Why Global Studies and International Relations?
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.
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.
What you'll study
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
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):
This program requires successful completion of a minimum of 46 credit hours that meet the degree requirements.