Comparative and Regional Studies, International Affairs (MA)

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Comparative and Regional Studies bridges comparative analysis and regional specializations. Whereas comparative reasoning focuses on uniformities and variation among cases, examining a specific region grounds knowledge and provides insight. By pioneering the frontiers of comparison across regions, this program represents a distinctive form of professional education, at once scholarly and eminently practical.

Course Requirements (39-42 credit hours)

Core (15 credit hours)

Required (6 credit hours)

SIS-619 Special Studies in International Politics (3) : Global Political Economy (3)
SIS-672 Theories of Comparative and International Studies (3)

Regional Concentration (9 credit hours)

Complete 9 credit hours of coursework in a regional concentration, Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Central Eurasia, or Islamic Studies, including a regional core seminar from the following:

Economics (3-6 credit hours)

ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3)
Students with a strong background in economics may have this course requirement waived without substitution with permission of advisor.
SIS-616 International Economics (3)

Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)

SIS-600 Statistics, Research Design, and Research Methods for International Affairs (3)
or
SIS-619 Special Studies in International Politics (3) : Advanced Statistics, Research Design, and Research Methods for International Affairs
3 credit hours in methodology or professional skills coursework appropriate to the student’s research and career interests

Concentration (9 credit hours)

Three approved courses from one of the other major field groups in SIS: Global Environmental Policy; Global Governance, Politics, and Security; International Communication; International Development; International Economic Relations; International Peace and Conflict Resolution; and United States Foreign Policy and National Security.
or
Three courses making up an individually-tailored related field and approved by the student’s faculty advisor.

Capstone Experience (3 credit hours)

Note: The thesis or substantial research paper must relate to the regional and comparative aspects of the CRS program.

SIS-797 Master’s Thesis Supervision (1-6) (may include 3 elective credit hours)
or
Substantial research paper or practicum requirement

Elective (3 credit hours)

3 credit hours selected from skills workshops, internship for credit, master’s thesis requirement, or other elective courses