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's degree in Global Studies and International Relations.
Part-Time
Our world is smaller than ever. Economies in developing nations directly impact the world's economic health; multi-national corporations operate across the globe; and complex cross-cultural problems demand solutions. This interdisciplinary program provides students with interactive exposure to the diverse field of Global Studies and International Relations and prepares students for internationally focused positions in the U.S. or abroad. Study global issues from government, private, and nonprofit viewpoints, and develop practical expertise in one of the world's six major regions.
You'll study alongside students from more than 20 countries and from more than 30 states, providing rich opportunities for discussion and debate on international perspectives. Learn from faculty with decades of experience as ambassadors, foreign service officers, diplomats, international consultants, higher education consulting experts, human rights workers, and experts in development policy. Classes focus on the actual work you do in the field, from analyzing the investment portfolios of developing nations to staging mock debates to learning the art of speechwriting from top embassy officials, and prepare students for a leadership role in areas like nonprofit management, business and industry, education, banking, consulting and foreign service.
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Unique Features
- Online program allows flexibility for working professionals
- Opportunity to participate in our International Field Study Experience. IFSE is an international, experiential learning program in which students have the unique opportunity to serve as international consultants for global organizations on a current challenge they are facing
- Tailor your degree by picking a concentration and a region of interest
- International network to leverage personally and professionally
- Integrated Experiential Learning
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.
Career Outlook
Graduates have gone on to work in diverse areas such as international business, journalism, defense, international security, for NGO's 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
Kathleen H., Program Graduate
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Program Costs
Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations of the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
- Professional resume
- 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: |
|---|---|
| January 7 | December 21 |
| February 19 | February 8 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| April 8 | March 29 |
| May 20 | May 10 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| July 8 | June 28 |
Core Requirements
Regional Studies Courses
Complete one of the following:
Capstone
Complete one of the following:
Electives
Complete 2-4 quarter hours from the following:
INPS 5184 Interdisciplinary Professional Foundations
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 experiential learning model combines academics with professional practice to help students acquire relevant, real-world skills they can apply to their desired industry. Each program offers its own unique experiential learning opportunities, but they might include:
- Experiential Learning at Work — Working professionals collaborate with their employer to develop a project that addresses a key business need their company has in an area they want familiarity with.
- Experiential Network (XN) — Students work virtually with a sponsoring organization on a short-term project over a six-week period.
- Full-Time Co-op Opportunities — Students on co-op work in a paid position in their field of study for three to six months.
Our Faculty
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and in 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 245,000 alumni and 3,200+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global NGOs. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional campuses further foster that 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
-
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.