Mission

The Master of Arts 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.

Learning 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

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in Political Science or a related field. Applicants from other majors may be admitted but will need to take remedial courses.

Graduation Requirements

The total number of credits is 30.

• Core Requirements (12 cr)
• Issue Studies (18 cr)

Curriculum

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

Core Requirements (12 credits)

• INA811 Theories of International Affairs (3 cr)
• INA852 Research Methodology (3 cr)
• INA899 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 Studies¹

• 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)

¹To graduate with a Middle East Area Studies emphasis, students must take at least three courses in this area.

Extracurricular Activities

Students are encouraged to engage in extra-curricular activities, both on and off campus. Students also have the opportunity to participate in conferences, workshops, simulations organized by the school, departments and affiliated institutes and centers, especially the Institute for Social Justice and Conflict Resolution and the Institute for Migration Studies.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Arts in International Affairs prepares students for a variety of professions including diplomacy, international organizations, journalism, research, and politics. It also prepares them to pursue doctoral degrees in Lebanon, Europe and North America.