International Relations (MA)

Department Website

Program Description

Since 1886, NYU's Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) has prepared generations of global leaders. The MA in International Relations (MAIR) continues that tradition, training MAIR candidates for careers in the field of international affairs with a rigorous curriculum rooted in world-class scholarship. Our graduate program approaches International Relations as a subject that can be studied from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, using various methodologies. Drawing on scholars from across GSAS, as well as colleagues at the Law School, the Stern School of Business, and the Wagner School of Public Service, MAIR candidates have a range of academic options to shape their degree and career trajectory. Moreover, the Program strives to offer events on various topics with scholars, practitioners, and students to create an academic and professional dialogue within the field.

Dual Degree

The International Relations Department offers a dual degree with the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service: International Development Policy and Management Specialization MPA/International Relations MA.

See International Relations for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation, and
• A non-refundable application fee.

 See International Relations for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 40 credits, and may be complimented with one of the following concentrations:

• Asian Studies
• European & Mediterranean Studies
• International Law
• International Politics & Business
• Latin American & Caribbean Studies
• Middle Eastern & Levantine Studies
• Russian & Slavic Studies
• U.S. Foreign Policy

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Major Requirements
INTRL-GA 1700	International Relations	4
INTRL-GA 1600	Global & Intnl History	4
INTRL-GA 3992	Writing for International Affairs	2
Elective Core Requirements
Select one of the following:		4
INTRL-GA 1120	Quantitative Analysis I
INTRL-GA 1220	Qualitative Analysis I
INTRL-GA 1450	Regional & Comp Politics
INTRL-GA 1900	The World Economy
Thesis Seminar or Capstone
INTRL-GA 4000	Master's Thesis Seminar	2
or INTRL-GA 1320	Capstone Project
Other Elective Requirements 1
Select a minimum of 12 credits in International Relations electives defined as any course listed under International Relations course code, INTRL-GA		12
Select 12 credits of general electives which can be a graduate level course from any NYU department or school, subject to approval from the Program Director		12
Total Credits		40

¹

Students cannot double-count core or required courses as elective courses, but may take additional core courses to fulfill the elective course requirements.

Additional Program Requirements

Thesis

Students are required to take INTRL-GA 4000 Master's Thesis Seminar, during their last semester. The course is designed to provide structure and guidance to students writing a thesis. The thesis will be an academic work of ~15,000 words dealing with an important and timely topic in international relations.

Internship

To further their professional development all MAIR students are required to complete an internship. The internship places students in a professional work environment in either the public or private sector. The internship must total at least 140 hours over 14 weeks. Students can opt out of the Internship requirement if they are pursuing a scholarly track with the intention of completing a PhD after earning the MA In this case, students complete the ‘Readings and Research’ course, INTRL-GA 3991 Reading and Research, in lieu of 2 points of International Relations Electives in their second to last term, and then the Master’s Thesis Seminar, INTRL-GA 4000 Master's Thesis Seminar, in their final term. The R&R course work should be designed with their MA thesis supervisor to provide for a more advanced and rigorous MA thesis.

Language

Students must demonstrate proficiency in one language other than English. Students demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by completing one of the following:

1. Passing the GSAS foreign language proficiency examination;
2. completing an intermediate-level foreign language course with a grade of B or better at NYU or another accredited institution (student must submit official transcript as proof of completion); or
3. completing secondary education or undergraduate degree in an institution where language of instruction is not English.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid

1st Semester/Term		Credits
INTRL-GA 1600	Global & Intnl History	4
INTRL-GA 3992		2
General Elective/IR Elective		4
	Credits	10
2nd Semester/Term
INTRL-GA 1700	International Relations	4
One of INTRL-GA 1120, 1220, 1450 or 1900	Elective Core Course	4
General Elective/IR Elective		4
	Credits	12
3rd Semester/Term
General Elective/IR Elective		4
General Elective/IR Elective		4
General Elective/IR Elective		4
	Credits	12
4th Semester/Term
General Elective/IR Elective		4
INTRL-GA 4000	Master's Thesis Seminar	2
	Credits	6
	Total Credits	40

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have:

1. The ability to conduct rigorous investigation and analysis of a wide range of social phenomena, with a particular emphasis on International Relations and International Affairs.  
2. An understanding of common theories in the field of International Relations and their application to current and historical events. 
3. Used a combination of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in addressing a substantial range of research questions in the field.
4. The ability to write high quality research papers and/or policy papers on a range of topics in the field of International Relations. 
5. The ability to communicate concepts in the field of International Relations at a level that is appropriate for a practitioner or analyst of the field and utilize these concepts in future graduate study or place of employment.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.