International Relations

The Department of Government and Politics, Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences, provides students with the analytical skills necessary to evaluate political issues and to function effectively in a political environment.

The primary objective of the M.A. in International Relations is to enhance students' professional expertise in today's complex global environment.

Program of Study
The program requires a minimum of 11 classes of course work, including GOV 205, which must be completed during the first year of matriculation. Students must take at least 4 classes from the International Relations and Comparative Politics course offerings. Of the remaining 6 classes, at least 1 class must be taken from the American Government field and at least 1 class from the Political Theory field.

Download the Graduate Bulletin and Course Descriptions

Thesis Option
Students who select the thesis option must complete 2 classes of Master Research GOV 900 as part of their eleven course degree requirements. In addition, students must present evidence of their knowledge of a foreign language, normally French or German by passing the ETS examination. Upon the approval of the Department, another language may be substituted if such substitution is deemed desirable due to the nature of the specialized field of research.

Comprehensive Exam
All students are required to pass a comprehensive examination which tests the student's knowledge in the International Relations field and in two additional fields.