Your Bridge to the World!

The International Relations Program serves as an information depot for international relations, events, and their implications in today's world. Here you'll find program information, information on internships, short profiles of our faculty and advisors, and other useful information.

Integrating the disciplines of political science, history, anthropology, international law, sociology, and geography, the Master of Arts in International Relations provides students with the interdisciplinary education necessary for better understanding the complicated nature of global issues and events. St. Mary’s Graduate School offers three program options: 1) on-campus, 2) online, and 3) off-campus (Ft. Hood, Killeen, Texas).

The on-campus program offers a Master of Arts degree in International Relations with a concentration in one of three possible areas: Security Policy, International Development Studies, and International Conflict Resolution. The online and off-campus programs offer a Master of Arts degree in International Relations with a concentration in Security Policy. All programs require the completion of 36 credit hours of coursework during which students gain a breadth of knowledge concerning the behavior of states and non-state actors in the international arena, as well as a depth of knowledge in their focus areas. The degree is designed to permit students to integrate internships and/or study abroad opportunities into the 36-hour curriculum.

St. Mary's University Statement of Mission

St. Mary's is a comprehensive university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional education of quality. Academic programs are chosen according to the needs of society and the Christian mission of the in situation. Graduate education is especially critical to our society because it is the pinnacle of all education. It influences the world in far reaching ways. Its basic research ultimately transforms habits of mind and makes possible biological, technological, social, and spiritual advancement. If the graduate enterprise weakens, all the rest is endangered. The quality of our civilization and its continuity, and the witness of the Catholic tradition depend upon its highest intellectual achievements. At St. Mary's we are ensuring that graduate education is strong, vibrant, and healthy capable of discharging its mission of leadership.

As the Graduate School of a Catholic university, this school strives to integrate a rigorous intellectual experience, a zeal for the search for knowledge and truth, and a commitment to leadership and service.

St. Mary's University of San Antonio, Texas, is an independent Catholic institution inspired by the Gospels and shaped by the rich tradition of the Society of Mary (Marianists). Founded and fostered as a community of faith for the advancement of the human family, the University gives Christian purpose and dynamism to a pursuit in which people of varied traditions and experiences unite in commitment to an educational venture, in dedication to a life of scholarship, and in the extension of service to society.

Graduate International Relations Vision Statement

The Graduate International Relations Department is committed to cultivating informed and responsible leaders in the global community. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to analyzing global security and human development, the Master of Arts in International Relations provides students with a comprehensive framework for studying and engaging international issues and the global common good.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from St. Mary’s University will be able to:

1. Describe and critically evaluate the major paradigms within International Relations Theory.

2. Describe and critically evaluate the major paradigms within International Political Economy.

3. Describe and critically evaluate ethical theory as applied to international relations.

4. Describe and critically evaluate the relationships between religion and politics as applied to international relations.

5. Describe and analyze contemporary United States foreign policy.

6. Describe and critically evaluate the major themes, theories, and issues within a student’s focus area.

7. Conduct independent and definable research and analysis on issues related to international relations.

8. Understand the processes and purposes of interdisciplinary research and writing.

9. Apply principles of critical thinking and persuasion in writing.

10. Utilize relevant research techniques and methods appropriate to the interdisciplinary study of international relations.

11. Demonstrate an intermediate reading knowledge of a second language.