International Affairs, M.A.
Develop the skills you need to work in a global environment with a master’s in international affairs.
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Request InfoInternational Affairs, M.A. Overview
With an emphasis in international politics, the online master’s in international affairs from the University of West Florida prepares you to be a leader when it comes to relations between countries, trade and diplomatic negotiations, foreign policy and military conflict and engagement. Upon graduation, you’ll have a firm understanding of domestic and international policy-making, be equipped to tackle real-world policy issues, and know how to apply theoretical frameworks for systematic analysis. Our well-rounded coursework is bolstered by instruction in data visualization and analysis, providing skills that are in high demand in today’s international affairs workplaces.
If you’re looking to advance your career as a mid-career military member or expand your international affairs knowledge, UWF’s international affairs degree is a great option. Our small class sizes and interactive environment fosters collaborative learning and emphasizes written and oral communication skills through special projects, presentations and a capstone comprehensive exam.
UWF’s degree is unique among international affairs programs in the state of Florida in its single-disciplinary focus on security studies and diplomacy. Our faculty specialize in international politics, and many have military and government experience that provides current knowledge from high-demand careers. This allows you to graduate with a unique readiness for the international affairs jobs of the future.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Mid-career military members looking to advance their careers
- Students with bachelor’s degrees interested in honing critical analysis and communication skills to work in a global environment
You Will Be Able To:
- Lead in areas of trade and diplomatic negotiations
- Understand domestic and international policy-making processes
- Apply theoretical frameworks for systematic analysis
- Master oral and written communication skills
- Use data visualization to communicate complex information
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s international affairs degree consists of 33 credit hours, including 18 core credits and 15 elective credits. The international affairs curriculum is as follows. This is a synchronous course delivery program, meaning that students are required to attend live lectures during the scheduled course time via the University’s online video conferencing system for courses. Courses are scheduled in evenings and during the lunch hour to allow students maximum flexibility when balancing work schedules.
All students pursuing a master’s in international affairs must complete the following courses:
- CPO 6006 - Seminar in Comparative Politics
3.0 Credit Hours
Seminar in Comparative Politics
Comparison and analysis of political systems, theoretical and empirical.
- INR 6007 - Seminar in International Relations
3.0 Credit Hours
Seminar in International Relations
International Relations as a field study; theory, empirical data, historical development of the field.
- POS 6006 - The Study of Politics
3.0 Credit Hours
The Study of Politics
Introduces the graduate study of political science. It concerns "scope" more than "method," and the range is broad, focusing on what political scientists do--teach, research, advise, and serve. Concerns embrace every conceivable level--local, regional, national, cultural, global, planetary.
- POS 6045 - Seminar in American Politics
3.0 Credit Hours
Seminar in American Politics
Course content includes an overview of the institutions and processes of the American political system, the trend and tendencies of political behavior, and the diverse theoretical understandings of American government in the world of political science. Focus is on understanding and critically evaluating interpretations of the structure and function of our governmental system, including: the three branches of government, elections, political socialization and civic engagement,representation, political parties, and interest mobilization.
- POS 6704 - Political Science Research Methods
3.0 Credit Hours
Political Science Research Methods
Methods and logic of research in political science. POS 6704, Political Science Research Methods provides students with the knowledge and skills required to analyze and critique, as well as design, applied research in public policy and public affairs. The course introduces the student to the enterprise of academic research in these areas, provides the student with knowledge and understanding of the various philosophical and methodological approaches to applied research and allows the student to develop and hone analytical skills. Accepted social science research designs will be introduced and an analysis of threats to the validity and reliability of these different designs will be considered. Sampling theory and statistical analysis will be introduced.
- POT 5016 - Seminar in Political Theory
3.0 Credit Hours
Seminar in Political Theory
A survey of several of the seminal works by political theorists of the ancient and medieval period, including Plato, Aristophanes, Xenophon, Aristotle, Cicero, and St. Augustine. Readings will introduce such themes as the classification of regimes, the debate between the poets and the philosophers, the role of the virtues in perpetuation of civic order, the problem of the many and the one, the tension between the philosopher and the city, the problems of justice, the ideas of Nature and human nature, and the status of the gods and / or religion in political life. Offered Fall semester only.
- CPO 6006 - Seminar in Comparative Politics
- Five CPO or INR prefix at 5000/6000 level approved by the Chair or Advisor
- Chair and Advisor-approved comprehensive examination
Students may choose to complete a thesis in lieu of completing 6 sh of electives and the comprehensive exam
- POS 6971 - Thesis
6.0 Credit Hours
Thesis
Graded on satisfactory / unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.
9 Credit Hours of CPO or INR prefix 5000/6000 courses approved by the Chair or Advisor
- POS 6971 - Thesis
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to UWF’s online international affairs program, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other criteria for successful admission include the following:
- An institutional undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. Review application deadlines. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit a sample research paper
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $12,691.80 |
| In-State Tuition with Max Transfer Credits (6) | $384.60 per credit hour | $10,384.20 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $1,044.24 per credit hour | $34,459.92 |
| 90% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $478.83 per credit hour | $15,801.39 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 90% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Those who graduate with an MAIA degree can pursue multiple international affairs jobs, including the following.
*Salary information from PayScale.com, retrieved June 2023
Intelligence Analysts
Intelligence analysts gather and analyze data from various sources to help anticipate and prevent illegal activity, such as terrorism or white-collar crime. They work with members of the government or private organizations to communicate and develop plans for action. On average, an intelligence analyst makes $76,403 a year.
Foreign Service Officers
Foreign service officers are diplomats who work to promote peace and protect citizens by protecting and advancing U.S. interests globally, either through economics, security or politics. On average, foreign service officers make $89,320 a year.
International Trade Specialists
International trade specialists coordinate trade activities, including import and export operations. They also advise on tariffs, global markets and foreign regulations. On average, international trade specialists make $67,777 a year.