Students who aspire to a career with an international focus might benefit from enrolling in a Masters in International Relations graduate program. These programs are designed to prepare students to develop the essential analytical, professional, and leadership skills to prepare them to take on a wide range of potential roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
As an academic discipline, international relations examines the nature of relationships and interactions between different sovereign systems, including states and non-states such as the United nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and Amnesty International.
GradSchools.com has easy to use search tools. A location search will determine which city, state or country has the type of masters degree program in International Relations that suits your needs. You might also want to initiate a search based on program format. Are you interested in studying on campus or does a distance-learning option suit your lifestyle? If so, you might look into International Relations Masters Programs online or hybrid programs which combine low residency campus courses with online courses.
Some of the choices you might find may include: MSSc in Public Affairs & Social Sciences, Liberal Arts & Humanities, Master of Arts In Diplomacy, MA in International Development, International Studies MS, or Master of Arts in Global Studies.
Compare tuition costs curriculum, admissions and prerequisite requirements, faculty and curriculum by requesting information from each school.
programs may offer an interdisciplinary approach to this broad field, incorporating history, economics, sociology, law, psychology and political science in the context of public or international policy.
International relations also involves the study or specialization in a number of subjects such as:
- Foreign policy,
- International conflict and negotiation
- War
- Nuclear weapons/proliferation
- Terrorism,
- International trade and economics
Masters Degree in International Relations Potential Specializations
Students pursuing a Masters in International Relations might also choose to specialize in a particular topic that aligns with a career goal. Some of these might include:
- Conflict and peace making/ International Security
- Comparative foreign policy
- Environmental policy
- Human rights;
- Trade and financial regulation;
- International law;
- Diplomatic tools and processes;
- Migration and refugees;
- International security; and
- The role of international organizations
- International Business or Management
Students might also be interested in a specific geographic region or a type of industry, or a combination of different subjects, such as political reform in the Middle East or US Foreign Policy. While International Relations is considered a Social Science Degree, International Business programs may be found at the Universities or Colleges reputed to have good MBA professional degrees.
Which International Relations Masters Degree is Right For You?
Whether you aspire to a career in politics, public policy, research, academia, or international business, you should select a degree that aligns with your career goals. Here are a few general guidelines:
- Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations is a degree that extends beyond business, and may be combined with other study for a dual degree or pursued on its own.
- Master of International Business (MIB) is a combination degree that offers students a high-level business education in a global context, similar to an MBA with a specialization in international business.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Relations is a professional degree that sets the standard for graduate-level business education in an international context
Potential Careers For Masters in International Relations Graduates
While a Masters degree in International Relations does not lead to a specific career, some of the competencies that are cultivated, such as clarity in speech and writing, analytical skills and a detailed knowledge of world politics, and global business might prepare students for potential careers in government, journalism, law, non-governmental organizations, international business, and teaching and research. The type of degree and the individual goals of each student help to clarify the direction of future careers.
Some graduates might aspire to a career as a Political Scientist; perhaps the best-known international career is diplomacy, or working for the State Department. Professional political scientists need a master’s degree or PhD in political science or a related field. They typically conduct research in national politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory. Some work as policy analysts for organizations or for the Federal government, others are employed by professional scientific or technical services, or work as Professors. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not predict a surge in employment over the next decade, the median annual pay for political scientists in 2014 was $104,920.
Ready to Pursue a Master in International Relations?
Masters Programs in International relations programs focus on issues relating to transnational politics, economics, and human rights around the world. Why not review the choices available to you on GradSchools.com today!
Sources: bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists
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