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Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2024-2025 Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog Program: International Relations, MA

International Relations, MA

(36 credits)

Program Description


The field of International Relations continues to develop rapidly in response to dramatic global changes. The 36-credit NEC MA in International Relations prepares graduates to evaluate and analyze relevant global issues and area studies expertise. Graduates grounded in the facts of the past, skilled in the debates of the present, and able to anticipate patterns of future development, will be crucial in shaping responses to global change. The Master of Arts in International Relations at NEC is a practical program, preparing students to face the challenges of an evolving international political landscape. Coursework covers central issues such as globalization, international security, terrorism, international political economy and American Foreign Policy. Graduates emerge with expertise in a range of contemporary issues.

Learning Outcomes


Graduates of the Master of Arts in International Relations will be able to:

  • Develop a working knowledge of several subfields of the discipline, such as International Relations Theory, Comparative Politics, Area Studies, and International Security;
  • Analyze international events and issues and propose options to resolve conflicts and policy matters in the international arena;
  • Apply and critique theories and models of international relations to the practice of international affairs;
  • Demonstrate effective written, oral, and online communication skills;
  • Write and present significant works of research and policy documents, as reflected in the preparation of a thesis or capstone at the end of the program.

International Relations Core

(16 credits)

Course NameCredits:Satisfying CourseEarnedTerm/CollegeGrade
PO 5250 - International Relations Theory Credits: 4
PO 5410 - International Political Economy Credits: 4
PO 5450 - Advanced Seminar in US Foreign Policy: America in a Multi-Polar World Credits: 4
PO 6950 - Capstone Project Credits: 4

Elective Courses

(20 credits)

Select 20 credits from the following options:

Course NameCredits:Satisfying CourseEarnedTerm/CollegeGrade
PO 5220 - Regional Studies: Africa Credits: 4
PO 5221 - Regional Studies: Europe Credits: 4
PO 5850 - International Security Credits: 4
PO 5910 - Terrorism Credits: 4
PO 5990 - Topics Course Credits: 4
PO 6060 (HSEP 6060) - Research Methods Credits: 4
PO 6255 - Wargaming for International Relations and Homeland Security Credits: 4
PO 6450 - International Organizations Credits: 4
PO 6555 - Democracy Under Threat Credits: 4
PO 6560 - Arms Proliferation and Collective Security Credits: 4
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