Graduate Minor in International Studies

 A graduate minor in international studies provides MA and MS students in graduate programs other than international studies with the opportunity to acquire a basic graduate-level familiarity with international relations, global processes and cultural diversity around the world. Students acquire a foundation in inter-governmental relations and research methodology. Beyond this, students work closely with an international studies advisor to fashion a program of study appropriate for their interests and post-graduate plans. The minor complements several other graduate degree programs.

Prerequisites for Admission

 Declaration of an international studies minor is contingent on admission to a master’s or doctoral degree program. Application is in the form of a letter of interest to the Director of Graduate Studies, including the background, anticipated course of study, and reason for seeking the minor. An interview with the director is also required. All prerequisites for entering the graduate program in international studies as a major apply to the minor with the exception of proficiency in a second language. Students must be prepared for coursework in international studies at the graduate level and be willing to take prerequisite courses if necessary. The Graduate Studies Director is Dr. David Messenger (dmesseng@uwyo.edu), History Building, Room 355.

Course and Committee Requirements

 Graduate students minoring in international studies must satisfy the requirements of their graduate major and take twelve credits of guided graduate coursework in international studies. With the approval of the department of the graduate major, these twelve hours may also count toward the major. Students are required to take at least one course from the Theory Group and at least one course from the Research Group of graduate courses in international studies. In consultation with the international studies director, students take additional graduate-level international courses that best meet their interests and academic needs. Specific required courses by group are:

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 topic is applicable to international studies.

Research 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

 

The committee makeup for the thesis or dissertation committee of the student’s primary major will include at least one faculty member from international studies or the director of international studies. This committee member may serve as the outside member of the committee.