The Bachelor’s in International Studies (B.A.), International Politics and Diplomacy track, is an interdisciplinary degree. Its principal objectives are: (1) to provide an international perspective on such issues as economics, political science, and history and to allow more concentrated coursework in subjects and geographical regions aligned with a student’s interest; (2) to assure competency in a foreign language; (3) to offer an integrated study experience at an international site; and (4) to develop an understanding of the important and complex human, social, political, and economic issues at work in international affairs. The International Politics and Diplomacy track offers students a fundamental understanding of foreign relations.
The Master of International Affairs prepares students for professional careers in global affairs, providing the academic background and life skills essential for careers that will enable them to make a positive difference in the lives of people around the world. The curriculum provides students with general knowledge and analytical skills in diplomacy, international politics, regional studies, intelligence and international economic development. Intensive seminars on international issues, study abroad courses, language immersion and leadership and exchange programs prepare students for careers in international affairs. The curriculum is taught by a multidisciplinary faculty who combine a mix of scholarly and professional international experience.
The Master of International Policy is a 30-graduate-credit hour, non-thesis degree program offered fully in residence (with an option of taking up to six credits online) on the Texas A&M University campus. Students may select either the National Security and Diplomacy track or the International Development and Economic Policy track. Students admitted to the program will have a minimum of six years professional experience. The full degree can be completed in an eleven-month period. The student will take a regular four-course load in the fall semester, beginning in late August; a regular four-course load in the spring semester, ending in mid-May; and two courses in an intensive format in June, ending obligations in early July with an August graduation.
The Bush School and the School of Public Health have combined to offer students the ability to receive both a Master of International Affairs degree and a Master of Public Health degree in a three-year period. These two degrees are a natural fit. Diseases do not stop at borders. Public health work increasingly crosses borders. International affairs increasingly deals with issues of global cooperation on preventing and responding to pandemics and other trans-border health emergencies. Public health is international and international affairs are inseparable from public health. In this concentrated program, students follow a strictly defined curriculum, to be able to complete all of the requirements for both degrees (which normally each take two years) in this shortened time frame.
The Bush School of Government & Public Service has joined with Texas A&M University’s departments of Political Science, Economics, Agriculture Economics and Sociology, as well as the International Studies Degree Program, to offer six joint-degree programs that allow political science, economics, sociology, agriculture economics and international studies (in the politics/diplomacy track) majors to enter the Bush School at the beginning of their fourth year of study at Texas A&M. This enables students to receive both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.
Learn about the Joint-Degree Program
