Graduate Programs
The IR Department has developed a series of interdisciplinary Master of Arts programs. These international relations programs prepare students for a range of careers in the international arena, including government work in the Foreign Service and intelligence agencies; jobs in private non-profit organizations, such as non-governmental organizations, policy think tanks, and international charitable organizations; and a variety of careers in the private sector, such as consulting, international journalism, and marketing.
The multidisciplinary curriculum of our programs embraces courses in political science, history, geography, economics, environmental science, anthropology, sociology, communications, law, and management. The department is affiliated with the Center for International Relations; the Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future; the African Studies Center; and the Center for the Study of Asia. These centers are located on campus, and organize lecture and seminar series throughout the academic year. Other centers and institutes both at BU and at other institutions within the greater Boston area offer students access to a wide range of resources and lecture series.
Interested students are encouraged to read the sections on General Policies & Core Requirements, which apply to all of our programs, and then to read the descriptions of the individual programs. Our programs are listed below and are also available from the menu at right.
While we offer several MA programs, we do not offer a PhD program at this time. Students with an interest in pursuing a PhD in international relations are encouraged to consider Boston University’s programs in Political Science, History, or Anthropology. Many PhD students in those departments take classes in the Department of International Relations or work closely with our faculty members in their dissertations.
Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA)
Master of Arts in International Relations & Religion (IRRN)
Master of Arts in Global Development Policy (GDP)
Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (LAS)
Master of Arts in International Relations & Environmental Policy (IREP)
Master of Arts in International Relations & International Communication (IRIC)
Master of Arts in International Relations & Master of Business Administration (IR/MBA)
Master of Arts in International Relations & Juris Doctor (IRJD)
Master of Arts in International Relations (Mid-Career) (IREL)
Master of Arts in International Relations (Brussels) (IRBR)