplomatic negotiation skills. 

Admission Requirements

Applicant to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree in Political Science or a related field. Non-major applicants may be admitted with remedial requirements. More specific requirement can be found on the LAU website.

Graduation Requirements

A total of 30 credits are required to graduate, based on:

Core Requirements 12 credits
Issue Studies  18 credits
Total: 30 credits

Program Requirements

A thesis is required for all students in addition to successful completion of the course of study.

Core Requirements (12 credits)

  • INA 811 / Theories of International Affairs (3 cr.)
  • INA 852 / Research Methodology (3 cr.)
  • INA 899 / Thesis (6 cr.)

Issue Studies (18 credits) 

International Relations Topics

  • INA812 / Foreign Policy Analysis (3 cr.)
  • INA813 / Topics in International Relations (3 cr.)
  • INA815 / Topics in International Organizations (3 cr.)
  • INA820 / Globalization (3 cr.)
  • INA825 / Comparative Politics (3 cr.)
  • INA831 / International Political Economy (3 cr.)
  • INA840 / Topics in Area Studies (3 cr.)
  • INA850 / Political Theory (3 cr.)
  • INA851 / International Conflict and Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
  • INA855 / Politics and Migration (3 cr.)
  • INA885 / Internship (3 cr.)
  • INA815 / Topics in International Organizations (3 cr.)

Middle East Area Studies

  • INA814 / Topics in Middle East Politics (3 cr.)
  • INA826 / Comparative Politics of the Middle East (3 cr.)
  • INA830 / International Relations of the Middle East (3 cr.)

NOTE: To graduate with a Middle East area studies emphasis, students have to take at least three courses in this area.

Extracurricular Activities

To meet the goals of a graduate degree, the program encourages the students to get engaged in a large variety of extra-curricular activities that takes place on and off campus Furthermore,  students have the opportunity to participate in conferences, workshops, simulations organized by the school, departments and affiliated institutes and centers, especially the Institute of Diplomacy and Conflict Transformation, the Institute for Migration Studies and the Institute of Peace and Justice Education.

Career Opportunities

An M.A. in International Affairs prepares the students for a variety of professions including diplomacy, international organizations, journalism, research, and politics. In addition many of graduates also pursue doctoral degrees in Lebanon, Europe and North America.

Last modified: February 12, 2019