Degree
- Master of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/master-international-relations/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/00Flags-international_web.jpg
Format
- In-Person
- Online
Program Director
M.A. in International Relations
at St. Mary’s
The Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) uses a cross-disciplinary approach to analyze global events and human development. By integrating history, political science, anthropology, sociology and economics, professors help students develop a comprehensive cross-cultural approach to studying international issues.
The International Relations graduate program helps students explore how global, regional and domestic factors affect relations between countries, businesses, activists, communities and international organizations.
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Colleges of Distinction Recognition
St. Mary’s University has earned the 2026-2027 Colleges of Distinction International Recognition, celebrating our commitment to supporting international students with tailored resources and services at every stage of their academic journey. This honor highlights our dedication to enriching the student experience through initiatives like International Student and Scholar Services, financial aid options, campus support and health resources, empowering students to thrive personally, academically and professionally in a new cultural environment.
Program of Study
The program emphasizes clarity in communication and prepares students to serve as mediators between people from different countries.
St. Mary’s offers two graduate program formats: on-campus or online.
The program offers two concentrations:
- Security Policy
- Sustainable Peace
Degree Plans
If a student is deployed or moves out of the area while enrolled in the on-campus program, he/she may transfer to the online program, which provides students with the flexibility needed to accommodate their changing lives.
Students can also pursue:
Course Highlights
Sample courses:
- Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies
- Inter-American Security Issues
- International Political Economy
- Sustainable Development
- Theories on the Causes of War
Find course descriptions and requirements:
Career-Focused Learning Made Just For You
Concentrations
Students who pursue the Master of Arts in International Relations can choose a concentration to focus on. Learn more about each path.
Security Policy
Available on-campus and online
Security Policy is an interdisciplinary examination and analysis of national and international security issues. Course content integrates perspectives from the areas of economics, history and political science.
Issues range from nuclear proliferation and conventional arms trade to narco-trafficking, trade imbalances, environmental conflict and race/ethnic/gender/religious issues.
Sustainable Peace
Available on-campus and online
This focus area is premised on the notion that international development and the consolidation of peace in post-conflict settings are interrelated and mutually constitutive.
Emphasis is placed on the study of human security, peace building and a culturally-sensitive approach to holistic development.
Thesis Track Option
Students may choose either a thesis or non-thesis track to complete the program. The thesis option is especially well-suited for students considering Ph.D.-level, research-intensive graduate study after graduation and seeking substantial independent research and writing experience. It also benefits students who wish to develop deeper expertise in a specific area of international and global studies.
The thesis is expected to be completed within three semesters in most cases, after completing standard course work. To be eligible for the thesis option, students must earn a minimum grade of A- in the course of Research and Writing in International Relations.
The thesis track is designed for students who want to pursue original, timely and policy-relevant research. A successful thesis should demonstrate strong analytical ambition, original ideas and a rigorous approach to evidence, methods and data. Through this process, students are expected to produce a sustained piece of scholarly writing that reflects intellectual maturity and professional standards in the field. Students pursuing the thesis track are also expected to defend both their thesis prospectus and the final thesis.
Because the thesis is a demanding and cumulative undertaking, it emphasizes a rigorous writing process from proposal development to final revision. Students should be prepared to work closely with faculty, refine their arguments over multiple stages and engage seriously with relevant literature, methodology and empirical material. Its quality reflects the student’s research abilities, writing skills and capacity for independent inquiry, while also representing the broader standards of the International and Global Studies program.
Thesis Track
Combined Degree Program
Summer Study Tours
This holistic approach to international relations is further strengthened by internship opportunities and international study tours, creating a dynamic educational experience that is truly transformational in nature.
International Relations students can participate in faculty-led international field studies. Studying abroad enables students to apply theoretical knowledge pertaining to conflict transformation, social justice and human security. Students can earn up to six hours of graduate credit.
What can I do with a degree in International Relations?
Hands-On Experience with Internships
Students can intern within the United States or abroad for up to six semester hours of elective credit. Internships may be with governmental, non-governmental or private sector organizations.
Online students should contact the program director to determine if an internship is possible.
Examples of our students’ previous internships:
- Federal public service sector
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of State
- Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) in the United States and abroad
- Private sector
- Intergovernmental organizations
Access Valuable Career Opportunities
Graduates make a difference in a wide variety of career paths in government, nonprofit organizations, development agencies, global businesses and cultural institutions.
Students graduate with an understanding of major cultural, economic, historical, political and social themes and are prepared to work in a variety of sectors, including:
- Private sector
- Public sector
- Not-for-profit sector
- International organizations
- Education
Where Our Alumni Have Worked
Teaching at a university like St. Mary’s enables you to get to know students as human beings, not numbers.”
Larry Hufford, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of International Relations
Joint Law and International Relations Degree at St. Mary’s
In addition to the Master of Arts in International Relations, Joint Degree students also earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the St. Mary’s University School of Law.
This program is of particular interest to law students seeking to practice in firms or organizations with clients involved in international law, immigration and refugee affairs, international business and trade, international non-governmental organization and governments.
Degree Plans
The joint degree program is open to any J.D. student who has successfully completed first-year law courses.
Students accepted into St. Mary’s University’s joint degree program for a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Arts in International Relations (M.A.) must complete the full 91-hour J.D. Program, in addition to 24 credit hours of International Relations courses.
Course Highlights
Students may follow degree paths in Security Policy or Sustainable Peace within the International Relations Program. Sample courses include:
Security Policy
- European Security Issues
- Border Security and Immigration Regulation
- International Law and Treaties
Sustainable Peace
- Human Rights
- Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies
- Sustainable Development
Contact Us
To learn more about the Master of Arts in International Relations at St. Mary’s University, contact the Office of Graduate Admission at graduate@stmarytx.edu or 210-436-3126.
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Faculty
-
Ian Smith, Ph.D. Program Director for International Relations -
Claudia Donoso, Ph.D. Chair of the Department of International Studies and Global Affairs -
Aaron Tyler, Ph.D. Professor of International Relations
Learn More
We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.