Mission

The Masters of Arts Program in International Affairs seeks to prepare students to become effective researchers, 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 Educational Objectives

Graduates of the MA in International Affairs program will:

1. Foster critical and analytical skills enabling students to critically analyze complex international issues and develop innovative solutions.
2. Advance knowledge of international affairs/relations by exposing students to theoretical, practical, legal and ethical dimensions of international relations.
3. Enhance research competence for conducting independent and collaborative research.
4. Develop leadership skills by equipping students with skills necessary to assume leadership roles in government agencies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations.

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of key theories and concepts in international relations.
2. Exhibit analytical and critical thinking skills by effectively evaluating theories, paradigms, and research in International Relations and Political Science.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in oral communication, effectively conveying complex ideas and arguments.
4. Design and conduct original research (thesis or project), utilizing appropriate methodologies and analytical techniques.

Curriculum

A total of 30 credits are required for graduation, distributed as follows;

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

A thesis is required of 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)

Students take any 18 credits from the list below. To graduate with a Middle East Area Studies emphasis, students must take at least three courses in this area.

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 & Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
• INA855 Politics & 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.)

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 & Conflict Resolution and  the Institute for Migration Studies.