M.A. Program
Masters of Arts in International Law and Global Security
The M.A. requires 30 credits of graduate course work, a final oral comprehensive examination, and written proficiency in a second language. Course offerings include: International Law, International Relations, International Law and War, International Environmental Law, Judicial Politics, International Law and U.S. Foreign Policy, Constitutional Law of U.S. Foreign Relations, Fundamentals of Political Theory, International Legal Philosophy, Law and Global Society, International Organizations and Transnationalism, U.S. Foreign Policy Process, International Political Economy, The Future of the International Legal Order, Political Challenges to International Law.
Admissions
Admission to the program will be based on the applicant's academic record (official transcripts), three letters of recommendation, an academic writing sample, the Graduate Record Examination results (the Department requires all applicants to take the General Test of the GRE), and a statement of purpose. Other admissions requirements will include an application fee for all applicants and TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers—scores of 550 (paper test) or 213 (electronic test) or higher.
Although it is desirable that applicants have completed 18 undergraduate semester hours in political science, the admissions committee does not apply this credit requirement rigidly. It may accept related courses or recommend that the applicant complete courses beyond the minimum degree requirements. The Department will consider individuals from a wide diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and careers. Its key criterion for admission remains strong academic promise.
Although it is desirable that applicants have completed 18 undergraduate semester hours in political science, the admissions committee does not apply this credit requirement rigidly. It may accept related courses or recommend that the applicant complete courses beyond the minimum degree requirements. The Department will consider individuals from a wide diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and careers. Its key criterion for admission remains strong academic promise.
Requirements
- 30 Credits total
- Required Courses:
- International Law, GOVT 403 (FALL)
- Seminar: The Future of the International Legal Order (SPRING).
- Other Requirements :
- 1 international organization course as approved by the program directors,
- 1 international relations theory course as approved by the directors (e.g., GOVT 551 or similar course) and
- 6 other supporting courses as approved by the directors.
-
Comprehensive Exam
:
- Students will take a final oral comprehensive examination administered by a panel of at least three faculty members.
- Language Requirement:
- Students are required to demonstrate research competence in a second language as determined by written examination. Research competence is defined as the ability to understand scholarly literature and other materials relevant to research in international law and government. Native speakers of foreign languages may fulfill their language requirement by showing fluency in English. At the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, successful performance on language exams that are comparable to the Government Department's own language exams can be used to meet the language requirement. Students may prepare for language examinations by taking courses, but they will not receive credit toward their Government Department graduate degree for language courses.
- List of required and potential supporting courses
- While the specific courses will vary depending upon the student's interests and background, and the availability of space, the kind of courses that the students would be able to take can be seen in the current semester's offerings.
Program Resources
How to Apply
The M.A. in International Law and Global Security is administered through the Department of Government as part of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Georgetown University. To apply for admissions to the program, applicants must complete and submit a Graduate School application available online here.
The general application requirements include the application form and fee, supplemental data forms, statement of purpose, resume, writing samples, transcripts, and recommendations. The Graduate School's complete list and procedures can be accessed here. Additional resources about the application process can be found at the Department of Government's admissions website.
The application deadline for the M.A. program for the entering class of Fall 2010 will be January 15, 2010. Admitted applicants are usually notified by the end of March of their acceptance to the program.
The general application requirements include the application form and fee, supplemental data forms, statement of purpose, resume, writing samples, transcripts, and recommendations. The Graduate School's complete list and procedures can be accessed here. Additional resources about the application process can be found at the Department of Government's admissions website.
The application deadline for the M.A. program for the entering class of Fall 2010 will be January 15, 2010. Admitted applicants are usually notified by the end of March of their acceptance to the program.
