Master of Science in International Relations (M.S.I.R.)
Do you love learning about the world and how states interact? Are you curious about
international security, diplomacy and economics? If so, you’re on the right path by
considering a master’s in international relations at Troy University. And you can
finish this master’s degree in as little as one year. When you earn TROY’s M.S. in
international relations degree, you’ll follow in the footsteps of graduates like John
Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the White House; Richard Wyatt,
deputy division chief at Joint Staff, and retired NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris.
“The best instruction I have received was at Troy. The readings were not fringe, but
important in the field, and the quantity of work was reasonable for a person working
full time and going to school. The M.S.I.R. program provides a good grounding in the
theories of international relations, a survey of the field and research methods. The
fact that it has difficult exit exams is a plus because you will leave knowing the
field and prepared for future academic work.”
Greg Olsen | Business Development Manager II, Cisco | 2017 graduate, Master’s in International
Relations
Build Skills for a Global Environment with TROY’s M.S.I.R.
Be successful and competitive in the global arena with TROY’s international relations
degree. Develop analytical tools and critical thinking skills that will help you understand
how the world works and how organizations operate. You’ll take highly relevant courses
on topics, including nuclear strategy, cyber war, and Russian and Chinese intelligence.
By gaining prowess in international relations and developing your research and writing
skills (including producing a conference-level research paper), you’ll stand out for
international relations jobs.
Led by Globally Recognized and Respected Faculty
What makes TROY one of the best colleges for international relations? For one, our
faculty. You will learn from internationally recognized and respected experts who
make it a point to share their knowledge, experience and expertise with you. TROY’s
faculty publishes widely, presenting their research all over the world, and are routinely
called upon for interviews by national and international media. Most importantly,
they are accessible mentors who help you advance on your desired career path.
International Relations Graduate Program Locations
Get the flexibility you need by taking courses online, in class or through a blend
of both. Our Flex format is another option, allowing you to switch between formats
based on your needs. For more information about program availability and delivery
options call 1-800-414-5756
Broaden and deepen the international skills you built in the military with TROY’s
Master of Science in International Relations. Many of the Professional Military Education
(PME) course credits you earned can be transferred to TROY, helping you to lessen
the number of courses you have to take and putting you on a quicker path to graduation.
Earn the credential you need to move your career forward — in the military or as a
civilian — at a university that’s been serving military members for more than 70 years.
International Relations Careers with the TROY Master’s in International Relations
Prepare for graduate or law school or for positions in government, military, international
business and security with this comprehensive master’s degree program.
Faculty Profiles
Dr. G. Doug Davis
Dr. G. Doug Davis is an associate professor and director of the international relations
graduate program. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Arizona
and a European graduate degree from the Pontificia Università Lateranense. His areas
of interest include European security, European IPE, Middle East security, and research
methods.
Expand your opportunities for international relations careers by choosing one of the
following concentrations. You will take five core courses and seven other classes
in your chosen specialization. Choose from thesis or non-thesis options, depending
on your location and goals.
Master’s in International Relations: Global Studies Concentration
The breadth of the global studies concentration is ideal for anyone looking to expand
their overall international focus. This could include people already working in government
services or international trade looking to advance their careers or professionals
who want to pursue opportunities with global companies, even those based in the United
States.
Please note: The thesis track is offered on the Troy Campus only.
The non-thesis track is offered online, in-person on the Troy Campus, and through
blended programs (i.e., online and in person) on the following military bases:
Fort Moore, GA
Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
Misawa Air Base, Misawa, Aomori, Japan
Osan Air Base, Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Master’s in International Relations: National Security Concentration
The national security/international affairs concentration is suited for M.S.I.R.
students interested primarily in intelligence and security work. The concentration
encompasses a wide variety of topics, including United States military history, contemporary
foreign policy, Arctic security and cyber warfare.
Please note: The thesis track is offered on the Troy Campus only.
The non-thesis track is offered online, in-person on the Troy Campus, and through
blended programs (i.e., online and in person) on the following military bases:
Fort Moore, GA
Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
Misawa Air Base, Misawa, Aomori, Japan
Osan Air Base, Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Master’s in International Relations: Regional Studies Concentration
Specialized global knowledge can take you far — literally. The regional studies concentration
allows TROY students to focus studies in Latin America, Europe, Asia or the Middle
East/North Africa. With the ability to dive deeper into one region of the world, this
concentration might also suit students looking to pursue a Ph.D. and eventually teach
or conduct academic research.
Please note: The thesis track is offered on the Troy Campus only.
The non-thesis track is offered online, in-person on the Troy Campus, and through
blended programs (i.e., online and in person) on the following military bases:
Fort Moore, GA
Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
Misawa Air Base, Misawa, Aomori, Japan
Osan Air Base, Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Assistantships Available for M.S.I.R. Graduate Students
While there are no degree-specific scholarships for the master’s in international
relations, you may qualify for a graduate assistantship that pays a monthly stipend
and a tuition waiver for $2,500 per semester. Learn more about graduate assistantships at TROY.
FAQ About the M.S. in International Relations Program
Learn more about the field of international relations and our program.
What is international relations?
International relations is about developing a global awareness of how different nation-states
interact with each other. In practice, international relations can involve diplomacy,
peace-building and military aid. As an academic area of study, international relations
combines disciplines such as history, political science, economics, geography and
even computer science. Looking at more specific topics, global studies students also
focus on wars and conflicts, colonialism and terrorism, major social movements, and
foreign policy and law.
What can you do with an international relations degree?
A few examples of what you can do with an international relations degree include
policy officer, public affairs consultant, researcher, nonprofit manager, international
business consultant, international aid worker, political analyst, and intelligence
analyst.
Do you allow military students to transfer in PME courses?
Yes, many Professional Military Education (PME) course credits transfer into the
international relations graduate program, shortening your time to graduation.
What does a diplomat do?
Diplomats help to protect their home country’s citizens by developing and repairing
relationships between nations.
How do you become a diplomat?
The most common route to becoming a diplomat is obtaining bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in majors like international relations, political science, sociology and foreign
policy.
How do you become a foreign service officer?
If you’re wondering how to become a foreign service officer, you’re on the right
track with earning a master’s degree. Some of the most common international relations-related
jobs take graduates into foreign service and diplomacy. The United States Foreign
Service is the primary personnel agency for the U.S. Department of State and the U.S.
embassies in other nations. According to the State Department, Foreign Service Officers can choose one of five career tracks: consular, economic, management, political,
and public diplomacy.
Global politics and major world events have a far-reaching, long-lasting impact.
Every day and on every continent, life is affected by economic globalization and pressing
international issues such as climate change. As technology advances and the world
gets smaller, there’s more demand than ever for professionals — in all fields — with
international knowledge and global expertise.
