International Affairs

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 27.9 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 15, 2025
38 place StudyQA ranking:2547 Duration:

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The Master's of Science in International Affairs program provides the theoretical and methodological skills to demystify the major issues confronting the world today. Students have the opportunity to tailor the program to their individual interests through elective offerings in the School and interdisciplinary work in economics, management, public policy, computer science, engineering, and other fields. We encourage internships that provide relevant work experience and participation in overseas programs.

The Nunn School's exceptional faculty conduct research on a range of topics in the fields of international political economy, comparative politics, and international security policy. In addition, faculty members possess strong regional expertise in East Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The level of experience and diversity of interests among the faculty offer an extensive and enriching educational experience. The Nunn School also hosts a variety of programs that allow close interaction with scholars and practitioners of international affairs.

All qualified persons are equally welcome to seek admission to the Master's of Science in International Affairs (MSIA) Program at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs. The School admits approximately thirty-five to forty graduate students each fall. Since the number of eligible applicants generally far exceeds the number of admission spots available, satisfying minimum admissions standards does not guarantee admission. Many well-qualified applicants cannot be accommodated. The Graduate Review Committee will examine each applicant and determine the admissions decision. Notification of admission will be sent to all applicants via e-mail. Please include a functional e-mail address on your admission application. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, or national origin.

The criteria used in determining each applicant’s eligibility for consideration shall include:

  • Evidence of award of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution

  • Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores (GRE test scores are valid for five years)

  • For international applicants only: satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The committee makes the final admission decisions based on a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, and relevant work experience.

The program includes core courses in the following:

  • International relations theory
  • Comparative politics
  • International political economy
  • International security
  • Empirical research methods

Students must also choose two of four elective tracks to in order to focus their studies. The four track options are:

  • Comparative and Regional Studies
  • Globalization and Development
  • International Affairs and Security
  • Science and Technology

Students also have the opportunity to design the program to meet their individual interests through elective offerings in the School and interdisciplinary work in the other schools in the Ivan Allen College as well as the Colleges of Sciences, Management, Architecture and Engineering. Overseas programs and internships are encouraged and facilitated by the School.

Three (3) credit hours of technology literacy is required and is satisfied by successfully completing (B or higher) at least one semester of classes with content including at least one of the following while in the Master's program:

  • programming computers;
  • database design and operation;
  • development and operation;
  • data analysis (if part of statistics courses, at least two quarters or two semesters);
  • simulation model design and use;
  • development and use of geographic information or cartography systems; or
  • operation of large computer systems/ computer networks.

In addition to 42 semester credit hours of coursework, students must demonstrate foreign language familiarity and economics. These abilities are essential tools for professional or scholarly work in international affairs. Students must satisfy these requirements before graduating from the program, either through previous undergraduate work or during the Master's program.

Foreign language familiarity is defined as a minimum of two years of college-level work in a single language. This requirement can be fulfilled while in residence or can be demonstrated through an examination taken in the School of Modern Languages.

Economics literacy is satisfied by successful completion of a course or courses in microeconomic and macroeconomic principles and a course in international economics undertaken while at Georgia Tech, or by successful completion of equivalent courses at another institution, either during undergraduate work or while in the Master's program.

The School's master's degree requirements supplement the Institute's master's degree requirements listed in the General Catalog. Students must achieve a grade-point average of at least 3.0 to graduate, and no course below grade C will count toward graduation.

Requirements

  1. Evidence of award of a bachelor's degree, its equivalent, or higher degree (prior to matriculation) from a regionally accredited institution; demonstrated academic excellence; and evidence of experience with the selected field of graduate study.
  2. For international applicants, satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). 600 (paper based), or 100 (Internet based).
  3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended in your native language. Note that transcripts printed from your student account and degree audits or self-translated transcripts and transcripts from evaluation services (e.g., World Education Services or Josef Silny) aren't acceptable.
  4. English translations of any transcripts submitted for review. If the institution won't provide a translated copy, translations done by a public translator (through your embassy or an apostille) will be accepted.
  5. Native language degree documents, if awarded degree isn't noted on transcript(s).
  6. English translations of degree documents submitted. If the institution won't provide a translated copy, translations done by a public translator (through your embassy or an apostille) will be accepted.
  7. Official GRE/GMAT/TOEFL scores sent directly from ETS.

Recommended 

  • Unofficial copy of GRE/GMAT/TOEFL score sheets.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae.

Scholarships

  • Graduate Teaching Assistantships
  • President’s Fellowships ($5,500 per year)
  • Institute Fellowships 
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