Diplomacy and International Relations Major (M.A.)
The graduate curriculum combines interdisciplinary global studies with research methodology and policy analysis, culminating in a professional internship and a research project. To attain the M.A. degree, students complete a total of 45 credit hours, satisfying core curriculum requirements and concentrating in two fields of specialization. Specializations offer students the opportunity to structure their academic studies according to their particular interests, career goals and background. Among the functional specializations offered are international economics and development, international organizations, international law and human rights, negotiation and conflict management, global health and human security, foreign policy analysis, international security, and post- conflict state reconstruction and sustainability. Regional specializations include Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
At the School of Diplomacy, graduate students of diverse cultural, educational and professional backgrounds form an international academic community. The graduate program fosters leadership and civic responsibility, while sharpening analytical and practical skills. Small classes create a supportive environment that encourages mentoring relationships. An active graduate student association engages in a variety of projects and activities. Graduate assistantships, research assistantships and positions on the student-edited Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations are awarded on a competitive basis.
The School participates in five dual degree programs designed to prepare students to bring diplomacy to the professions of business, law, communications and nonprofit management, and to specialize in Asian studies.
Application and Admission
Graduate applications are considered on a rolling basis and based on seat availability; the preferred priority deadlines are March 31 (Fall) and October 31 (Spring).
- For admission, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.
- The School of Diplomacy reserves the right to require additional information or request a personal interview.
Application material must include:
- Online application form;
- Official transcripts from each college and university attended for credit toward any previous degree; applicants who received degrees from a non-US/Canadian institution must provide a course by course evaluation by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES);
- A type-written 500-word personal statement discussing how you plan to leverage the program as a bridge between previous accomplishments and future career goals;
- Two academic and/or professional recommendation letters;
- Optional official standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT), to be submitted by test administrator;
- Proof of employment (for executive MS candidates only); and
- Application fee of $75.
For additional information, contact the Office of Graduate Admission for the School at (973) 275-2142 or diplomat@shu.edu.
Academic Information
Academic Standing
In order to maintain good academic standing and be certified for graduation, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Students whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. The academic progress of these students will be reviewed each semester. Students on academic probation may elect to repeat a class they failed or in which they performed poorly only once. Students whose academic performance falls below 3.0 in two consecutive semesters are subject to dismissal. Students seeking to remain in the program after this point must make a written appeal to the School of Diplomacy’s Admissions Committee outlining how they intend to improve their academic performance.
Funding Your Graduate Studies
The following funding opportunities are available to accepted graduate diplomacy students. For a full listing of opportunities you may visit: http://www.shu.edu/academics/diplomacy/financial-aid.cfm.
In addition, the School of Diplomacy serves as a host and matching institution for a variety of external scholarship/fellowship programs, including the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award, Charles Rangel International Affairs Program, Fulbright Scholar Program, Payne International Development Fellowship, Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship, Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship and more.
School of Diplomacy Opportunities
- Research Assistantships are merit-based scholarships for Fall incoming MA students. Research Assistants will be matched with one of our distinguished faculty or senior administrators to assist with research or project management for 10 hours per week. These merit-based awards are renewable for a second year of study provided that recipients maintain a 3.7 grade point average, full-time student status (9 credits per semester minimum) and perform their research duties satisfactorily.
- Graduate Fellowships - are merit-based scholarships for Fall incoming MA students; most award decisions will be announced by mid-March. Fellows will be expected to participate in professional engagements and projects of the School concurrent to their graduate study. Fellows may apply for a second year of support provided that recipients maintain a 3.5 grade point average, continuous engagement with the School as expected and full-time student status (9 credits per semester minimum).
Seton Hall University Opportunities
- Graduate Assistantships are available in both School of Diplomacy and other University offices to domestic and international students. The University makes available a limited number of these teaching, research and administrative assistantships each year to full time, matriculated graduate students. Assistantships are competitive and granted for one academic year. These positions may be renewable for an additional year, based on the recommendation of the hiring department. An assistantship includes tuition remission for a maximum of 12 credits per semester and a monthly stipend. Graduate Assistants generally spend 20 hours per week doing directed professional or research work in a University department. Learn more and apply via http://www.shu.edu/graduate-affairs/graduate-assistantships.cfm
- Benefits for Veterans, including Post 9/11 Yellow Ribbon Program: http://www.shu.edu/offices/financial-aid/veterans-benefits.cfm
- FAFSA – graduate students qualify for federal financial aid (see link below). Explore additional resources and scholarships by visiting the Seton Hall’s Office of Financial Aid’s website: http://www.shu.edu/offices/financial-aid/
Degree Requirements
To attain the degree of Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations, all students must satisfactorily complete a total of 45 credits of study.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| DIPL 6000 | International Relations Theory | 3 |
| DIPL 6310 | Research Methods for Policy Analysis | 3 |
| DIPL 6311 | Master's Research Project | 3 |
| DIPL 7111 | Internship | 3 |
| Distribution requirements | ||
| Select one from each of the following pairs: * | ||
| DIPL 6001 | Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism | 3 |
| or DIPL 6180 | Comparative Foreign Policy | |
| DIPL 6002 | International Organizations | 3 |
| or DIPL 6005 | Public International Law | |
| DIPL 6104 | Art and Science Negotiation | 3 |
| or DIPL 6130 | International Security | |
| DIPL 6105 | International Political Economy | 3 |
| or DIPL 6155 | Advanced Economic Aspects of International Relations | |
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Diplomacy Elective | ||
| 6000 or 7000 level diplomacy course ** | 3 | |
| Specializations | ||
| Select 2 specializations; minimum of 3 courses for each specialization *** | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
- *
These courses cannot be counted toward a specialization.
- **
This course may not be counted toward other degree requirements.
- ***
Courses taken in one specialization may not be counted toward another specialization or to meet any other requirements. Other courses may qualify for specializations by permission of the specialization head and the Associate Deans. Certain specializations require a foundation course. Students are required to declare their specialization in their final semester so that the specialization can appear on their official University transcript.
Functional Specializations
Foreign Policy Analysis
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6132 | American Grand Strategy | 3 |
| DIPL 6180 | Comparative Foreign Policy * | 3 |
| DIPL 6181 | Statecraft-Design Foreign Pol | 3 |
| DIPL 6198 | Human Rights in U.S Foreign Policy | 3 |
| DIPL 6403 | European Union: External Relations | 3 |
| DIPL 6405 | Foreign Policy of Post-Soviet States | 3 |
| DIPL 6501 | Modern Middle East: U.S. Involvement | 3 |
| DIPL 6601 | Sino-U.S. Relations | 3 |
| DIPL 6610 | China's Rise: Opportunities and Challenges | 3 |
| DIPL 6611 | International Relations in Southeast Asia | 3 |
| DIPL 6622 | China's Foreign Relations | 3 |
| DIPL 6700 | International Relations of African States | 3 |
| DIPL 6801 | U.S. Foreign Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
- *
Requires a foundation course.
Global Health and Human Security
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6004 | Peacemaking and Peacekeeping | 3 |
| DIPL 6031 | International Environmental Policy | 3 |
| DIPL 6130 | International Security | 3 |
| DIPL 6276 | Global Health Governance | 3 |
| DIPL 6277 | Global Health, Bioterrorism, and International Security * | 3 |
| DIPL 6279 | Contagion and Conflict: Global Impact of Infectious Disease | 3 |
| DIPL 6280 | International Health and Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6370 | Gender Race & Cult Int'l Rela | 3 |
| DIPL 6506 | Energy Policies of the 21st Century | 3 |
- *
Requires a foundation course.
Global Negotiation and Conflict Management
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6004 | Peacemaking and Peacekeeping | 3 |
| DIPL 6104 | Art and Science Negotiation * | 3 |
| DIPL 6115 | Cross Cultural Negotiation and Conflict Management | 3 |
| DIPL 6118 | Global Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding | 3 |
| DIPL 6250 | Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Plural Societies | 3 |
| DIPL 6251 | Justice, Truth, and Reconciliation in Post- Conflict Societies | 3 |
| DIPL 6258 | Memory and Conflict: Dealing with the Past Constructively | 3 |
| DIPL 6277 | Global Health, Bioterrorism, and International Security | 3 |
| DIPL 6350 | Religion Race & Int'l Relation | 3 |
| DIPL 6509 | EU and Cyprus Seminar | 3 |
| DIPL 6610 | China's Rise: Opportunities and Challenges | 3 |
| DIPL 6710 | African Union Seminar | 3 |
| DIPL 6717 | Africa: Displacement and Conflict | 3 |
- *
Requires a foundation course.
International Economics and Development
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least one of the following: | 3 | |
| International Political Economy * | ||
| Advanced Economic Aspects of International Relations * | ||
| DIPL 6113 | International Financial Institutions | 3 |
| DIPL 6153 | Comparative Political Economy Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6170 | Advanced Topics in Economic Development for International Affairs | 3 |
| DIPL 6253 | Civil Conflict and Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6280 | International Health and Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6506 | Energy Policies of the 21st Century | 3 |
| DIPL 6704 | Economic Development in Africa | 3 |
| DIPL 6806 | Political Economy of Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
- *
Requires a foundation course.
International Law and Human Rights
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6004 | Peacemaking and Peacekeeping | 3 |
| DIPL 6005 | Public International Law * | 3 |
| DIPL 6007 | UN: Insider's View | 3 |
| DIPL 6031 | International Environmental Policy | 3 |
| DIPL 6104 | Art and Science Negotiation | 3 |
| DIPL 6140 | International Human Rights | 3 |
| DIPL 6198 | Human Rights in U.S Foreign Policy | 3 |
| DIPL 6251 | Justice, Truth, and Reconciliation in Post- Conflict Societies | 3 |
| DIPL 6258 | Memory and Conflict: Dealing with the Past Constructively | 3 |
| DIPL 6276 | Global Health Governance | 3 |
| DIPL 6279 | Contagion and Conflict: Global Impact of Infectious Disease | 3 |
| DIPL 6350 | Religion Race & Int'l Relation | 3 |
| DIPL 6360 | Race & Racism Int'l Law & Poli | 3 |
| DIPL 6506 | Energy Policies of the 21st Century | 3 |
- *
B.S./M.A. candidates who have completed DIPL 3104 Public International Law have fulfilled the foundation course requirement for the International Law specialization and should take three other courses from the specialization.
International Organizations
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6002 | International Organizations * | 3 |
| DIPL 6004 | Peacemaking and Peacekeeping | 3 |
| DIPL 6005 | Public International Law | 3 |
| DIPL 6007 | UN: Insider's View | 3 |
| DIPL 6015 | HR Mgmt in International Org | 3 |
| DIPL 6031 | International Environmental Policy | 3 |
| DIPL 6113 | International Financial Institutions | 3 |
| DIPL 6140 | International Human Rights | 3 |
| DIPL 6201 | UN Security Council Issues | 3 |
| DIPL 6202 | Politics at the United Nations: Relevance and Reform | 3 |
| DIPL 6205 | United Nations Field Seminar | 3 |
| DIPL 6252 | Institutions of Post-Conflict Governance | 3 |
| DIPL 6276 | Global Health Governance | 3 |
| DIPL 6279 | Contagion and Conflict: Global Impact of Infectious Disease | 3 |
| DIPL 6350 | Religion Race & Int'l Relation | 3 |
| DIPL 6360 | Race & Racism Int'l Law & Poli | 3 |
| DIPL 6370 | Gender Race & Cult Int'l Rela | 3 |
| DIPL 6403 | European Union: External Relations | 3 |
| DIPL 6710 | African Union Seminar | 3 |
- *
Requires a foundation course.
International Security
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6004 | Peacemaking and Peacekeeping | 3 |
| DIPL 6118 | Global Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding | 3 |
| DIPL 6130 | International Security * | 3 |
| DIPL 6131 | Causes of War | 3 |
| DIPL 6132 | American Grand Strategy | 3 |
| DIPL 6201 | UN Security Council Issues | 3 |
| DIPL 6277 | Global Health, Bioterrorism, and International Security | 3 |
| DIPL 6350 | Religion Race & Int'l Relation | 3 |
| DIPL 6501 | Modern Middle East: U.S. Involvement | 3 |
| DIPL 6510 | The Persian Gulf in the 21st Century | 3 |
| DIPL 6520 | Politics of Terrorism in the Middle East | 3 |
| DIPL 6601 | Sino-U.S. Relations | 3 |
| DIPL 6610 | China's Rise: Opportunities and Challenges | 3 |
| DIPL 6622 | China's Foreign Relations | 3 |
| DIPL 6710 | African Union Seminar | 3 |
| DIPL 6801 | U.S. Foreign Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
- *
B.S./M.A. candidates who have completed DIPL 2120 International Conflict and Security with a grade of B+ or better have fulfilled the foundation course requirement for the International Security specialization and should take three other courses from the specialization.
Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and Sustainability
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6001 | Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism | 3 |
| DIPL 6004 | Peacemaking and Peacekeeping | 3 |
| DIPL 6115 | Cross Cultural Negotiation and Conflict Management | 3 |
| DIPL 6250 | Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Plural Societies | 3 |
| DIPL 6251 | Justice, Truth, and Reconciliation in Post- Conflict Societies | 3 |
| DIPL 6252 | Institutions of Post-Conflict Governance | 3 |
| DIPL 6253 | Civil Conflict and Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6254 | Fieldwork in Post-Conflict Societies | 3 |
| DIPL 6258 | Memory and Conflict: Dealing with the Past Constructively | 3 |
| DIPL 6360 | Race & Racism Int'l Law & Poli | 3 |
II. Regional Specializations
DIPL 6001 Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism, DIPL 6153 Comparative Political Economy Development and DIPL 6170 Advanced Topics in Economic Development for International Affairs qualify for inclusion in a specific regional specialization, provided the student completes the region-specific requirements within those courses. Foreign language proficiency is strongly recommended to complement regional specialization studies.
Africa
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6001 | Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism | 3 |
| DIPL 6153 | Comparative Political Economy Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6170 | Advanced Topics in Economic Development for International Affairs | 3 |
| DIPL 6198 | Human Rights in U.S Foreign Policy | 3 |
| DIPL 6252 | Institutions of Post-Conflict Governance | 3 |
| DIPL 6253 | Civil Conflict and Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6350 | Religion Race & Int'l Relation | 3 |
| DIPL 6700 | International Relations of African States | 3 |
| DIPL 6704 | Economic Development in Africa | 3 |
| DIPL 6710 | African Union Seminar | 3 |
| DIPL 6717 | Africa: Displacement and Conflict | 3 |
Asia
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6001 | Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism | 3 |
| DIPL 6153 | Comparative Political Economy Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6170 | Advanced Topics in Economic Development for International Affairs | 3 |
| DIPL 6198 | Human Rights in U.S Foreign Policy | 3 |
| DIPL 6506 | Energy Policies of the 21st Century | 3 |
| DIPL 6601 | Sino-U.S. Relations | 3 |
| DIPL 6610 | China's Rise: Opportunities and Challenges | 3 |
| DIPL 6611 | International Relations in Southeast Asia | 3 |
| DIPL 6622 | China's Foreign Relations | 3 |
Europe
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6001 | Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism | 3 |
| DIPL 6153 | Comparative Political Economy Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6170 | Advanced Topics in Economic Development for International Affairs | 3 |
| DIPL 6258 | Memory and Conflict: Dealing with the Past Constructively | 3 |
| DIPL 6350 | Religion Race & Int'l Relation | 3 |
| DIPL 6403 | European Union: External Relations | 3 |
| DIPL 6405 | Foreign Policy of Post-Soviet States | 3 |
| DIPL 6406 | Eastern European and Post-Soviet Politics | 3 |
| DIPL 6506 | Energy Policies of the 21st Century | 3 |
| DIPL 6509 | EU and Cyprus Seminar | 3 |
Latin America and the Caribbean
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6001 | Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism | 3 |
| DIPL 6153 | Comparative Political Economy Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6170 | Advanced Topics in Economic Development for International Affairs | 3 |
| DIPL 6801 | U.S. Foreign Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
| DIPL 6350 | Religion Race & Int'l Relation | 3 |
| DIPL 6803 | Politics and Society in Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
| DIPL 6806 | Political Economy of Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
Middle East
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DIPL 6001 | Politics of Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism | 3 |
| DIPL 6153 | Comparative Political Economy Development | 3 |
| DIPL 6170 | Advanced Topics in Economic Development for International Affairs | 3 |
| DIPL 6350 | Religion Race & Int'l Relation | 3 |
| DIPL 6501 | Modern Middle East: U.S. Involvement | 3 |
| DIPL 6506 | Energy Policies of the 21st Century | 3 |
| DIPL 6510 | The Persian Gulf in the 21st Century | 3 |
| DIPL 6520 | Politics of Terrorism in the Middle East | 3 |
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