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.