Understanding others is the first step toward peace, and UIndy’s MA in International Relations prepares you to be that catalyst. Studying a wide range of topics, you will advance your research skills and gain an understanding of international conflicts and resolutions. And it won't be just in the classroom. UIndy also encourages you to have real-world experiences through internships and projects. As you expand the way you see the world, you also expand your future opportunities to effect positive change.
The Master of Arts in international relations aims at providing students with the expertise necessary for them to pursue careers in the field of international relations. It will provide students with knowledge and skills needed to become competent professionals in a variety of employment settings—diplomacy, government agencies, multinational corporations, research institutions, NGOs, and international organizations.
Students will attain a broad understanding of the political, social, and economic evolution of the international system in the 20th and 21st centuries. The relative political and economic power of states, the role of regional and international organizations, and the existence and resolution of conflict and issues of human rights will be central to the course of study.
By expanding your knowledge of the world, you can also expand your career options. Graduates with degrees in international relations often go on to pursue careers in politics, government, business, law, and nonprofits. This program allows students to explore what it means to be part of the human experience in today’s rapidly changing world, while developing a deep understanding of international trends and conflicts to help expand their global consciousness.
Beyond international knowledge, I think the writing and research at UIndy really prepared me for the development work and communications we do daily. A strong work ethic would be another thing I learned from the international relations program.
The international relations graduate program at UIndy offers students a unique experience to study a wide range of international relations topics. As a master's student, you will have the opportunity to advance your research skills through a design and methodology course, study various international conflicts and resolutions, and have opportunities for real-world experiences. Throughout their time in the program, students are encouraged to explore their interests, engage in discussions and expand the way they see the world.
The program is 38 to 39 credit hours, which can be completed in two years. Students must choose a thesis or comprehensive exam track option. Classes run on a regular semester schedule, meeting face-to-face in the evenings.
In the first year of study at UIndy, students are required to take two courses: Theory of International Relations and Research Design & Methods. These two courses are the foundation for a solid education in international relations and will help prepare students for future coursework and career paths. Students are also required, in their first year, to take various elective courses that interest them and are encouraged to participate in internships.
During the second year of study, students have two different options of studying available to them:
The traditional option of study allows students to complete their degree requirements with various electives. You also have the opportunity to participate in local internships and take advanced modern language courses*.
With the global experience option, students will have the opportunity to study abroad during one of the semesters, including summer, at a selected partner institution. The program has a special relationship with the following institutions, however, you can choose to study at any recognized university in another country with the approval of the graduate advisor:
If you choose the global experience option, you can earn up to eight credits while you are abroad. You must receive a minimum of a B- in order for the credit to count towards your degree, and the courses you take must be pre-approved by the program director. You can also take language courses at UIndy or at your study abroad university.
The study of languages is an important part of learning and understanding international relations. However, the international relations graduate program does not require students to study language. We do, though, want our students to have the option and opportunity, so we encourage you to take courses and to immerse yourself in a foreign language while studying abroad. Because of the curriculum design through the department, any credit hours you may earn by taking a language course will not count towards your 38 required credit hours.
In order to complete the program, students must either take comprehensive exams or write a thesis. If you choose to complete the degree with comprehensive exams, then you will be doing so with 39 credit hours. Those choosing the thesis track will complete the degree with 38 credits. With the guidance of the program director, you will choose the appropriate track for you.
Candidates who meet all admission requirements may begin the program in August or January. The program follows a rolling admissions policy; however, applicants are encouraged to complete the admission process by July 15 for August admission, and by November 1 for January admission. Admitted students should register for courses well in advance of the start of their first semester.
View the admissions requirements and application process.
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