Global Studies and International Relations
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Prepare for internationally focused positions in the U.S. or abroad with our practical, interdisciplinary and interactive Master of Science Degree in Global Studies and International Relations.
Part-Time
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, global corporations, nonprofits, and governments have an increasing need for leaders with deep analytical, research, and cross-cultural skills. Our Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations prepares students for internationally focused positions in the U.S. and abroad to take on the complex challenges formed by modern globalization.
Our unique interdisciplinary program concentrates on both global studies and international relations, allowing students to gain one comprehensive degree. Classes focus on real-world fieldwork such as analyzing the investment portfolios of developing nations, staging mock debates, crisis management, and the art of speechwriting for top embassy officials—preparing you for leadership roles in international organizations and areas like consulting, nonprofit management, business and industry, education, foreign service, or banking.
With students coming from more than 24 countries and over 34 states and faculty with decades of experience working as ambassadors, foreign service officers, diplomats, and more, there are rich opportunities for discussion and debates on international perspectives.
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Unique Features
- Unique interdisciplinary degree that applies theory to practice: Gain expertise in global studies and international relations in one comprehensive degree. The curriculum is designed to give you an understanding of both subjects, with class assignment examples taken from the workplace, such as policy analysis and speechwriting.
- Accomplished faculty with decades of experience: Take courses taught by distinguished policymakers, former ambassadors, diplomats, foreign service advisors, and international educational consultants.
- Opportunity to travel and participate in our International Field Study Experience: Serve as an international consultant for global organizations on a current challenge they’re facing. Present your findings in a working session on site in a foreign location.
- Past trips have included workshops at the Innovation Academy in Freiburg, Germany; consulting for Education First at its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland; and consulting for SME in Tuscany, Italy.
- Tailor your degree to your career goals: Focus on the industry or skill set that most interests you with one of five concentrations: Global Student Mobility, Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution, International Economics and Consulting, or Global Health and Development. You’ll also choose one of the globe’s six major regions to focus your area of study.
- Flexible learning formats: With courses offered 100% online, on campus in Boston or Seattle, or in a hybrid format, you can complete your degree without putting your life on hold.
- Join an international network: Take advantage of a wide international network made up of classmates, faculty, and dedicated alumni.
- Other experiential learning opportunities: You’ll have the option to participate in co-ops, capstone projects, and internships at the United Nations, U.S. Department of State, Pathfinder International, Human Rights Watch, Charity Water, Refuge Point, and many more.
What You'll Learn
- Specialized Knowledge: Incorporate foundational global and intercultural knowledge, theories, research methods, and approaches to investigate global issues from government, private, and nonprofit viewpoints.
- Broad and Integrative Knowledge: Frame and evaluate global challenges in international political, economic, security, or diplomatic areas in the selected region or concentration, drawing on perspectives and methods from diverse fields of study.
- Applied and Collaborative Learning: Apply the advanced knowledge gained in the field of global studies to a practical challenge, articulate in writing the insights gained from this experience, and assess approaches, scholarly debates, or standards for professional performance applicable to the challenge.
- Civic and Global Learning: Assess and develop a position on a contemporary social issue from a socio-historical perspective and from multiple viewpoints of the stakeholders.
- Experiential Learning: Synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex situations within course work or beyond the classroom.
Student Success
Career Outlook
Graduates have gone on to work in diverse areas such as international business, journalism, defense, international security, for NGOs or the UN, various embassies and consulates, and nonprofits around the world. Our international faculty and alumni are established in their careers and can serve as advocates during your job search. Northeastern’s renowned co-op and internship program allows you to gain hands-on work experience.
Testimonials
Jack Dooley, College of Professional Studies, Global Studies, MS’18
Kathleen H., Program Graduate
Mariah Walker, College of Professional Studies, Global Studies, MS’18
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Program Costs
Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identify your educational goals and expectations of the program; please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- Two letters of recommendation: from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English language proficiency proof: students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, or NU Global Exam scores
Admissions Dates
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, however, we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term.
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| April 6, 2020 (Domestic) | March 23, 2020 |
| April 6, 2020 (International) | February 3, 2020 |
| May 18, 2020 (Domestic) | May 8, 2020 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| July 6, 2020 (Domestic) | June 26, 2020 |
| July 6, 2020 (International) | April 20, 2020 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2020 (Domestic) | September 4, 2020 |
| September 14, 2020 (International) | July 13, 2020 |
| October 26, 2020 (Domestic) | October 16, 2020 |
General Requirements
Regional Studies Courses
Complete one of the following:
Capstone
Complete one of the following:
Electives
Complete 2-4 quarter hours from the following:
Enrollment into COP 6940 requires participation in the cooperative education program.
Concentrations
Choose one from the following:
Complete five of the following (one of the courses can be from another global studies concentration, a regional studies course, or a special topics course if you choose):
Complete five of the following (one of the courses can be from another global studies concentration, a regional studies course, or a special topics course if you choose):
Complete five of the following (one of the courses can be from another global studies concentration, a regional studies course, or a special topics course if you choose):
Complete five of the following (one of the courses can be from another global studies concentration, a regional studies course, or a special topics course if you choose):
Complete five of the following (one of the courses can be from another global studies concentration, a regional studies course, or a special topics course if you choose):
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Our Faculty
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 255,000 alumni and 3,350+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global nongovernmental organizations. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional locations further foster a lifelong, global community of learning and mentoring.
Below is a look at where our Political Science and Security alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Fidelity Investments
- State Street
- US Army
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
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What They Do
- Business Development
- Education
- Community and Social Services
- Legal
- Operations
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What They're Skilled At
- Public Speaking
- Research
- Leadership
- Microsoft Office
- Management
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.