M.S. Program in International Studies, 30 credits

Program Description  

The George R. Muirhead Center for International Education was designated as a Center for Excellence in International Education in 1986, and the University has developed a wide variety of programs and initiatives that support this aspect of its mission. The continuing enrichment, expansion and refinement of the Master of Science in International Studies result from the institution’s established commitment to global awareness. The six courses which comprise the program core are designed to deepen and extend knowledge of present and past world affairs, social perspectives and human nature, communication skills in multinational affairs, personal values and cultural traditions.

The balance of the master’s program in international studies (15 credits) is individually designed by students and their faculty advisors to ensure that career plans and research interests are accommodated. If a student wishes to travel or work in a different country, these preferences may receive consideration within the program’s scope. Another approach involves graduate course selection from a variety of disciplines, including modern languages, history, geography, political science, economics, anthropology, religion, communication and others, provided at the University to develop specializations with a global or theoretical orientation. Students may also focus on an area of the world such as Africa, East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern or Western Europe.

To ensure adequate preparation for a career or further study in international affairs, language competency related to the area of specialization is required. Mid-level reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills may be demonstrated by examination or through appropriate course work.

Initially, on acceptance to the program, students are assigned to the International Studies Curriculum Director for advice.  As soon as possible, students will be assigned to an advisor appropriate to their regional or thematic specialization.  This advisor will normally serve as the faculty member supervising the advisee’s research course and thesis, special project or comprehensive examination.

Program Overview

A multidisciplinary program leading to the Master of Science in International  Studies, for students who wish either to study a specific area of the world, such as Africa, East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Western Europe or Eastern Europe, or to develop a program with a global, theoretical or conceptual perspective, is offered through the International and Area Studies Committee.

Program Requirements

30 credits in International Studies

(Plan A, Plan B or Plan C)

Common Core (15 credits; take five of the following):

Specialization (9 credits):

Approved courses in one of African Studies, East Asian Studies, European Union/West European Studies, Latin American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies or Slavic/East European Studies; or approved courses to constitute a cohesive specialization with a global, theoretical or conceptual perspective.

Research and Capstone Requirements (6 credits):

Plan A: IS 598 Research in International Studies and IS 599 Thesis in International Studies

or

Plan B: IS 598 Research in International Studies, comprehensive exam and three credits of directed electives or

Plan C: IS 598 Research in International Studies and IS 595 Special Project in International Studies

Note: No more than nine credits at the

400 level, as approved by the graduate advisor, may be counted toward the graduate planned program of study.

Language Requirement

The International Studies program requires that all students have a level of proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding of a single modern language— preferably in their area of geographical specialization— equal to the completion of the 226 level.

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