Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)

General Introduction

The Alliant School of Management offers the MA degree in International Relations. Our mission is to produce broadly-trained global professionals who possess a keen awareness of the critical issues that impact world affairs and the global economy.

At the Masters level, the International Relations program seeks to develop in students both an in-depth knowledge of world affairs and a thorough understanding of theory. The international experience is enhanced by our diverse and international student body and by our global faculty.

The MA program will prepare students for careers in non-governmental organizations at home and abroad, government service and international business.

Our MA program is based at the Mexico City campus. We encourage study-abroad experiences both at our campuses in California and in conjunction with other universities. We also actively support internships abroad so that students may gain valuable international experience.

Student Learning Outcomes
-Demonstrate a strong understanding of the concepts and techniques of international relations, and a capability of putting them into practice.
-Demonstrate highly professional competence in working in an international organization and performing at the highest level with colleagues.
-Demonstrate an ability to be original and creative in response to the changing global environment.
-Demonstrate knowledge of a range of international organizations, their best practices and analytical talent as to how they might improve.
-Demonstrate an appreciation of diversity in practices and theories as embodied in different organizations at the national and global levels.

Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) Program

The MA degree program in International Relations prepares professionals who are competent in international affairs by offering a thorough grounding in international relations theory and approaches to the analysis of global issues.
The MA program prepares students for careers in government, non-governmental/non-profit organizations at home and abroad, international business, and journalism.
Entry Requirements

Those who wish to enter the program must possess a BA degree or equivalent from an accredited academic institution. They must also demonstrate a proficiency in the English language, submit GRE test scores, provide two confidential letters of recommendations, and submit official transcripts.

Candidates must also satisfy university requirements stipulated in the Admissions and Regulations section of the Alliant catalog. The section addresses Alliant’s general policies, including policies related to transfer credits and GPA requirements.

Upon admission to the MA degree program, students must complete 30 units. They must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 GPA will be placed on academic warning and must improve their GPA to 3.0 during the following semester or else be subject to academic dismissal from the program.

All courses taken in the MA degree program must be at the 6000 level or higher. Students have the option of either carrying out a final thesis or else pursuing one additional elective course.
Degree Requirements 30 units

Courses are three units unless otherwise indicated

Core Courses 18 units
IRL 6000 Research Methods in International Relations (3 units)
IRL 6002 Foundations of International Politics (3 units)
IRL 6005 Advanced International Relations Theory (3 units)
IRL 6200 International Organizations (3 units)
IRL 6890 Contemporary Issues in Perspective (3 units)
IRL 6900 Thesis (3 units) or One additional elective course

Elective Courses 12 units
Choose four courses from the following:
IRL 6010 Nature of Force, Peace and Nonviolence (3 units)
IRL 6020 Techniques of International Diplomacy (3 units)
IRL 6030 Patterns of Development, Cooperation and Conflict (3 units)
IRL 6075 Principles and Mechanisms of Intercultural Communication (3units)
IRL 6230 International Financial Mechanisms (3 units)
IRL 6280 Comparative Foreign Policy (3 units)

For further information, please contact Lesly Gutiérrez (lgutierrez2@alliant.edu)