The Global Affairs MA is an interdisciplinary program offering students the opportunity to engage in advanced study of a broad range of global issues. Students complete a core curriculum that provides the knowledge and skills to think and act globally. Students also pursue specializations that include relevant courses from academic departments across the university. All students in the program take part in a residency abroad, typically two weeks in duration, and complete a capstone seminar. Graduates enter the workforce or move forward in their already-established international and domestic careers in the public sector, non-governmental organizations, and business.
This is a Green Leaf program.
Admissions
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For specific information, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Policies
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Students who wish to pursue study abroad in addition to the required core course GLOA 710 Seminar Abroad must receive prior approval and may not use more than 3 credits earned while abroad towards their specialization. A maximum of 3 credits of GLOA 695 Internship can be applied to the specialization.
Students must maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average with no more than two grades below B.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 30
This is a Green Leaf program.
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 600 | Global Competencies | 3 |
| GLOA 605 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | 3 |
| GLOA 610 | Economic Globalization and Development | 3 |
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization | 3 |
| GLOA 710 | Seminar Abroad | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Specialization
Students choose to specialize in one of eight fields by completing 12 credits in that field selected from the courses listed. The specialization is developed in consultation with an advisor. Students who wish to design their own specialization must submit a one-page proposal and receive written approval from the director.
- Global Conflict and Security
- Global Culture and Society
- Global Economics and Development
- Global Education
- Global Governance and Public Management
- Global Health
- Global Media and Information Technology
- Global Population and Geography
Global Conflict and Security
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization (different topic from that meeting core requirement) | 3 |
| or GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Advanced Topics in Global Health Security (minimum of 3 credits) | ||
| Ethics and International Security | ||
| Intelligence: Theory and Practice | ||
| Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapons Policy and Security | ||
| Nonproliferation and Arms Control | ||
| Examining Terrorist Groups | ||
| Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction | ||
| Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Prevention, Reconstruction, and Stabilization Contexts | ||
| World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Diversity and Difference in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Leadership in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Ethnic and Cultural Factors in Conflict Resolution | ||
| Globalization and International Conflict | ||
| International Negotiation | ||
| International Security | ||
| Management of International Security | ||
| International Conflict and Crisis Response | ||
| Peace and Stabilization Operations | ||
or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Global Culture and Society
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization (different topic from that meeting core requirement) | 3 |
| or GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Environmental Anthropology | ||
| Regional Ethnography | ||
| Culture, Power, and Conflict | ||
| Gender and Violence | ||
| Ethnic and Cultural Factors in Conflict Resolution | ||
| Seminar in Global Culture | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| Democratic Theory | ||
| Issues in Comparative and International Politics | ||
| Approaches to Modern World History | ||
| Problems in Global History | ||
| Problems in American History | ||
| Topics in World Musics | ||
| Interreligious Dialogue | ||
| Issues in Religious Ethics | ||
| Culture and Globalization | ||
| Racial and Ethnic Relations: American and Selected Global Perspectives | ||
| Sport in the Global Marketplace | ||
| Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | ||
or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Global Economics and Development
This specialization is best suited for students with an academic background in economics or for students who have taken microeconomics, macroeconomics, and calculus with a minimum grade of 3.00 in all three.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization (different topic from that meeting core requirement) | 3 |
| or GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Conflict in Development | ||
| Microeconomic Theory | ||
| Microeconomic Theory II | ||
| Macroeconomic Theory | ||
| Comparative Economic Systems | ||
| Environmental Policy | ||
| Macroeconomic Policy in the Global Economy | ||
| Microeconomics and Trade Policy | ||
| Global Financial Crises and Institutions | ||
| Global Trade Relations | ||
| Special Topics in International Commerce and Policy | ||
| Political Economy and Integration in Latin America | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| Global Development and Human Security | ||
| Managing in the International Arena: Theory and Practice | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Global Education
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization (different topic from that meeting core requirement) | 3 |
| or GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Culturally Linguistically Diverse Learners | ||
| Education and Culture | ||
| Theories of Learning and Cognition | ||
| Culture and Intelligence | ||
| Seminar in Global Culture | ||
| Society and Education | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Global Governance and Public Management
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization (different topic from that meeting core requirement) | 3 |
| or GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Nonproliferation and Arms Control | ||
| Special Topics in International Commerce and Policy | ||
| European Political and Economic Union | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Seminar in Comparative Politics and Institutions | ||
| Advanced Seminar in International Politics | ||
| International Negotiation | ||
| The NGO: Policy and Management | ||
| Cross-Cultural and Ethical Dimensions of International Management | ||
| Governance and Policy Processes | ||
| Theory and Practice in Public Policy | ||
| Global Governance | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Global Health
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization (different topic from that meeting core requirement) | 3 |
| or GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Intercultural Health and Risk Communication | ||
| Global Health | ||
| Environmental Health | ||
| HIV/AIDS: Concepts, Principles, and Interventions | ||
| Health Program Planning and Evaluation | ||
| Global Infectious Diseases | ||
| U.S. and Global Public Health Systems | ||
| Health Geography | ||
| Comparative International Health Systems | ||
| Global Nutrition | ||
| Public Policy in Global Health and Medical Practice | ||
| Global Threats and Medical Policies | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Global Media and Information Technology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization (different topic from that meeting core requirement) | 3 |
| or GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Theories of Public Relations | ||
| New Technologies in the Global Economy | ||
| Special Topics in International Commerce and Policy | ||
| Culture, Organization, and Technology | ||
| Telecommunications Policy | ||
| International Migration and Public Policy | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Global Population and Geography
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization (different topic from that meeting core requirement) | 3 |
| or GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Environmental Anthropology | ||
| Transportation Geography | ||
| Issues in Regional Geography | ||
| Health Geography | ||
| Geospatial Science Fundamentals | ||
| Selected Topics in Geography | ||
| Spatial Agent-Based Models of Human-Environment Interactions | ||
| Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis for Public Policy | ||
| Immigration Policy | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Capstone Seminar
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 720 | Capstone Research Seminar | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking foreign languages or global affairs with a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.
Foreign Languages, MA and Global Affairs, MA Dual Degree
The Department of Foreign Languages and the Global Affairs Program offer a dual master's program where a student can earn both a Foreign languages MA (concentration in French, Spanish, or Spanish-bilingual/multicultural education) and the Global Affairs MA in a minimum of 48 credits rather than the minimum of 60 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's program see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Requirements
Students pursuing a dual master's program linking the Foreign Languages MA with a concentration in French, Spanish, or Spanish bilingual/multicultural education with the Global Affairs MA can share 12 credits between the two programs.
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking global affairs or interdisciplinary studies (concentration in women and gender studies) with a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.
Global Affairs, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
The Global Affairs and Interdisciplinary Studies Programs offer a dual master's program where a student can earn both a Global Affairs MA and the Interdisciplinary Studies MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 54 credits rather than 66 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's program see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Requirements
Total credits: 54
Required Global Affairs Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 600 | Global Competencies | 3 |
| GLOA 610 | Economic Globalization and Development | 3 |
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization | 3 |
| GLOA 710 | Seminar Abroad | 3 |
| Select three courses from the chosen specialization for the global affairs MA | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Required Women and Gender Studies Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3 |
| Select one course in critical race studies from the following: | 3 | |
| Critical Race Studies | ||
| Representations of Race | ||
| Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought | ||
or INTS 541 | Policing Black Bodies | |
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Select one course in bodies and sexualities from the following: | 3 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Select one course in transnational and global perspectives from the following: | 3 | |
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Sociology of Globalization | ||
| Social Justice and Equity in International Education | ||
| Select 9 credits in elective courses chosen from the following and not used to fulfill another requirement: | 9 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Internship | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Required Methods Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Research Methods | ||
| Feminist Research Methods | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Capstone
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Capstone Research Seminar | ||
| Integrated Learning Experience | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Total Credits: 54
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Global Affairs, Accelerated MA
Overview
Highly qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and an MA in Global Affairs in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Polices and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to the accelerated MA in global affairs, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, and after meeting the following:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Enrolled in or have completed a foreign language course 202 or higher with a minimum grade of C- prior to graduation with the BA (or other evidence of proficiency in foreign language).
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.50
- Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course
- Successfully met Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completed the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each) | ||
| Required Course | ||
| GLOA 600 | Global Competencies | 3 |
| Additional Optional Courses | ||
| GLOA 610 | Economic Globalization and Development | 3 |
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization 1 | 3 |
| GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs 2 | 1-6 |
| Other specialization course after GLOA 600 and GLOA 605 have been completed with the permission of the program. | ||
| Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program | ||
| GLOA 599 | Issues in Global Affairs 2 | 1-6 |
| GLOA 605 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | 3 |
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization | 3 |
| 500- or 600-level courses approved for student's specialization | ||
| 1 | First 3 credits taken to fulfill the GLOA 615 requirement. May be repeated one time for another 3 credits as a specialization course, with permission of program. |
| 2 | As a specialization course. |
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Program Outcomes
- Students will be able to develop an original research question based on knowledge gained through coursework and extra-curricular experiences that is relevant to global studies.
- Students will be able to apply theoretical frameworks from multiple disciplines to analyze issues and challenges relevant to globalization.
- Students will be able to summarize key questions or issues in globalization and global studies.
- Students will be able to identify and break down assumptions made about global processes or dynamics.
- Students will be able to evaluate global ethical, social, and environmental problems and challenges and the influence of human actions on them and to use necessary analytical skills to propose appropriate solutions.
- Students will be able to demonstrate familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods prominent in the social sciences.
- Students will be able to construct an informed research project and to conduct research in an ethical manner.
- Students will be able to synthesize information from various credible sources and present information clearly and concisely in written or oral forms that are understandable for the audience.