The two-year MA in International Affairs (MAIA) with a Specialization in Security Studies prepares students for a variety of careers within the security and intelligence fields.
Rigorous core classes train students in the fundamentals of international relations scholarship, quantitative research methods, the workings of the global economy, and the practice of diplomacy and negotiation. Electives enable students to gain in-depth understanding of the issues most important to them.
Most classes are taught once per year, but some, particularly those outside the Pardee School, may be taught less frequently.
Curriculum
The MA in International Affairs with a Specialization in Security Studies requires a total of 16 courses (64 credits) divided among core classes (20 credits), specialization (24 credits) and electives (20 credits). Elective coursework can include up to two undergraduate or graduate language courses (8 credits).
Students take four core classes (16 credits) that provide breadth of knowledge in the critical issues and research techniques of international affairs plus a directed study (4 credits) with their advisor in their final semester as part of writing an individual MA research or policy paper.Core Courses
CORE (20 CREDITS)
Students take one required course (4 credits): Students take five courses (20 credits) from the set of approved courses below or other courses with pre-approval from the Associate Dean for Studies:Security Studies Specialization Courses
Students select five elective courses (20 credits), from the graduate-level course offerings of the Pardee School. Students may include up to two undergraduate or graduate language courses (8 credits).Electives
Students are required to demonstrate graduate-level reading proficiency in a foreign language prior to completion of the degree. Graduate-level proficiency is the ability to understand newspaper and professional journal articles in the field of foreign relations accurately, using standard reference materials. Language proficiency must be demonstrated through a language examination. Language exams are offered by the Pardee School Graduate Office several times per year. In the case of non-native English speakers who were required to submit a TOEFL score report as part of their application for admission, knowledge of English fulfills this requirement.Foreign Language
Students write a Master’s Paper (commonly referred to as an MA Paper) as the capstone component of their degree. The paper may take one of two forms: either a traditional research paper or a policy paper. Students are given broad latitude in selecting topics and approaches, in consultation with their advisors. All MA Papers must be defended orally in front of a panel of three professors, chosen by the Pardee School (one of the three professors will be the student’s advisor). As part of writing their MA paper, students take a directed study (4 credits) with their advisor in their final semester.Research Project