Online M.A. in International Politics and Military Affairs

The Master of Arts degree program in International Politics and Military Affairs (IPMA) is designed to meet the needs of the US military and federal governmental agencies as well as international governmental and non-governmental organizations, multinational business enterprises, and others interested in gaining greater knowledge about the field of international politics.

International affairs professionals enrolled in this program will gain a broader understanding of the increasingly complex political, economic, and social issues that transcend national boundaries. Students will learn about theoretical and policy issues affected by international politics and culture, the ideas and values that influence the behavior of state and non-state actors, and leadership principles needed to wrestle with everyday political and organizational life. Students will also hone critical thinking, analytical, leadership, and communication skills needed to successfully foster transnational relationships in an increasingly globalized environment.

What makes The Citadel's IPMA Program Unique?

Unlike traditional graduate programs that take a theoretical and conceptual track in preparing students for further academic research, The Citadel IPMA program takes a nuts-and-bolts approach to develop international affairs professionals with the practical skills needed to pursue careers as military officers, policy analysts, foreign service officers, international civil servants, and business leaders as well as positions related to economic development, nation-building, and humanitarian affairs. By combining current theory, research, and experience, the program provides intellectually rigorous coursework that emphasizes key skills related to analytical writing and research as well as statesmanship, critical thinking, and general international sophistication.

The Citadel IPMA program is extremely flexible, offering students the option to complete the program 100% online, in person, or a combination of the two.

Testimonial

"I chose to attend The Citadel because of its prestigious reputation; the education and connections you achieve here are unmatched.

The IPMA program has drastically enhanced my understanding of past and current worldly affairs. All of my professors have real-world experience. They are able to break down the material while providing real-world examples from their time in the field.

My time at The Citadel so far has been incredible. I highly encourage anyone interested in worldly affairs or obtaining a career that will positively change the world to pursue a master's degree in international politics and military affairs from The Citadel."

Christian Simon ’18
Online student, expected graduation: 2018
Lives in Washington D.C. working for the FBI

Admission Requirements

1. Complete and submit a graduate application form online, along with the non-refundable application fee, to The Citadel Graduate College (CGC), Bond Hall Room 101.
2. Provide a written statement of purpose setting forth your intentions, goals, and preparation for graduate study in our department.
3. An official transcript of the baccalaureate degree and all other undergraduate or graduate work directly from each regionally accredited college or university attended.
4. All students who are residents of the United States must successfully complete either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
5. Provide at least two academic letters of recommendation that address their ability to undertake coursework at the graduate level.
6. Non-native English speakers must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and provide those scores.

The minimum for the GRE is a verbal and quantitative combination of 290. The minimum for the MAT is a score of 396. Students who score between 283-289 on the GRE or 380-395 on the MAT may apply for provisional status. Upon completion of the first eight hours of degree coursework, with a minimum GPA of 3.50, the student’s provisional status will change to regular admission status. Admission tests must be current within five (5) years of application, and official scores must be sent directly to the CGC office at the request of the student.

Admission to the Master of Arts in International Politics and Military Affairs program is a competitive process in which only a certain number of seats are available. The college has a right and responsibility to accept the best-qualified persons, taking into account candidates’ scholastic and professional achievement along with their aptitude for graduate study and experience.

Marco Oriolesi / Unsplash

Curriculum

Required Core (6 hours)

• PSCI 500 Social Science Seminar
• PSCI 501 Research Methods in Social Sciences

Electives (30 hours)

• PSCI 510 Special Topics or Service Leaning
• PSCI 562 East Asian Affairs
• 563 South Asian Affairs
• PSCI 564 US Foreign Policy
• PSCI 565 International Politics
• PSCI 566 International Political Economy
• PSCI 567 Global Democracy
• PSCI 568 US Foreign Policy
• PSCI 569 National Security Policy
• PSCI 571 Comparative Politics
• PSCI 572 International Organization
• PSCI 573 Political Theory
• PSCI 574 Global Issues
• PSCI 575 US Foreign Policy Leadership
• PSCI 576 International Law
• PSCI 577 Conflict Studies
• CRMJ 581 Intelligence Research and Analysis

Assessment:

In addition to completing coursework, students in the degree program will be required either to prepare a written master’s thesis or to complete a guided internship, which may include appropriate service in the military (such as in areas related to intelligence or civil affairs), the United States Peace Corps, or a select business or organization.

Written theses will be graded by at least two members of the Political Science faculty and one grader from another department.

Students undergoing guided internships for credit must compile an electronic portfolio of materials that document the learning objectives of the program. This includes in-class assignments, work-related assignments from the internship, and group assignments and other projects utilizing established critical thinking, communication, and ethics rubrics for course evaluation. The portfolio is designed to demonstrate the fulfillment of student learning outcomes for each course in the program. Students will also be asked to complete a reflective assignment based on the portfolio, which summarizes the student's perception of knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to international politics and military affairs. The portfolio must be completed at least four weeks prior to program completion and will be evaluated by the graduate program director, at least one member of the graduate faculty, and one faculty member for another academic department.

About The Citadel

For nine consecutive years (2012-2020) The Citadel has been named the #1 Public College in the South offering up to a master's degree (U.S. News & World Report). The Citadel was also named the #1 College for Veterans in the South.

The Citadel is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and specialist in education degrees.