curriculum

The masters program is designed so that students take courses in sequence. That is, you should take all of your core requirements before enrolling in electives (for the list of core courses, click on the “Academics” link and follow the link to “Courses Offered”). While this may not always be possible (sometimes you cannot attend class on the days and times that these classes are offered), this should be your goal.

All students must take Theories of International Relations during their first year in the program.

You should take Research Methods during the semester immediately prior to writing your thesis. For full-time students, this usually means your third semester. Either way, you should not enroll in Research Methods until you have completed all of your core courses.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

We begin the program with the study of international relations theory, concepts and research methods. These courses provide students with the tools to analyze the political and economic institutions and processes that define the international system of nation-states and transnational actors. Our courses on international law offer an in-depth examination of the legal norms and rules that regulate the behavior of states outside their borders. The international organization component has a natural focus on the United Nations and the non-governmental organizations that are all located nearby in midtown Manhattan .

ELECTIVES

Within this framework, students will have the opportunity to pursue a more focused concentration in regional studies; international economics; diplomacy and foreign policy; or security and human rights.

Our courses in regional politics enable students to study the major political and economic institutions in their chosen geographical areas. It will also help them to understand the particular political dynamics that define these areas as a region.

Our International Political Economy provides students with the opportunity to study (a) the major international economic institutions such as the World Trade Organization and the World Bank, (b) economic development and (c) the dynamics of the international political economy.

Those who choose to pursue courses in diplomacy and foreign policy will examine diplomatic institutions, negotiations, peacekeeping/peacemaking, and the process and substance of foreign policy decision-making.

Finally, our classes in security and human rights focus on the concept of external threat and the alternatives for addressing them; causes and dynamics of international conflict; and the international efforts aimed at securing basic rights and protections for all peoples regardless of nationality.