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Introduction to the Master of Arts in International Relations and Security Studies

The Master of Arts in International Relations and Security Studies at Webster Athens provides a distinct vantage point for analyzing the forces shaping our world. From the cultural vantage point of the historic city of Athens, the program enables students to dissect the legal, historical, and socioeconomic factors defining modern global politics.

Program Overview

Our curriculum goes beyond the classroom, preparing you to lead in an era of rapid geopolitical change. Whether you are exploring the dynamics of global governance or the integration of culture into international security, you will gain the expertise required for high-impact roles in government agencies, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and multinational corporations.

The Webster Athens Advantage

The master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies at Webster University is designed for the modern professional. By taking advantage of Webster's expansive global footprint, students can study at our campuses worldwide, gaining a truly international education.

Expert Faculty

Learn from noted scholars and active practitioners who bring real-world security and policy experience into the classroom.

Academic Flexibility

Our program offers the flexibility to study on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing you to balance your degree with your professional life.

Strategic Foundation

Master the nuances of international law, humanitarian issues, and structural security, providing a robust foundation for those pursuing a PhD or high-level leadership.

Career Outcomes and Professional Pathways

Our graduates transition into influential roles across the public and private sectors. Career titles our graduates can work toward include:

• National Security Analyst
• Policy Advisor
• International Program Manager
• Security and Business Ethics Research Analyst
• Intelligence Analyst
• Foreign Service Officer

Program Structure

The MA in International Relations and Security Studies requires 36 credit hours (12 courses) including:

• 12 credit hours of core courses
• 18 credit hours of specialization track courses
• 6 credit hours of electives

Core Courses

• IRSS 5000 Introduction to International Relations and Security Studies (3 hours)
• IRSS 5100 Research Methods and Perspectives (3 hours)
• IRSS 5200 Security Policy Development and Artificial Intelligence (3 hours)
• IRSS 6000 Capstone (3 hours) or IRSS 6250 Thesis* (6 hours) or IRSS 6300 International Relations and Security Studies Lab (3 hours)

Specialization Tracks

International Relations Track (18 credit hours)

Choose 4 courses from the international relations cluster and 2 courses from the comparative cluster.

• International Relations Cluster
  • IRSS 5400 International Political Economy (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5510 Theories of International Relations (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5530 International Law (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5540 International Organizations (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5550 War and Diplomacy (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5590 International Security (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5860 Issues in International Relations and Security Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5870 International Law and Politics of Outer Space (3 hours)
  • IRSS 6500 Internship (3-6 hours)
• Comparative Cluster
  • IRSS 5625 Middle East/West Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5635 Western European Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5645 Asian Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5655 African Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5665 South and Central Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5675 Central and Eastern European Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5685 Latin America Area Studies (3 hours)

Security Studies Track (18 credit hours)

Choose 4 courses from one cluster and two courses from one of the remaining clusters.

• International and National Security Cluster
  • IRSS 5400 International Political Economy (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5560 U.S. Foreign Policy (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5590 International Security (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5625 Middle East Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5635 Western European Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5645 Asian Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5655 African Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5665 South and Central Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5675 Central and Eastern European Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5685 Latin America Area Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5860 Issues in International Relations and Security Studies (3 hours)
  • IRSS 5890 Terrorism in World Politics (3 hours)
  • IRSS 6500 Internship (3-6 hours)
• Cybersecurity Operations Cluster
  • CSSS 5000 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 hours)
  • CSSS 5120 Cybersecurity Infrastructures (3 hours)
  • CSSS 5130 Cybersecurity Intelligence/Counter-Intelligence (3 hours)
  • CSSS 5140 Cybersecurity Strategic Operations (3 hours)
  • CSSS 5160 Encryption Methods and Techniques (3 hours)
  • CSSS 5210 Cybersecurity Law and Policy (3 hours)
  • CSSS 5220 Cybersecurity Threat Detection (3 hours)
  • CSSS 5250 Use and Protection of Space Assets (3 hours)
• Criminal Justice Cluster
  • CRIM 5050 Organization and Administration of Criminal Justice (3 hours)
  • CRIM 5060 Policing and Law Enforcement (3 hours)
  • CRIM 5070 Institutional and Community Corrections (3 hours)
  • LEGL 5450 American Constitutional Law (3 hours)

Elective Courses

Any additional graduate courses, totaling 6 credit hours.

Professional and Academic Competencies

Students who complete the MA in International Relations and Security Studies will be equipped with the following skills and expertise:

• Master the Global Landscape: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of various subfields within international relations.
• Map Strategic Threats: Identify key actors, issues, threats, institutions, and legal frameworks in both national and international security contexts.
• Conduct High-Level Research: Exhibit strong research skills, utilizing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to answer questions and solve complex problems.
• Analyze and Solve Policy Challenges: Analyze complex international security issues and propose evidence-based solutions.
• Communicate With Impact: Communicate effectively in written form, tailored to diverse audiences, including policymakers, security experts, and academic peers.
• Leverage AI and Technology: Apply AI tools and technologies to enhance research capabilities and effectively communicate analytical insights to stakeholders in the fields of international relations and security.