SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS

IER Web Pages

IER Degree

MA, International Affairs, International Economic Relations

Fields of Study

Welcome to the Home Page of the International Economic Relations Program at the American University's School of International Service.

The increasing international economic interdependence being experienced by all countries in the world today is one
of the transcendent trends of the New Millennium. The growing importance and magnitude of this interdependence has intensified the need for scholarly understanding of the economic and political forces reshaping both the management of domestic economies and the conduct of foreign policy. Escalating interdependence also has spawned an increased number of professional jobs requiring specialized international economic knowledge and skills.

The International Economic Policy (IER) field provides students with the range of analytical skills needed to understand international economic problems in a policy setting. What distinguishes the field is its focus on specific international economic policies and international business transactions using analytic tools provided by the fields for economics, political science, business and law. Our curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for careers in government, international organizations, and the private sector-business, non-governmental organizations, and trade associations. Students learn to analyze critically economic substance and the processes by which policy is made in the areas of international trade, finance, investment, and development assistance. Courses are taken in the School of International Service, and if desired, the Economics Department, the Kogod School of Business, and the Washington College of Law.

Themes in International Economic Relations Include:

International trade and financial policies
The globalization of markets through trade and the evolution of the World Trade Organization
Foreign direct investment and conflicts between multinational corporations and national governments
The transformation of the international monetary system, monetary regionalism (e.g., European monetary union)
The recurrence of financial crises and efforts to stabilize the system through reforms of international financial institutions
Democratic accountability, transparency and management of international economic organizations
The laws and techniques of international business transactions
The trade-offs between economic efficiency and political considerations that underlie choices on international economic policies

We believe that the program's course content, the diverse offerings of the School of International Service, the unmatched opportunities in Washington, D.C. for research, internships, part-time work, and leisure activities, and the strengths of the full-time and adjunct faculty collectively provide an extraordinary learning experience. The continued success of our graduates in finding exciting and rewarding career opportunities demonstrates the long-term value of the International Economic Policy Program.

Depending on intellectual interests and career goals, masters students in the Program choose a cluster of courses, including Trade and Investment, Money and Finance, International Business, Law and Policy, and the South and the Global Economy. Masters students have the option of taking courses in the School of International Service, the Kogod School of Business, the Washington College of Law, or the Economics Department.

We appreciate your interest in our program and invite you to explore the website for detailed information on requirements, course options, syllabi, faculty, location, and links to websites dealing with international economic issues.

For more specific information on the academic content of the field, feel free to call 202-885-1623. You can also contact two colleagues in the field, Professors C. Randall Henning at 202-885-1707 or Stephen Silvia at ssilvia@american.edu. For information on admissions and financial aid, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-1646 or e-mail at sisgrad@american.edu.