International Relations, M.A.

Program Scope

Our dynamic and interconnected world needs a cutting-edge workforce of change-makers and disruptors who understand how economics, geopolitics, security and the environment are inextricably linked — exactly what you will learn as a graduate student at San Francisco State University.

As the only M.A. in International Relations in the California State University System, our two-year program attracts students and faculty from all over the world. Our program prepares graduate students to enter a competitive workforce in government, business and non-profits or to pursue advanced graduate training leading to a Ph.D. We are the only CSU department to be an affiliate member of the prestigious Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs offering numerous professional opportunities for our students and graduates. Our program is also a Western Regional Graduate Program offering in-state tuition to 16 Western Region state residents including Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado.

Why Join Us?

• Join a cohort of 20-25 graduate students representing the world and the changing demographics of the United States — 2/3 of our students identify as Asian, LatinX and/or African-American
• Our program offers an academic emphasis or a professional emphasis that allows for either a thesis OR an immersive internship experience
• Spend a semester of our program abroad at universities in Italy, Japan and South Korea
• Affordable Tuition — Western State Residents pay under $9,000 per year, financial aid and some limited scholarships are available to eligible graduate students

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students should acquire a good understanding of international relations theories and their applications in the world.
2. Students should be able to examine the role of state and non-state actors on the global stage and critically approach contemporary schools of thought in International relations.
3. Students should be able to develop skills and experience to engage in a variety of sectors: public, private, academic and nonprofit.
4. Students should be able to generate research questions and systematically use theory and evidence to address these questions.
5. Students should be able to conduct research using primary and secondary sources to deepen their understanding of a global issue.
6. Students should be able to follow the disciplinary conventions of writing and analysis in international relations.
7. Student writing should show evidence of independent thinking, conceptual analysis and problem-solving abilities.
8. Students must be well-versed in a program area in international relations such as international security, foreign policy, international migration, international development or regional studies.
9. Students should develop an advanced understanding of international relations and important issues such as human rights, climate change and international conflict and be able to apply their knowledge to a specific topic.
10. Student internships and teaching engagements should generate knowledge and experience useful to the career goals of the graduate students.