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Master of Arts in International Relations

Develop a Worldview with Real-World Application

You only have to look at the crises happening around the world to see that international relations affect us all. With our online Master of Arts in International Relations, you can become a global leader, prepared for large-scale engagement. The curriculum uniquely positions you to explore the political, economic, and cultural issues impacting today’s global stage and prepares you for a meaningful academic or professional career working across the ever-changing international arena.

As the oldest private military college in the nation, you will gain a perspective on international relations unlike any other school. Work alongside students with a wide variety of national to international perspectives. With five concentrations and expert faculty in the field, you will be positioned to excel in your area of interest.

Are you ready to take on the multidimensional aspects of culture, economics, politics and the distribution of power influencing modern society? Your degree from Norwich will teach you the dominant theories that impact foreign relations to build compelling cases and exercise your influence with high credibility.

You, at Norwich

Learn from a faculty of active scholars with doctorate degrees.

Customize your studies based on your career goals and personal interests.

Develop essential skills relevant to not only careers in history but also in business, law, education, and government.

Improve your historical insight, research, writing, analysis and presentation skills.

Apply to one of four start dates per year.

Benefit from a university recognized as offering Best Value with respect to high academic quality and low net cost of attendance, according to the U.S. News & World Report.*

*Rankings are based on undergraduate programs and on students who recieved the average level of need-based financial aid.

Accreditation & Recognition

NECHE Accredited

 Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

Next Master's Session Start Dates: 

SPRING: February 17, 2025

SUMMER: May 19, 2025

FALL: August 25, 2025

Program & Details

At a Glance

No GRE/GMAT required Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher

 

 

Contact Admissions

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT    
Extended hours available by appointment

Call: 1-866-684-7237    
learn@norwich.edu

Transfer Credits


You may receive the equivalent of up to 12 semester credits for study conducted elsewhere. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as it pertains to transfer credits.
Learn more »

International Admissions


Norwich University welcomes students from all countries who want to study through our online programs. You must complete all steps in the admissions process.
International Admissions »

Norwich Alumni Benefits


Reconnect with Norwich to complete your master's degree. As apart of our alumni community, you are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship and other benefits.
Connect with our advisors »

Non-Discrimination Statement

Norwich University, in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

 

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by a NACES approved agency. 
  • If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
    • TOEFL - a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test) is required.*
    • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.*
    • The applicant holds a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college/university/institution in which the primary language of instruction was English.

Please Note:  All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

Application Process

We encourage you to contact an admissions advisor (see below) if you need help at any stage of the application process. You will be required to submit the following items:

  • Application form
  • Official transcript of your undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university, mailed to the address below.
  • Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (TOEFL)

Transcript Links

Mail transcripts to:
Norwich University
College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
P.O. Box 367
Northfield, VT 05663

For electronic delivery, we accept transcripts delivered from Parchment, National Clearing House, and other services if sent to cgcsamt@norwich.edu via password protection.

To contact an admissions advisor:

Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu

Norwich’s 33-credit MAIR program is comprised of five, 11-week courses. Instead of a core curriculum, your first courses are focused in the concentration of your choice and then followed by one elective course. Students master one course at a time, to create a strong foundation of knowledge and context for future topics.

Concentrations include:

  • Cyber Diplomacy
  • International Development
  • International Security
  • National Security
  • Regions of the World

To view additional program details such as course offerings, requirements, and curriculum maps for the MAIR program, visit the Norwich University Course Catalog using this link.

Online Master's

When applying for a graduate program at Norwich University, there are two essential factors to consider: what does it cost, and how can you pay for it? There are many ways to get financial assistance and several financial strategies that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. We are here to help you identify and pursue the options that are best for you.

Tuition at a Glance
Credit Hours: 33
Cost Per Credit Hour: $550 - $698
Additional fees & military discounts may apply.


Financial Aid Resources
Paying for your Education

Quick Info

100%

Online

Courses completed entirely online

15

Students

Maximum number of students per class

18

Months

Average time to program completion

Alumni Testimonials

Maria Grove, Master of Arts in Diplomacy Grad

This degree has enriched me beyond belief. I have become an educational role model for my daughters – its never too late or too hard to go after what you want.

Maria Grove

'17 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Read Story
Laura Heller Master of Arts in Diplomacy Grad

The proficiency, commitment, and diversity of the faculty and administration are unparalleled. Every member of the Norwich staff demonstrated real dedication to support and assist students in the graduate program, wherever located throughout the world and

Laura Heller

'14 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Read Story
Scott W Wills headshot

The Norwich program is very well planned and is designed for the online learner, being very flexible, yet demanding simultaneously.

Scott W Wills

'24 Master of Science in Leadership

Read Story
Andy Blanco headshot

The time requirements of an active-duty couple with family life are not easy, but the reputation of Norwich to both demand rigorous academic effort while also accommodating the demanding schedule of an active-duty professional was tough to ignore.

Andy Blanco

'24 Master of Arts in Strategic Studies

Read Story
Ryan Leonard

Every advisor, teacher, and counselor throughout my degree completion was heavily invested in helping me succeed in the classes and helping me to craft and refine the skills [needed] for a career in national security.

Ryan Leonard

'21 Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies

Read Story
Maria Grove, Master of Arts in Diplomacy Grad

Maria Grove

Laura Heller Master of Arts in Diplomacy Grad

Laura Heller

Scott W Wills headshot

Scott W Wills

Andy Blanco headshot

Andy Blanco

Ryan Leonard

Ryan Leonard

Faculty & Staff

Our online International Relations program is led by a faculty of experts covering a wide range of international relations topics, including international systems, conflict avoidance and resolution, political theory, and foreign policy. Each are here, from beginning to end, to help you reach your academic, professional, and personal goals. We have an in-house instructional design team that work hand-in-hand with program faculty and staff to ensure an efficient and interactive online learning experience in each course.

Careers & Outcomes

Career Opportunities for Master of Arts in International Relations Graduates

At Norwich, you can prepare for a meaningful academic or professional career working across the ever-changing international arena. In 2016, Forbes.com ranked international relations among the top 25 "Best Master's Degrees for Jobs."

Our graduates have pursued a variety of roles, including:

Career Roles

  • Campaign Operative
  • Corporate Public Affairs Advisor
  • Corporate Adviser for Governmental Relations
  • Federal Government Analyst
  • Financial Consultant
  • Foreign Ambassador
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • International Research Specialist
  • Journalist
  • Lobbyist
  • Policy Advisor
  • Public Affairs Research Analyst
  • Public Opinion Analyst
  • Publisher
  • Research Analyst or Associate
  • State Government Advisor
  • Teacher

As international relations experts, our alumni must be well-versed in many areas, including:

Areas of Skills

  • Diplomacy
  • Economics
  • Global studies
  • Human rights
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Psychology