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 on-campus program offers a Master of Arts degree in international relations with a concentration in one of three possible areas: International Conflict Resolution, International Development Studies, and Security Policy. The online and off-campus programs offer a Master of Arts degree in international relations with a concentration in Security Studies. 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.

Admission of Students

Admission is granted only to those with promise for success in graduate study as demonstrated by work experience, previous education, test scores (GRE) and an essay explaining their reason for pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations. 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 score = 450 (3.0 GPA x 150 Verbal). Minimum writing score is 4.0

An undergraduate cumulative 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 creidt 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

Campus Program: Thirty-six (36) hour thesis or non-thesis program. All students complete an 18-hour core curriculum, 12 hours of focus courses, and 6 hours of electives. Students may choose one of three focus areas: Security Policy, International Development Studies, or International Conflict Resolution. Students who select the non-thesis option must pass a comprehensive written examination. All students must demonstrate a working knowledge of a foreign language prior to graduation.

Language Proficiency

All students must 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 the foreign language proficiency requirement. Final determination of exemption is made by the Program Chair.

Comprehensive Examination

Students who select the non-thesis option must pass a comprehensive written examination. 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.

Thesis

On-campus students, with the approval of the Graduate Program Chair, may choose to write a thesis. IR6398 Thesis Research and IR6399 Thesis are required for students writing a thesis and will replace six (6) hours of electives.

The Graduate Program Chair approves a student's thesis enrollment, thesis topic, supervising professor and committee members, subject to final disposition by the Graduate Council and Graduate Dean. The Graduate Program Chair ensures that the thesis meets Graduate School standards concerning quality of research and writing and that it is submitted by the date required for graduation.