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The Master of Arts degree with a major in international studies provides students with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of international studies.

Degree Requirements

Normally, the master’s candidate will complete 27 hours of substantive course work plus either 6 hours of thesis credit or an additional 6 hours of course work in lieu of writing a thesis for a total of 33 hours. The program may require more hours in the event of deficiencies. Each student will select one major field in which to complete 12 hours of graduate work and one minor field in which to complete 9 hours. The available fields are international relations theory and practice, foreign policy analysis, international law and organization, and comparative politics/studies. A full-time load for students is three courses per semester (not including foreign language courses). All M.A. candidates must pass a comprehensive examination. Competency in one foreign language or in the use of quantitative methodologies is required for the degree. For more detailed information on this degree, visit our Web site at www.cas.sc.edu/poli/grad/gradintroMA.html.