United Nations and Global Policy Studies

The Rutgers M.A. in Political Science – United Nations and Global Policy Studies is a unique liberal arts degree that provides students with an opportunity to learn about the United Nations and global public policy within an interdisciplinary perspective. This program enables students to become active researchers and practitioners in a rapidly expanding field of knowledge. The two year (four semester) program of study will provide students with the skills needed to better comprehend the rapid changes currently taking place in the global arena, politically, economically, socially and culturally.

The program is structured as a Master’s degree for students and professionals who seek to enhance their understanding of global affairs. The M.A. program may also serve as a complement to professional degrees in the fields of law, social work, gender studies, public health, labor studies and international relations. Given the increased importance of global finance and economics, public health, climate change, energy, and sustainable development, the M.A. in Political Science – United Nations and Global Policy Studies fills the growing demand for experts who possess the theoretical and applied knowledge required to address these issues. The United Nations reflects the diversity of the global arena and the struggle to overcome the cultural, ethnic and economic boundaries that divide us. The M.A. program emphasizes multicultural and multi-disciplinary approaches to the study of global affairs. 

The M.A. in Political Science – United Nations and Global Policy Studies at Rutgers University prides itself on the diversity of its student body that includes recent college graduates, mid-career and young professionals, diplomats and members of international NGO’s, who wish to enrich their engagement with global public policy and United Nations studies.

The curriculum of the Rutgers University M.A. degree program is designed to provide students with qualitative and quantitative analytical skills and with the hands-on management expertise required by leaders in the major fields of Political Science, Global Public Policy, and United Nations Studies. The program of study requires 36 credits (12 courses) and a practicum (for diplomats only). In addition to the core courses listed below, students must take three Area of Specialization courses and five additional electives.

The uniqueness of this program is that while many M.A. programs require full-time study, our students are not required to enroll on a continuing basis. The student may take 2-4 years to complete the necessary 36 credits (12 courses) for the M.A. degree. While a full semester course load is 9 credits (3 courses), students can take a reduced course load, allowing greater flexibility in scheduling their classes. Video wall technology allows courses in New York City to be taken simultaneously on the Rutgers New Brunswick and Newark campuses. Students also have access to online courses, study abroad opportunities and internships.

Core Courses

• Introduction to the United Nations: Theory, Institutions, Processes and Policies
• Theory and Method and the Study of Global Affairs
• Capstone Seminar in United Nations and Global Policy Studies

Electives (Selected Offerings)

• Theories of Democratic Transitions and Good Governance: Applications from the Arab Spring, Europe, and Latin America
• Human Rights and the United Nations
• The Politics of Food (In)Security
• Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and the United Nations
• Theory and Method in the Study of Conflict Resolution
• Human Rights, Genocide and Personal Security
• International Law and the United Nations
• Global Environmental Politics
• Global Business Models and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Cyber-terrorism and Security

• All applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or a comparable institution in another country
• A non-refundable application fee, the amount set by the Graduate School of New Brunswick.
• A resume listing academic background, work experience, honors, affiliations with professional organizations, papers presented at conferences, published work, language ability, etc.
• A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing this degree, and how this degree fits into your future.
• Two letters of recommendation. Ideally the letters are from professors and professional supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s abilities and suitability for graduate study at the Department of Political Science.
• One unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or B average equivalency.
• For international students, proof of English proficiency is required.
• GRE scores
• Interview with Program Director, Dr. Eric Davis