Master's in International Studies - Curriculum Guidelines

Students work with a faculty advisor to design a program of study appropriate to their interests and career goals. Students must meet four requirements:

1. Complete 26 hours of coursework and 4 hours of thesis research.
2. Complete one course each in advanced theory and research methods.
3. Coursework must include courses from three different disciplines.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, which can be accomplished during the course of your graduate program or from prior coursework or experience. Foreign language hours do not count toward the master's degree.

A. Required Coursework (6 hours)

Theory Group

INST 5300   The World System
POLS 4870    Seminar: International Relations*

POLS 4890    Seminar: Comparative Government and Politics*

POLS 4900    Seminar: International Relations Theories*

POLS 4910    Seminar: Comparative Foreign Policy Analysis 

SOC 5000     Advanced Sociological Theory 
*Applies only when the course being offered is appropriate for international studies. 

Research Methods Group

AGEC 5650   Research Methods
ANTH 5650   Field Methods in Cultural Anthropology
EDRE 5640   Introduction to Qualitative Research
GEOG 5280  Quantitative Methods in Geography
GEOG 5790  Research Methods 
HIST 5700   Seminar in Cultural History

POLS 5680   Seminar in Research Design 

SOC 5100    Advanced Social Research Methods 
SOWK 5400  Social Work Generalist Research Methods

B. Electives (20 hours)

Students work with their advisor to select courses for their individual plan of study.

C. Thesis

A student will complete a thesis which is focused on orginal research and is guided by the student's thesis committee. Students must pass an oral examination at the completion of their program. The examination will be centered on the student's thesis.