The M.A. in International Affairs prepares students to confront the challenges of an increasingly globalized world. The program is well-suited for students considering or presently pursuing a military or national security career, as well as those interested in international public service or policy work. The curriculum emphasizes international politics, including relations between countries, trade and diplomatic negotiations between countries, foreign policy, strategy, security, intelligence, and military conflict. Several courses emphasize policy-making and decision-making processes, institutions, national and regional politics, culture, and diplomatic relations. The program consists of 33 semester hours plus successful completion of a comprehensive examination or a thesis. All new students should be advised by the departmental advisor. In addition to the university requirement that students maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, students must also make a 3.0 or higher GPA in five of their six core courses.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials in which the following criteria are used to assess the potential success of each applicant:

• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
• Submission of a sample research paper
• Completion of Supplemental Questions on Graduate Application

Degree Requirements

International Affairs (33 SH)

Non-Thesis Option

Thesis Option

Students may choose to complete a thesis in lieu of completing 6 sh of electives and the comprehensive exam.