M.A. Program

The M.A. requires 30 credits of graduate course work, a final oral comprehensive examination, and written proficiency in a second language. Course offerings include: International Law, International Relations, International Law and War, International Environmental Law, Judicial Politics, International Law and U.S. Foreign Policy, Constitutional Law of U.S. Foreign Relations, Fundamentals of Political Theory, International Legal Philosophy, Law and Global Society, International Organizations and Transnationalism, U.S. Foreign Policy Process, International Political Economy, The Future of the International Legal Order, Political Challenges to International Law.

More detailed requirements for the M.A. degree are set forth below.

Admissions

Admission to the program will be based on the applicant's academic record (official transcripts), three letters of recommendation, an academic writing sample, the Graduate Record Examination results (the Department requires all applicants to take the General Test of the GRE), and a statement of purpose. Other admissions requirements will include an application fee for all applicants and TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers—scores of 550 (paper test) or 213 (electronic test) or higher.

Although it is desirable that applicants have completed 18 undergraduate semester hours in political science, the admissions committee does not apply this credit requirement rigidly. It may accept related courses or recommend that the applicant complete courses beyond the minimum degree requirements. The Department will consider individuals from a wide diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and careers. Its key criterion for admission remains strong academic promise.

Requirements

• 30 Credits total
  
  
• Required Courses
  International Law, GOVT 403 (FALL) and Seminar: The Future of the International Legal Order (SPRING).
  
  
• Other Requirements
  1 international organization course as approved by the program directors, 1 international relations theory course as approved by the directors (e.g., GOVT 551 or similar course) and 6 other supporting courses as approved by the directors.
  
  
• Comprehensive Exam
  Students will take a final oral comprehensive examination administered by a panel of at least three faculty members.
  
  
• Language Requirement
  Students are required to demonstrate research competence in a second language as determined by written examination. Research competence is defined as the ability to understand scholarly literature and other materials relevant to research in international law and government.
  
  Native speakers of foreign languages may fulfill their language requirement by showing fluency in English. At the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, successful performance on language exams that are comparable to the Government Department's own language exams can be used to meet the language requirement. Students may prepare for language examinations by taking courses, but they will not receive credit toward their Government Department graduate degree for language courses.
  
  
• List of required and potential supporting courses
  While the specific courses will vary depending upon the student's interests and background, and the availability of space, the kind of courses that the students would be able to take can be seen in the current semester's offerings.