Master of Science in Global Studies and International Affairs
Overview
Globalization has created a world of new opportunities for those savvy enough to recognize them and acquire the new skill sets needed for success in international government, consulting, business and industry, nonprofit and educational sectors.
The Master of Science in Global Studies and International Affairs program prepares students for internationally focused positions that range from traditional practitioners of diplomacy, to development workers, to executives employed in the dynamic world of international consultancy, trade, and industry. With courses enriched by classmates from every continent, students are active learners in a collaborative, cross-cultural setting from their very first course.
Program Objectives
- Develop core competencies in international political, economic, security, and diplomatic areas
- Refine research, analysis, and synthesis abilities by gathering complex data from a variety of sources, assessing importance and reliability, and drawing reasoned conclusions
- Hone oral and written communication skills through courses that encourage organization and presentation of data in concise, understandable recommendations for busy policy makers, CEOs, and nonprofit leaders, using technology and communications techniques designed to convey sensitive information in real time
- Focus on cultural adaptability by performing all of the above in an international, cross-cultural context alongside persons of other cultures, political beliefs, and economic circumstances.
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Curriculum
Attention students enrolled before fall 2012: download your curriculum here. |
Foundation Courses (24 q.h.)
| GST 6000 | Political Philosophy for Global Studies | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6100 | Global Basics: Globalization and Global Politics and Economics | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6101 | Global Basics: Global Literacy, Culture, and Community | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6102 | Global Basics: Global Corporate and Social Responsibility | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6109 | Basic Field Research Methods | 4 q.h. |
Choose one of the following courses
| GST 6920 | Case Study in Global Studies | 4 q.h. |
| GST 7990 | Thesis* | 4 q.h. |
*This course, which requires faculty approval, should be taken as the last course within the program.
Concentrations
If students prefer to focus their studies on a particular concentration, they may select 16-19 q.h. from one of the concentrations below, and complement their studies with 4-8 q.h. of elective courses (listed at the end of the curriculum), to meet the minimum 46 q.h. degree requirement.
Students are not required to complete a concentration. Any combination of 26-28 q.h. from concentration and elective courses will satisfy degree requirements.
Conflict Resolution Concentration (16 q.h.)
| GST 6320 | Global Issues: Peace and Conflict | 4 q.h. |
Choose three of the following courses:
| GST 6324 | Divided Societies in the Modern World | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6326 | International Conflict and Cooperation | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6327 | Conflict and Post-Conflict Development | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6300 | Global Issues: Security and Terrorism | 4 q.h. |
Global Development Concentration (16 q.h.)
| GST 6340 | Global Issues: Poverty and Wealth | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6610 | Sustainable Development | 4 q.h. |
Choose two of the following courses:
| GST 6200 | Global Players: The Funders | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6210 | Global Players: The Developers | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6220 | Globalization of Emerging Economies | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6310 | Global Issues: Immigration and Labor | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6350 | Global Economics of Food and Agriculture | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6440 | Global Focus: Resources and Markets | 4 q.h. |
Global Health Concentration (16 q.h.)
The Global Health concentration is currently available at the Boston Campus only. Online classes are not offered within this concentration.
| GST 6700 | Global Health Perspectives, Politics, and Experiences in International Development | 4 q.h. |
Choose three of the following courses:
| GST 6350 | Global Economics of Food and Agriculture | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6710 | Critical Issues and Challenges in the Practice of Global Health | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6720 | Emerging Infectious Diseases and Health Impacts of Social and Environmental Changes | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6730 | Health and Human Rights and Ethical Issues in Global Health Futures | 4 q.h. |
Nonprofit Management Concentration (19 q.h.)
| GST 6430 | Global Focus: Leadership and Management | 4 q.h. |
Choose five of the following courses:
| NPM 6120 | Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations | 3 q.h. |
| NPM 6130 | Fundraising and Development for Nonprofit Organizations | 3 q.h. |
| NPM 6140 | Grant and Report Writing | 3 q.h. |
| NPM 6110 | Legal and Governance Issues in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 q.h. |
| NPM 6125 | Promoting Nonprofit Organizations | 3 q.h. |
| NPM 6150 | Human Resources Management in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 q.h. |
Electives (6-8 q.h.)
Students who have completed a concentration must take 6-8 q.h. of elective courses (to satisfy the 46 q.h. degree requirement).
| GST 6330 | Global Issues: Religion, the State, and Society | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6410 | Global Focus: Education and Information Technology | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6430 | Global Focus: Leadership and Management | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6530 | Global Hot Spots: Europe and North Africa | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6540 | Politics of the European Union | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6550 | American Foreign Policy | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6108 | Introduction to Quantitative Research and Applied Statistics | 2 q.h. |
| GST 6360 | Nuclear Weaponry: Science and Politics | 2 q.h. |
Total Quarter Hours: 46-48
Admissions Requirements
Below are the official Admissions Requirements for this program.
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resume: current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
- Official undergraduate degree documentation
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language: English language proficiency guidelines
For general admissions information and recommended admissions deadlines, Graduate Admissions.
All requirements must be received prior to review.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for this program is $27,094.00.
Tuition for individual courses is based on the number of quarter hours. Most courses are 3-6 quarter hours. See Graduate Tuition Rates for details.
Use our Tuition Calculator below to see if transfer credit or tuition reimbursement from your employer could reduce your total tuition.
Tuition Calculator
Please note: The estimated total tuition is based on tuition rates for Academic Year 2013-14 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time.
*A maximum of 9 quarter hours of graduate- or doctoral-level credit obtained at another institution may be awarded as Advanced Graduate Credit to the Doctor of Education program.
Student Profile
Who Will Your Classmates Be?
This program is well suited for individuals who work in the private sector, the government, and non-profit organizations that focus on international economics, political affairs, cultural affairs, and charitable service.
Candidates for this program may wish to pursue a career in:
- International business
- International relations
- Journalism
- Defense
- International security
- Research
- Nonprofit management
- Community-based
- Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
An undergraduate degree is required and at least one year of post-college experience is preferred.
Career Outlook
Put Your Degree to Work
As traditional borders of commerce, communication, and politics are replaced with a dynamic global web of cross-cultural and cross-sector relationships, the need for professionals with international studies and global affairs expertise is expected to increase. Spanning a number of industries and fields, jobs for international studies graduates are becoming more numerous, both in the United States and abroad.
Faculty Spotlight
Mary Thompson-Jones, EdD
Assistant Academic Specialist
Dr. Thompson-Jones comes to Northeastern University as a foreign policy practitioner with 23 years of experience as an American diplomat, and has served in embassies and consulates in Madrid, Prague, Quebec, Guatemala, Sarajevo, and at the State Department headquarters in Washington, D.C. She attained the rank of Minister Counselor while serving as Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Prague, where her portfolio included missile defense negotiations, the Czech entry into the visa waiver system, and the Czech presidency of the European Union. She oversaw two visits from President Obama, Secretary Clinton, several cabinet secretaries and numerous Congressional delegations. Dr. Thompson-Jones specializes in public diplomacy and her research focuses on the intersection of cultural diplomacy and international higher education. She earned a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School, and undergraduate degrees in political science and journalism from California State University.
Courses taught: U.S. Foreign Policy; Politics of the European Union; Global Players: The Funders; Globalization and Global Politics and Economics
Talk to an Enrollment Coach
We can walk you through your program options and the application process.
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- 877.668.7727
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Upcoming Academic Term Dates
-
Spring Term
May 20, 2013 (6-week classes) -
Summer Term
July 1, 2013 (4- and 8-week classes)
July 29, 2013 (4-week classes)