The Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations enables students to analyze the complexities and processes involved in world politics and international affairs.
The degree coursework provides thorough exposure to the key subfields of the discipline and relevant issues such as globalization, human rights, humanitarian action, and economic development. The program can help prepare students to compete for work in governmental agencies, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations or multinational corporations. This program is also recommended to students planning to pursue a PhD.
Learning Outcomes for the Master's in International Relations
Students who complete this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of several sub fields of the discipline.
- Demonstrate strong research skills.
- Critically analyze international events and issues.
- Apply theories of international relations to the practice of international affairs.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
- Develop the requisite skills to seek employment relevant to the field by having the necessary education.
Learn More about the International Relations Department on Facebook
“When I deal with negotiations or business with advisors or inventors, I am quite confident, and I am very comfortable because I've been equipped through classes, case studies and even exams.”
MA in International Relations, Webster Leiden
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in the United States. We have been accredited by the HLC for more than 95 years. This program is not Dutch accredited and does not lead to a degree based on Dutch law, Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs (Law on Higher Education).
Choose Webster Leiden for Your Graduate Degree in International Relations
The 36 credit hours (12 courses) required for the MA in International Relations degree must include the following courses for a major in International Relations:
- INTL 5000 Introduction to International Relations (3 hours)
- INTL 5100 Research Methods and Perspectives (3 hours)
- INTL 6000 Capstone in International Relations (3 hours)
or INTL 6250 Thesis* (6 hours) and INTL 6900 University Thesis Requirement (0 hours)
Two courses from the Comparative Politics Cluster (6 hours)
- INTL 5050 Comparative Politics (3 hours)
- INTL 5580 Politics of Development (3 hours)
- INTL 5570 Comparative Foreign Policy (3 hours)
- INTL 5600 Area Studies (3 hours)
- INTL 5605 Topics in Comparative Politics (3 hours)
- INTL 5625 Middle East Area Studies (3 hours)
- INTL 5635 Western European Area Studies (3 hours)
- INTL 5645 Asian Area Studies (3 hours)
- INTL 5655 African Area Studies (3 hours)
- INTL 5665 South and Central Asian Area Studies (3 hours)
- INTL 5675 Central and Eastern European Area Studies (3 hours)
- INTL 5685 Latin American Area Studies (3 hours)
Four courses from the International Politics Cluster (12 hours)
- INGO 5000 Introduction to International and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
- INTL 5400 International Political Economy (3 hours)
- INTL 5510 Theories of International Relations (3 hours)
- INTL 5530 International Law (3 hours)
- INTL 5535 International Disaster Law (3 hours)
- INTL 5540 International Organizations (3 hours)
- INTL 5545 The United Nations in International Politics (3 hours)
- INTL 5550 War and Diplomacy (3 hours)
- INTL 5560 U.S. Foreign Policy (3 hours)
- INTL 5585 Food and Water Security (3 hours)
- INTL 5590 International Security (3 hours)
- INTL 5595 Energy Security (3 hours)
- INTL 5700 Humanitarian Issues in International Politics (3 hours)
- INTL 5800 Globalization (3 hours)
- INTL 5860 Issues in International Politics (3 hours)
- INTL 5870 International Law and Politics of Outer Space (3 hours)
- INTL 5890 Terrorism in World Politics (3 hours)
- NTSC 5000 Introduction to National Security Studies (3 hours)
Three International Relations Elective Courses (9 hours)
Any additional courses from the two clusters above, or any of the following:
- INTL 5300 Field Work (3-6 hours)
- INTL 5500 Professional Seminars (1-3 hours)
- INTL 5610 Non-Thesis Readings/Research (3 hours)
- INTL 5900 Advanced Research Methods* (3 hours)
- INTL 6500 Internship (3 hours)
- Any other graduate elective course (3 hours)
*Note: Not all courses from the curriculum will be available in one academic year. For more information on course planning, please contact the Graduate Advisor (department coordinator).
The Graduate Certificate in International and Nongovernmental Organizations (INGO) program educates students interested in understanding the nature of world affairs through the activities of domestic, transnational, regional and international organizations around the world. Coursework focuses on developing skills in project management, grant writing, fundraising, negotiations and other key areas essential to the work in this field.
Prerequisite (3 hours)
- INTL 5000 Introduction to International Relations, or at least two upper-level undergraduate courses in International Relations (6 credits).
Core Course (3 hours)
- INGO 5000 Introduction to International and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
Electives (3 courses or 9 hours)*
- INGO 5100 Finance, Budgeting and Accounting for International and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
- INGO 5300 Human Resources and Staffing for International Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
- INTL 5540 International Organizations (3 hours)
- INTL 5545 The United Nations in International Politics (3 hours)
- INGO 5600 Principles of Negotiation (3 hours)
- INGO 5700 Grant Writing, Fundraising and Development for International and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
- INGO 5900 Project Management for International and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
- INGO 6500 Internship in INGO (3 hours)
- INTL 5580 Politics of Development (3 hours)
*Note: Not all courses from the curriculum will be available in one academic year. For more information on course planning, please contact the Graduate Advisor (department coordinator).
