The Master of Arts in International Relations is a 36-hour thesis or non-thesis program.  Its interdisciplinary curriculum links the study of international relations, international economics, history, political science, cultural anthropology, criminal justice, and international business.  This cross disciplinary approach is best suited to analyze and understand global events and human development in the post-Cold War era.  

The degree you earn through the online program is a Master of Arts degree exactly like the degree you would earn if attending courses on campus.  There is no distinction between online and campus on your transcripts or diploma.

Admission of Students

Generally, admission is granted only to those with promise for success in graduate study as demonstrated by work experience, previous education, test scores on the GRE, and an essay explaining their interest in the program. Generally, students must provide acceptable test scores at the time of enrollment.  

Test scores are considered in conjunction with undergraduate grade point average to produce an Academic Index.  The minimum Academic Index required is:

GPA x Verbal GRE = 450 (3.0 GPA x 150 Verbal). Minimum writing score is 4.0.

An undergraduate GPA of  3.0 or above  is required.   Exceptions to this minimum may be granted at the discretion of the program director if extenuating circumstances warrant.

There are no course prerequisites for the Master of Arts in International Relations.  

Admission Categories

Regular:   Regular admission is granted to applicants who have met all the requirements for admission to St. Mary's University and have a high  potential for success.

Conditional:   Students may enroll in a maximum of 9 hours.   They must earn a B or better in all graduate courses  taken as a conditional student.

Special:   Special admission may be granted to applicants not intending to work toward a degree or who are registered at another graduate school and have permission of the Dean of that school to take specific courses at St. Mary's University.

Auditors:   An auditor may be admitted to a graduate course with the permission of the instructor and the Graduate Program Director.   No credit will be given for such work.

Time Limits for Completing Conditions:   Conditions which must be satisfied prior to enrollment will be specified.   Others must be satisfied during the first semester of enrollment unless specified otherwise.

Program of Study

Students complete a set curriculum of 12 courses with a focus in Security Policy.  Two online courses are offered concurrently each term, spring, summer, and fall, in a 16-week format.  Six (6) classes are offered each academic year. Coursework for the Master’s degree can be completed in two years if both classes are taken each term as offered. Students must pass a comprehensive examination, as well as demonstrate a working knowledge of a foreign language.

Comprehensive Examination and Language Proficiency

All students who select the non-thesis option, must pass a comprehensive written examination, as well as demonstrate a working knowledge of a foreign language.  Comprehensive examination questions will be based upon the general required core courses as well as the student's focus area.   Students must pass  the comprehensive examination, as well as demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language in order to be recommended for graduation.  Language proficiency is demonstrated by summarizing a brief article from a foreign language source into English.  Students for whom English is not their first language or are certified linguists are exempt from this requirement.

Tuition and Payment Information

See Financial Assistance, www.stmarytx.edu/finaid for full information concerning loans.

See Business Office, www.stmarytx.edu/businessoffice for tuition and fee schedule and payment information.