- 2 Years
- Online
- Intake: Jan (Spring)
Overview
USIU-Africa’s online Master of Arts in International Relations program provides a comprehensive education in global affairs, equipping you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the complexities of the international system. Our curriculum integrates African and international perspectives, addressing key issues such as development, peace and conflict, foreign policy, and diplomacy.
Program Highlights
Student-Centered Learning
Our pedagogical methods place you at the heart of the learning process. Through interactive online sessions, collaborative projects, and real-world case studies, you’ll develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success.
A Globally Focused Curriculum
Our program offers a unique blend of theoretical depth and practical application. You’ll explore key concepts and theories in international relations while developing the analytical and problem-solving skills essential for navigating global challenges.
Addressing Critical Global Issues
We address pressing global issues, including development, peace and conflict resolution, and foreign policy and diplomacy, providing you with a robust understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the international community.
Developing Essential Skills for International Careers
The program cultivates essential skills, including:
- Critical analysis and evaluation of international relations theories and concepts.
- Empirical research and evidence-based policy formulation.
- Design and implementation of effective intervention strategies for national and international issues.
- Application of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to managing global affairs.
- Assessment of international issues within a complex, interconnected, multicultural world
Dual Accreditation and Recognition
Earn an internationally recognized degree, enhancing your career prospects worldwide. Our dual accreditation by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC) in the USA ensures your qualification is respected and valued globally.
Contact us
United States International University – Africa Off USIU Road, Off Thika Road (Exit 7), P. O. Box 14634 – 00800, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Evaluate contending concepts and theories in International Relations;
- Conduct empirical research in International Relations and formulate evidence-based policies;
- Devise problem-solving intervention strategies and programs for dealing with national and international situations;
- Employ an integrated multi-disciplinary approach to the management of international affairs;
- Assess issues in International Relations within the context of a complex multi-cultural and interconnected world.
Admission Requirements
Students without a background in International Relations will do
- IRL 2000 Introduction to Political Science
- POL 2020 Introduction to Political Science
Pre-Requisite Courses
Students without a background in International Relations will do
- IRL 2000 Introduction to Political Science
- POL 2020 Introduction to Political Science
5 Sections > 34 Lessons > 78 Weeks
First year requirements - 27 units
- IRL6004: Foundations of International Relations (3 units)
- IRL6006: Contemporary International Relations Theory 3 units
- IRL6007: International Law (3 units)
- IRL6008: Qualitative Research Methods (3 units)
- IRL6200: International Organizations (3 units)
- IRL 6234: International Political Economy (3 units)
- IRL6009: Quantitative Research Methods (3 units)
- Core Course (Concentration) (3 units)
- Core Course (Concentration) (3 units)
Second year requirements - 6 units
- IRL 6901 : Thesis I (Must have a GPA of 3.0)
- Core Concentration (3 units)
- Elective Concentration (3 units)
- IRL 6902 : Thesis II (3 units)
- Elective (3 units)
- Elective (3 units)
Development studies (15 hours) (students to do 3 core and pick any two electives)
- IRL 6054 Theories of Development (core)
- IRL 6031 Politics of International Development (core)
- IRL 6033 Global Environmental Politics (core)
- IRL 6032 Sustainable development: Theories, policy, and practice (elective)
- IRL 6034 Public Policy (elective)
- IRL 6240 Post Coloniality in Africa (elective)
- IRL 6051 – Project Management and Fundraising (elective)
Diplomacy & foreign policy (15 hours) (students to do 3 core and pick any two electives)
- IRL6210: Foundations of Diplomacy (Core)
- IRL6211: Geopolitics and Diplomacy (Core)
- IRL 6260 – Foreign Policy Analysis (Core)
- IRL 6250 – Africa in International Affairs (elective)
- IRL 6251 – Diplomatic Practices (elective)
- IRL 6252- Diplomatic and Consular law (elective)
Peace, conflict & security studies (15 hours) (students to do 3 core and pick any two electives)
- IRL6011: Theories of Peace Conflict and Security Studies (core)
- IRL 6012 Conflict Analysis and Resolution (core)
- IRL 6013 Conflict and Human Security (core)
- IRL6241 Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding(elective)
- IRL 6242 Emerging Issues in Peace and Conflict World Politics (elective)
- ILR 6215 International Humanitarian Law (elective)
1. What is the admission process for the Master of Arts in Communication Studies (Online) program?
The admission process involves submitting an application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
2. Will I be required to attend class each week?
The Master of Arts in Communication Studies is a fully online program and thus doesn’t require your physical or scheduled online presence.
3. What is the duration of the program?
The program typically takes two years to complete.
4. What are the career prospects after completing the program?
Graduates of the program have excellent career prospects in various communication fields, including public relations, corporate communications, and digital marketing.
Recipient of the 2024 QM Award for Outstanding Impact
The award recognizes outstanding dedication to best practices for online learning to serve and support learners around the globe