Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Relations
(Graduate School of International Relations)
The Master¡¯s Program in International Relations offers students a comprehensive foundation in global affairs, equipping them with the skills and expertise essential for careers in a fast changing and increasingly interconnected world. Core areas of focus include development and sustainability, international political economy, climate change and the environment, international security, global governance, and global society. The program¡¯s diverse faculty and student body, along with small class sizes, foster active learning through presentations, debates, group work, field research, and internships. Career paths for graduates include roles in diplomacy and foreign affairs, international business and consultancy, policy analysis and public administration, education and research, as well as humanitarian assistance and development.
Choose Your Track
The International Relations Master¡¯s Program offers two distinct tracks tailored to students¡¯ academic backgrounds and career goals: the?Thesis Track and the Policy Track. Applicants are invited to indicate their preferred track on the application form, though changes can be made at the end of the first semester in consultation with your academic advisor.
Here are brief descriptions of each track:
The?Thesis Track?is intended for students who:
- Have a background in international relations or political science;
- Plan to later pursue doctoral studies (Ph.D.);
- Plan to pursue an academic career in places such as universities and think tanks.
In addition to completing course work, a master¡¯s thesis is required.
The?Policy Track?is designed for students who:
- May come from a range of academic backgrounds
- Aim to develop core research, analysis, and communications skills essential for globally minded professionals
- Are interested in policy research and policy challenges relevant for careers in international organizations, NGOs, diplomacy, and global corporations.
In addition to completing course work, a policy paper is required.
Nominate Your Advisor
Here is a list of IR faculty who can serve as graduate advisors. In your application, please nominate your preferred advisor. Note that we cannot guarantee that the advisor you nominate in your application will be available to serve as your advisor; however, we will always match your interests with the research interests and expertise of IR faculty.
Words from International Relations Faculty
Christopher Lamont | Professor of International Relations
"My interest in International Relations led me to study abroad in Croatia at a time when the country was confronted with the task of dealing with the immediate legacy of armed conflict. It was in part this experience that led me to ask questions about how societies deal with the legacies of conflict, and to eventually write a doctoral dissertation on efforts to prosecute war crimes in the former Yugoslavia. Today, I continue to research and write on topics related to post-conflict justice and state-building, and I contribute to both scholarly journals and more widely read journals such as Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy. In the classroom, my students are encouraged to discuss contentious issues that are at the forefront of international politics so as to better understand academic and policy debates, and also to think about how they can apply their own ideas and experiences to addressing real world problems."
Course List
Please find below the full course list for our masters degree in International Relations
Thesis / Policy Paper Evaluation Criteria (M.A.)
Please find below information related to thesis / dissertation evaluation criteria (M.A.)