Security & Foreign Policy Concentration
International Security and Foreign Policy (15-18 credits)
This concentration equips students with fundamental theoretical and analytical knowledge necessary for professional research, management, and policy positions in both governmental and non-governmental organizations. The concentration takes a multidisciplinary approach to international security and foreign policy, stressing analytical skills, research methods, threat assessment and mitigation, decision-making processes, and organizational management, as well as many of the defining substantive security issues of the 21st century.
All students in this concentration will be required to take SPI 574 Conduct of US Foreign Policy as well as four to five additional courses at the 400 or higher level. In planning a program of study, please keep in mind that graduates need special permission from the Graduate School to use more than 6 credits at the 400 level towards a Master’s degree.
SPI 574 – Conduct of Foreign Policy
This class examines the formulation and implementation of American foreign policy. Special focus will be placed on American Political culture; Presidential and congressional powers in foreign policy; government bureaucracies, such as the Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury; and conceptual and theoretical approaches to policy making.
Pre-approved Electives (all 3 Credits unless noted)
To provide students with flexibility in course selection appropriate to their career goals, other courses can be substituted with approval from the SPIA graduate coordinator.