Department of Political Science
M.A. in International Relations
Dr. David Schecter, Department Chair
Dr. Melanie Ram, Graduate Program Coordinator
Program Design
The Master of Arts degree in International Relations prepares students for careers in international politics and global affairs. Students completing the program often pursue careers in government, education, business, agriculture, health, international organizations, and non-profits. Others continue with their studies to complete a Ph.D. in Political Science. Program graduates have gone on to both prestigious universities and important positions in international affairs.
Established in 1978, the International Relations graduate program has maintained its flexible design and continues to achieve outstanding program reviews. Our interdisciplinary program revolves around five core seminars in political science in which students master key principles of international relations. Students choose additional courses from an approved list of electives in Political Science and other fields that will support their individual career objectives and enhance their global awareness and understanding.
Requirements
Admission to the program is open to all graduates of a duly accredited college or university who meet the requirements for admission listed in the university catalog. Students with background deficiencies in political science usually may remedy these through a few upper-division political science courses selected by the program adviser.
In addition to the university requirements needed to qualify for classified graduate standing, candidates must also be recommended for admission by the Admissions Committee of the Graduate Program in International Relations. Candidates will be evaluated using a combination of grade point average, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and the applicant's written statement of purpose for wishing to pursue the M.A. degree.
Basic competence in a foreign language is also a prerequisite for obtaining the M.A. degree in International Relations. Students will be required to take a language examination before taking the written comprehensive examinations or enrolling in the thesis. Foreign students may offer English in fulfillment of this requirement.
Our Students
We have a diverse student body with students from the Central Valley, across the U.S., and around the world. Our balance of domestic and foreign students has helped maintain an optimum learning environment for both groups and to foster dialogue and understanding on matters of international importance. By maintaining a small student body, students are also able to gain a sense of community and receive individual attention from our faculty.
Program Design | Requirements | Our Students | Faculty | Quick Facts