The Master of Arts degree in International Affairs can open a new world of career
opportunities in an increasingly globalized world. The graduate program provides students
with a unique combination of analytic research and practical applications tools. The
degree track appeals to students with an intense interest in and desire for work in
professional international fields and/or study at the doctoral level. Highly qualified
faculty teach the latest research methods in international issues; skills to organize
field projects and work in interdisciplinary teams; and theoretical and methodological
tools to evaluate national or international policies. Graduates also will have opportunities
to develop a complete understanding of foreign cultures.
M.A. in International Affairs helped graduate learn skills to be flexible in career
Bryce Bivens earned his master's degree in International Affairs from MTSU during
the pandemic. Bryce, who studied Japanese language and culture as an MTSU undergraduate,
has since landed a job working for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville. He
credits his education for helping him prepare for the position, which includes political
analysis: “My current job is mostly focused on Southern politics. This was outside
my wheelhouse, but I had the skills to make it my expertise, and my international
background gives me a unique perspective when trying to understand what my employers
are interested in,” he explains. Bryce’s experience in the International Affairs M.A.
program boosted his confidence for the future, too. Students learn transferrable skills
that can be applied in a variety of sectors; for Bryce, this means flexibility in
a rapidly changing job market. “Besides a deep understanding of topics and professional
writing skills, I gained strong research and analysis skills. Most of all, I gained
a wider view that helps me adjust my thinking to different needs and employers.”
M.A. candidate works for Transparency International in Mexico City
Rachel Harmon spent four months in Mexico for a prestigious practicum experience with
Transparency International, a pre-eminent anti-corruption organization. Harmon, earning
her M.A. in International Affairs in fall 2013, helped revise a survey that asks about
people's participation in and perception of corruption (bribes, favoritism, etc.).
She also worked on The Open Parliaments Project which promotes standards for openness
and transparency for local legislators. "The fact I got to work for Transparency International
is something that not many people can say in grad school, much less someone who comes
from a public institution," Harmon says. The 2012 Political Science grad credited
MTSU professors for opportunities including helping fund her education and studies
abroad. Harmon saw political culture firsthand, visited historic ruins, increased
her Spanish skills "tenfold," and fell in love with Mexico City and its welcoming
citizens. Her goal is to help a nonprofit civil society organization find solutions
to conflict and corruption.
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
The M.A. in International Affairs prepares students for careers in international affairs;
international business; domestic and international non-governmental organizations
focusing on poverty alleviation, human rights, or environmental policies; foreign
policy organizations; government; analysis and risk management firms; homeland security;
and the military. Some potential occupations:
- Charitable aid director
- City development manager
- Combat engineer
- Diplomat
- Educator
- Environmentalist
- Equal employment opportunity coordinator
- Foreign policy advisor
- Government employee
- Human rights advocate
- Import company representative
- International trade compliance analyst
- Linguist
- Military official
- Multinational banker
- Nonprofit director
- Program analyst
- Public servant
- Relief agency director
- Senior intelligence specialist in defense
- Staff assistant to members of Congress
- World health advocate
Employers of MTSU alumni
The International Security and Peace Studies track could lead to work at such agencies
as the United Nations or other UN agencies, the CIA and the Department of State; nongovernmental
organizations like the International Red Cross and Doctors without Borders; and think
tanks that research international conflicts.
The MAIA program can lead to work at such agencies as the United Nations or other
UN agencies, the CIA and the Department of State; the World Bank, the International
Monetary Fund, U.S. Agency for International Development; nongovernmental organizations
like the International Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders; and think thanks that
research international conflicts. Students may choose to work with organizations that
help communities with sanitation, clean water, and financing for agricultural activities.
Graduate
A Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) is offered for students who have
completed an undergraduate degree at an accredited university or college. It is the
only program of its type in the state of Tennessee.
International Affairs candidates must fulfill a requirement for either a practicum
or a thesis. A study-abroad experience is encouraged, which additionally will help
develop foreign-language skills.
The M.A. in International Affairs provides preparation for careers in an increasingly
globalized world by offering students a combination of theoretical knowledge, analytical
research skills, and practical experience relevant for employment in:
• international affairs
• diplomacy
• international business
• domestic and international non-governmental organizations
• foreign policy organizations and government
• analysis and risk management firms
• homeland security
• the military and intelligence
Degree Is Designed for Students with:
• an intense interest in the professional fieldsrelated to international affairs
• a capacity to think critically and engage in independent analysis
• a strong initiative to develop professionally
• an undergraduate degree
Program Helps Students Develop:
• a deep understanding of the latest research and methods in international affairs
• the skills to organize practical field projects, work in interdisciplinary teams,
and prepare and conduct professional presentations
• the theoretical and methodological tools to evaluat national or international policies
• creativity, self-reflection, and an appreciation for foreign cultures
• the foundations for a professional international career and/or doctoral-level study
Admission Requirements
To apply to the College of Graduate Studies:
1. A baccalaureate degree
2. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, for unconditional
admission as a degree-seeking student
For entrance into the M.A. program in International Affairs:
3. Submission of a letter of interest stating the reason for applying to the program,
academic interest, and professional goals, along with three letters of recommendation
Application Deadlines
Admission is on a rolling basis. Submit applications at: mtsu.edu/graduate
Financial Aid
Limited numbers of graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and
scholarships are available in addition to other forms of aid. Applications may be
obtained from the College of Graduate Studies website. Students must meet the requirements
for admission to graduate school and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. More
info: mtsu.edu/financialaid
Graduate Assistantships
If you are interested in applying for a graduate assistantship, notify the program
director for the M.A. in International Affairs by these deadlines:
Nov. 1: for spring semester
April 1: for fall semester
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
International Affairs, M.A.
Jon DiCicco, Program Director
(615) 904-8035
Jon.DiCicco@mtsu.edu
http://www.mtsu.edu/maia
The Department of Political Science and International Relations offers the Master of Arts degree in International Affairs and a minor in Political Science at the graduate level.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission decisions will be made after reviewing all materials and determining the applicant's capacity, suitability, and preparation for graduate study. Admission decisions are based upon consideration of a number of criteria which are believed to indicate a high potential in the graduate program.
Admission to the Master of Arts in International Affairs program requires
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college;
- a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale for all college work taken.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Applicant must
- submit application with appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit three (3) letters of recommendation from professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete a master's program in International Affairs;
- submit a statement of interest stating reason for applying to the program, academic interest, and professional goals.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in International Affairs requires completion of 30-33 semester hours (thesis) or 30 hours (non-thesis).
Candidate must
- complete at least 30 semester hours of graduate-level designated courses in international affairs, with at least 70 percent of the hours at the 6000 level;
- successfully complete a professional portfolio including a practicum.
Curriculum: International Affairs
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.
Thesis Option (30-33 hours)
Core Requirements (12 hours)
PS 6100 - Theory and Practice I: International Relations
3credit hours
Examines the theoretical foundations of international relations, the historical contexts in which they arose, the practical implications of the competing theoretical models, and the contemporary issues that occupy researchers and policymakers in the discipline.
PS 6200 - Theory and Practice II: Comparative Politics
3credit hours
Examines the theories and methods of comparative politics, the evolution of the discipline, and the issues that drive comparative political research today. Readings include both classic and contemporary literature from different theoretical, empirical, and methodological orientations.
PS 6400 - International Affairs II: Governance and Transnational Issues
3credit hours
Familiarizes students with the major actors, institutions, and legal networks in the fields of U.S. foreign policy and global governance as well as with the policy outcomes. Discusses in a systematic manner what actors do, how they do it and how do they interact in the process. Special attention given to the effects these actors, institutions, and legal regimes have on the international system in such areas as maintaining order and promoting peace; regulating migration and economic development; and promoting social equality, human rights, and environmental security. Encourages students to relate the course material to the ongoing international processes and current events.
PS 6550 - International Affairs I: Professional Skills and Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PS 6250 and PS 6400 or approval by the MAIA graduate director. Foundational skills to work as professionals in international affairs. Focuses on the acquisition, evaluation, analysis, and presentation of information on problems and issues in international affairs. Emphasis is on open-source research, creating the types of documents that are in-demand in professional settings, and professional oral presentations.
Emphasis Electives (12 hours)
- Advisor-approved graduate electives; at least one course must be at the 6000 level 12 credit hours
Thesis (6-9 hours)
PS 6170 - Literature Review in International Affairs
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PS 6100, PS 6200, PS 6400, PS 6500, PS 6110, and PS 6120 or PS 6210 and PS 6220. Focuses on the selection of a research topic and review of pertinent literature associated with a thesis.
PS 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 3 credit hours
(3 credit hours required)(3 credit hours required; 6 credit hours maximum)
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title:(3 credit hours required)
(3 credit hours required; 6 credit hours maximum)
PS 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 3credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 6170. Drawing on work from PS 6170, collect and analyze data and compose thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion.
Non-thesis Option (30 hours)
Core Requirements (12 hours)
PS 6100 - Theory and Practice I: International Relations
3credit hours
Examines the theoretical foundations of international relations, the historical contexts in which they arose, the practical implications of the competing theoretical models, and the contemporary issues that occupy researchers and policymakers in the discipline.
PS 6200 - Theory and Practice II: Comparative Politics
3credit hours
Examines the theories and methods of comparative politics, the evolution of the discipline, and the issues that drive comparative political research today. Readings include both classic and contemporary literature from different theoretical, empirical, and methodological orientations.
PS 6400 - International Affairs II: Governance and Transnational Issues
3credit hours
Familiarizes students with the major actors, institutions, and legal networks in the fields of U.S. foreign policy and global governance as well as with the policy outcomes. Discusses in a systematic manner what actors do, how they do it and how do they interact in the process. Special attention given to the effects these actors, institutions, and legal regimes have on the international system in such areas as maintaining order and promoting peace; regulating migration and economic development; and promoting social equality, human rights, and environmental security. Encourages students to relate the course material to the ongoing international processes and current events.
PS 6550 - International Affairs I: Professional Skills and Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PS 6250 and PS 6400 or approval by the MAIA graduate director. Foundational skills to work as professionals in international affairs. Focuses on the acquisition, evaluation, analysis, and presentation of information on problems and issues in international affairs. Emphasis is on open-source research, creating the types of documents that are in-demand in professional settings, and professional oral presentations.
Emphasis Electives (12 hours)
- Advisor-approved graduate electives; at least one course must be at the 6000 level 12 credit hours
Practicum (6 hours)
PS 6290 - Practicum in International Affairs
1 to 6credit hours
A supervised experience with students placed in organizations active in globalization and development issues. The practicum placement must be approved by the graduate advisor and departmental graduate director prior to enrolling.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Financial Aid
A limited numbers of graduate assistantships and scholarships are available in addition
to other forms of aid. Applications may be obtained from the College of Graduate Studies
Web site. The Student Financial Aid Office has information on various kinds of financial aid online.
Academic Common Market
The SREB Academic Common Market is a program that allows students to study in a specialized
field at an
out-of-state college while paying in-state tuition. Students from such states as
Alabama, Arkansas,
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and other states in the south may be eligible. For
more information, go to: http://www.sreb.org/page/1304/academic_common_market.html.
Forms
Checklists
Links
Student Practicum Reports and Theses
- Mason King's Practicum Report, Global Expansion of an Anti-Trafficking Prevention
Curriculum & Improvement of Business Processes, Spring 2019
- Nejib Adem's Practicum Report, Catholic Charities of Tennessee Refugee and Immigration
Services, Fall 2018
- Rachel Harmon's Practicum Report, Transparencia Mexicana, Fall 2013
- Paige Kauffelt's Practicum Report, Three Chimneys Thoroughbred Farm, Summer 2014
- Cassie Smith's Practicum Report, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development,
Fall 2014
- Nathan Johnson's Practicum Report, Foreign Policy Analysis for the Lenda Sherrell
Congressional Campaign, Fall 2014
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
