SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
American University · Washington, D.C.
MA, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS
MA Links
Degree Requirements (39-42 credits)
The purpose of this field is to provide an opportunity for non-economics majors to gain scholarly and analytical competence in international economics on a less technical, less theoretical level, i.e., more policy-oriented basis, than the level which is required of economics majors. The International Economic Relations (IER) field places more emphasis on pure economic factors than does the SIS field in International Political Economy, and it places less emphasis on quantitative and theoretical factors than the Economics Department. The emphasis in IER is on real world economic policy and transactions among sovereign countries, international organizations, multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations. Emphasis is placed on the major contemporary issues in international economic relations -- trade, finance, development, investment, and energy and natural resources. Students in this field take core courses taught in SIS as well as the Economics Department.
Major Field (18-21 credit hours)
- ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3) or equivalent Note: Students with a strong background in economics may have this course requirement waived without substitution with permission of advisor.
- SIS-616 International Economics (3) (prerequisite: ECON-603 or equivalent)
- SIS-665 International Trade and Investment Relations (3)
- SIS-666 International Monetary and Financial Relations (3)
- 9 credit hours of international economic relations courses from either SIS or other departments, in an area such as i.e., trade and investment; money and finance; business law and policy; or an individually designed area, with the approval of a faculty advisor.)
Related Field (9 credit hours)
- Three approved courses from one of the other major field groups in SIS: Comparative and Regional Studies (CRS), Global Environmental Politics (GEP), International Politics (IP), International Development (ID), International Communication (IC), or International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), United States Foreign Policy (USFP).
- Three courses making up an individually-tailored related field (including international business) and approved by the student's 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 interest (3)
Research and Writing Requirement (6 credit hours)
- SIS-797 Master's Thesis Supervision (6)
- Substantial research paper requirement *
- 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 or substantial research paper must relate clearly to the field of International Economic Relations.
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.