Program Objectives
Deepen Global Analytical Expertise: To provide advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge of international political systems, foreign policy, and global security.
Strengthen Strategic Negotiation Skills: To prepare graduates for high-stakes diplomacy, international mediation, and complex dispute resolution.
Advance Research & Policy Analysis: To cultivate the ability to conduct high-level, independent research that informs policy decisions in governmental and non-governmental sectors.
Promote Global Governance Competence: To analyze the functioning of international organizations, multilateral treaties, and the evolving role of non-state actors in global affairs.
Foster Ethical Decision-Making: To instill a firm commitment to human rights, international justice, and ethical practice within global institutions.
Curriculum Structure & Expected Courses
1. Core Graduate Requirements (24 Credits)
IR 501: Advanced Theories of International Relations (3)
IR 505: International Political Economy & Global Trade (3)
IR 510: Research Methods in International Relations (3)
IR 515: Global Security, Conflict, & Peacebuilding (3)
IR 520: International Law & Institutional Frameworks (3)
IR 525: Ethics, Justice, & Global Governance (3)
IR 530: Foreign Policy & Diplomatic Strategy (3)
IR 550: Graduate Thesis / Capstone Research Project (3)
2. Concentration Electives (18 Credits)
Diplomacy & Conflict:
DC 601: Advanced Negotiation & Dispute Resolution (3)
DC 605: Crisis Management in International Relations (3)
Global Development:
GD 610: Sustainable Development & Global Poverty (3)
GD 615: International Migration & Human Rights (3)
Regional Studies:
RS 620: Geopolitics of Africa, Asia, or Europe (3)
RS 625: Regional Integration & Political Cooperation (3)
Areas of Specialization & Career Pathways
Diplomatic Service: Career diplomat, foreign policy analyst, or international liaison.
International Organizations: Program officer for the UN or regional bodies, researcher for global NGOs.
Global Policy/Think Tanks: Policy consultant, political risk analyst, or strategic advisor.
Private Sector/Global Business: International trade advisor, corporate social responsibility director, or government relations manager.
Research Areas
Global Political Economy: Analyzing the impacts of globalization, trade agreements, and sovereign debt on national development.
Security & Stability: Researching the evolution of regional conflicts and the efficacy of international intervention strategies.
Diplomatic Innovation: Investigating how digital technology and multi-polar cooperation change traditional diplomatic practice.
Human Rights & Justice: Evaluating the effectiveness of international tribunals and humanitarian aid programs.
Learning Outcomes
• Synthesize complex international relations theories to address contemporary global policy challenges.
• Demonstrate mastery in high-level policy research, comparative analysis, and academic writing.
• Apply diplomatic and strategic communication skills in multicultural and professional environments.
• Execute an original, evidence-based thesis or capstone project that contributes valuable insight to the field of international relations.