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International Relations (MSIR)

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Degree Type:
Graduate
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Masters 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.

Fountain on Troy University's quad.
“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.
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M.S.I.R. Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, your coursework may include:
Academic Catalog Degree Map

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

An Ideal Degree Option for Military Students

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. 

 

Military graduate receiving her degree at commencement.

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

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.

Tailor Your M.S.I.R. with a Degree Concentration

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. 

Related Programs

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.

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News

TROY’s MSIR program is one of the largest international relations graduate studies program in the United States.

Why Get an International Relations Degree?

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.

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