SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

MA, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
COMPARATIVE AND REGIONAL STUDIES

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Degree Requirements (39 credits)

CRS students choose a geographic area of concentration from among the following regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Russia and Central Eurasia.

Major Field (18 credit hours)

  • SIS-672 Theories of International and Comparative Studies (3)
    • - or -
  • Another approved 3 credit course in comparative theory
    • - and -
  • SIS-589 Global Political Economy (3)
    • - or -
  • SIS-673 Comparative and Regional Political Economy (3)
    • - or -
  • another approved 3 credit course in comparative economics
    • - and -
  • 12 credit hours of course work in a regional concentration: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Central Eurasia, or Islamic Studies. See CRS Field Statement (available from SIS Graduate Office) for course recommendations.

Related Field (9 credit hours)

  • Three courses selected from among the core or principal courses offered by one of the major field groups in SIS: Global Environmental Politics (GEP), International Politics (IP), International Development (ID), International Communication (IC), International Economic Relations (IER), or International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), United States Foreign Policy (USFP).
    • - or -
  • Three courses making up an individually-tailored related field constructed in consultation with the student's faculty advisor.

Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)

  • SIS-600 Quantitative Analysis in International Affairs (3)
  • One methodology course work appropriate to the student's research interests (3)

Research and Writing Requirement (6 credit hours)

  • SIS-797 Master's Thesis Supervision (6)
    • - or -
  • Substantial research paper requirement *
    • - or -
  • Research practicum **

* One 3 credit hour internship or cooperative education field experience and one 3 credit hour substantial research paper OR two substantial research papers.
** 6 credit hour supervised by major field faculty advisors (by permission and specific arrangement)

Note: The thesis must relate to the regional and comparative aspects of the CRS major field concentration. At least three credit hours of the substantial research paper requirement should do likewise. A research practicum course must receive prior approval from a faculty advisor as a proper and useful addition to the major field concentration for the degree.

Foreign Language Proficiency

Certification of written proficiency in a modern foreign language related to regional concentration.

Comprehensive Examination

For specific information about courses, please consult the University Catalog, Bulletin, or your academic advisor.

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