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Master of International Relations (MSIR) Program Overview and ObjectivesWorld politics has undergone a profound alteration over the past two decades. The collapse of the former Soviet Union, the evolution of the European Union, recent events in the Middle East and Central Asia, as well as the rise of non-state power centers such as al-Qa’ida, clearly demonstrate a significant paradigm shift in international affairs. The Cold War, which dominated global events for nearly five decades, is over. Yet, what replaces the institutions of that era is not altogether clear. What is clear is that the world community is increasingly interdependent, traditional identities and cultural norms are challenged, and new conflicts emerge. The Master of Science in International Relations (MSIR) degree program is a 12-course, 36-credit-hour curriculum of study designed to provide students the foundation and knowledge needed for understanding the conduct of international relations. Students are encouraged to gain a wide-ranging appreciation for the political, historical, cultural, economic, and geographical factors that affect international relations. This appreciation is accomplished through an interdisciplinary course of instruction that draws upon a variety of resources. In addition, students develop methodological, analytical, and theoretical skills necessary for understanding and evaluating the impact of global and national issues on world events. The program offers courses covering an array of topical areas such as history, regional studies, comparative government, foreign policy studies, political economy, geography, conflict management, national security, international organization and law, intercultural relations, and developing states. Prerequisite Requirements Candidates for admission must have a baccalaureate degree in any subject area from a regionally accredited college or university. There are no prerequisite course requirements. Students with undergraduate degrees in areas not included in the curriculum are encouraged to inquire about the program. Graduates of the Master of Science in International Relations program have included individuals with undergraduate degrees in the social sciences as well as in such areas as English, foreign language, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, education, and business administration. Admission Requirements Students may be admitted unconditionally if they meet the following requirements: 1. Hold a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university. No test score is required. An official transcript showing completion of a master’s or higher degree is required. OR 2. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 grade point average on the last 30 semester hours. All hours attempted in the term in which the 30 semester hours were reached will be used to calculate the grade point average. All transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required. AND 3. Have an acceptable score on the appropriate entrance exam (GRE 920 – verbal plus quantitative, MAT 400, GMAT 490). Conditional admission may be granted under certain circumstances to applicants who cannot satisfy all unconditional admission requirements to a graduate program. See conditional admission requirements in the general regulations section of this Bulletin. Transfer Credit A maximum of four courses (12 semester credit hours) taken at another regionally accredited institution, each with a “B” grade or better, can be applied toward the degree. These courses must be comparable in catalog description to Troy University courses in the MSIR program and must be approved by the Dean of Arts and Sciences or Chair of the Department of Political Science. Requirements for Admission to Candidacy 1. To be admitted to candidacy, students must have a (3).0 GPA on all work attempted. If the student makes a “D” or “F” in a core course, the course must be retaken. If the student makes a “D” or “F” in an elective course, the course may be retaken or another elective taken in its place. 2. Unconditionally admitted graduate students may apply for admission to candidacy after completing six semester graduate hours and requirements as outlined for the specific degree program. A student will be admitted to candidacy the term following completion of 12 semester hours. Degree Requirements 1. Unconditional admission 2. Overall 3.0 GPA 3. Completion of the curriculum listed below 4. Successful completion of comprehensive examination 5. Successful completion (“B” or better) of program research requirement – IR 6601 6. Admission to candidacy Curriculum All courses offer three semester hours credit. The MSIR curriculum of study consists of three integral components: I. Four core required courses II. The selection and completion of a program concentration III. The successful completion of a comprehensive examination Core Required Courses All students must take these four courses: IR 5551 (3) Survey of International Relations IR 6601 (3) Research Methods in International Relations IR 6620 (3) International Political Economy IR 6652 (3) Theory and Ideology of International Relations Program Concentrations Students must choose one of the following concentrations:
GLOBAL STUDIES CONCENTRATION Students may choose any eight of the following courses: HIS 5503 (3) Contemporary Europe HIS 5504 (3) Military History of the United States HIS 5515 (3) Contemporary America, 1945 to Present HIS 5523 (3) U.S. Diplomatic History IR 5502 (3) International Political Geography IR 5524 (3) Contemporary American Foreign Policy IR 5533 (3) Comparative Government IR 5552 (3) International Law IR 6600 (3) Selected Topics in International Relations IR 6602 (3) Geostrategic Studies IR 6610 (3) International Organizations IR 6625, 6626, 6627 (3) Specialized Study in International Relations IR 6629, 6630 (3) Seminar in International Relations IR 6631 (3) Intercultural Relations IR 6633 (3) Developed and Developing Nations IR 6634 (3) Tradition, Revolution, and Change IR 6635 (3) National Security Policy IR 6640 (3) Government and Politics of Developing Nations IR 6641 (3) Latin America in World Affairs IR 6642 (3) Russia and Eastern Europe IR 6644 (3) Middle East in World Affairs IR 6645 (3) Asia in World Affairs IR 6647 (3) Western Europe in World Affairs IR 6648 (3) Sub-Saharan Africa in World Affairs IR 6655 (3) International Conflict Management IR 6660 (3) Military Strategy and International Relations IR 6665 (3) Readings in International Relations IR 6670 (3) United Kingdom in World Affairs IR 6672 (3) Germany in World Affairs IR 6681 (3) Tribalism and Colonialism in Africa IR 6685 (3) Terrorism and Political Violence IR 6686 (3) Drug Politics in the Americas IR 6687 (3) Free Trade and Economic Integration in the Americas IR 6688 (3) Islamic Fundamentalism PA 6610 (3) Foundations of Public Administration PA 6612 (3) Comparative Public Administration NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS CONCENTRATION Students may choose any four of the following courses: HIS 5504 (3) Military History of the United States IR 5524 (3) Contemporary American Foreign Policy IR 5552 (3) International Law IR 6602 (3) Geostrategic Studies IR 6635 (3) National Security Policy IR 6660 (3) Military Strategy and International Relations IR 6685 (3) Terrorism and Political Violence Free electives Students must choose four courses from the remaining electives listed for the Global Studies Concentration. REGIONAL AFFAIRS CONCENTRATION Students must take each of the following courses: IR 5533 (3) Comparative Government IR 6610 (3) International Organizations IR 6631 (3) Intercultural Relations Concentration Relevant Electives Students must choose three courses from one of the following regional groups: Latin America IR 6640 (3) Government and Politics of Developing Nations IR 6641 (3) Latin America in World Affairs IR 6686 (3) Drug Politics in the Americas IR 6687 (3) Free Trade and Economic Integration in the Americas Europe HIS 5503 (3) Contemporary Europe IR 6642 (3) Russia and Eastern Europe in World Affairs IR 6647 (3) Western Europe in World Affairs IR 6672 (3) Germany in World Affairs Asia HIS 5551 (3) The Far East IR 6640 (3) Government and Politics of Developing Nations IR 6645 (3) Asia in World Affairs Free electives Students must choose two courses from the remaining electives listed for the Global Studies Concentration. Comprehensive Examination The third component of the MSIR degree program is the successful completion of a Comprehensive Examination. Students cmust successfully complete a six-hour comprehensive examination, typically after all course work is completed or during the last term that they are registered for course work. Comprehensive examinations are given each term. Examination questions are developed by the MSIR faculty and approved by the Chair. Students must pass by successfully demonstrating the ability to integrate and synthesize information obtained from the course work. The comprehensive examination is graded by a minimum of two full-time and selected part-time faculty and submitted to the College of Arts and Sciences for review. Troy University faculty and staff administer comprehensive examinations. |
