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International Relations

The Auburn Montgomery Master of International Relations degree, in cooperation with Maxwell Air Force Base, emphasizes contemporary international politics, American foreign policy, national security policy, comparative government and area or regional studies.

It exists primarily to serve the military officers and enlisted men and women assigned to Maxwell Air Force Base, as well as their spouses and dependents. Civilian employees of the Department of Defense and other executive departments of the U.S. Government assigned to Maxwell are also eligible. Other civilians may apply on a space available basis.

International officers may also apply, but they must meet all requirements, must meet U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations and provide acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Admission Policy

For admission to the Master of International Relations program, students must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

  • Submit acceptable scores on either the Graduate Record Examination General Test or the Miller Analogies Test

  • Have at least a B average or its equivalent in their undergraduate work

Applicants with less than a B average or its equivalent may be admitted on provisional status pending completion of the first nine semester hours of Auburn Montgomery course work with an average of B or better.

Time Limit

All graduate work toward the MIR must be completed within five calendar years. Time spent in active military service because of a national emergency will not be counted when the national emergency requires that the student be temporarily relocated.

Degree Requirements

The degree consists of 30 semester hours, of which no more than six hours may be transfer credit. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and must pass a written comprehensive examination in their last semester of course work. There is no thesis requirement.

MIR Course Descriptions

POLS6060 - Applied Research and Program Evaluation 3 hours
The application of scientific research methods to administrative problems, including practical  methods of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data. Content will include theory and basic techniques underlying quantitative and qualitative analysis of public programs.

POLS6110 - Seminar in American Government 3 hours
A systematic examination of functions, problems, and issues within the political and constitutional framework of selected areas of American government.

POLS6200 - U.S. Foreign Policy 3 hours
An examination of American diplomatic experience and foreign relations from the Revolution to the present.

POLS6250 - National Security and Domestic Policy 3 hours
An analysis of concepts of national security, national interest, self-defense, and self-determination and how these concepts are affected by domestic policy decisions.

POLS6350 - Area Studies 3 hours
An in-depth analysis of the political environment, institutions, and processes of government in a geographical area selected by the instructor.

POLS6450 - Comparative Government and Politics 3 hours
An examination of the institutions, political processes, functions, and problems of major contemporary political systems from a comparative perspective.

POLS6550 - Problems in Contemporary International Politics 3 hours
An in-depth analysis of the conflicts of national interests in contemporary international politics, with special emphasis on the efforts to resolve these issues through diplomacy.

POLS6660 - Democracy and Democratization 3 hours
The roots, development, and major components of the democratic idea, the variety of modern democratic practice, as well as the spread of democracy in the modern world and its effects on international politics.

POLS6670 - Seminar in International Politics 3 hours
In-depth research on concepts and topics of international relations under the supervision of the instructor, with results presented in a seminar setting.

POLS6680 - Inter. Conflict: War & Peace 3 hours
This course reviews the classic and contemporary literature on international conflict, the nature of war, and strategic assessments in military doctrine. International conflicts and wars progress through cycles of development, escalation, and peaceful or violent termination.

POLS6690 - Globalization and Governance 3 hours
This course explores emerging patterns of cooperation, conflict, in today's international politics. The topics include general theories and interpretations of contemporary global politics, changes in relevant forms of power, information technology, and alternative ways of promoting global order and governance.                                           

POLS6850 - Seminar in International Law and Organization 3 hours
A systematic analysis of international law and organizations, and their relevance and effectiveness in resolving conflict among states.

 

Interested?

Dr. Tom Vocino
Director
Room 209D Goodwyn Hall
334-244-3696
tvocino@aum.edu

 

Ideal for those with a military background

This degree targets the military personnel at Maxwell Air Force Base, their spouses and children, as civilian employees at the base. But other civilians may apply on a space available basis.

Application Process

To apply for admission to the MIR program a prospective student must:

  • Submit a completed Graduate Application for Admission.
     
  • Have your official undergraduate transcripts sent to:

    AUM Admissions Office
    P.O. Box 244023
    Montgomery, AL 36124-4023.

    Official transcripts or records of Professional Military Education must be submitted before transfer credit can be granted for this work. Personal copies of transcripts are not acceptable.
     
  • Submit satisfactory scores on either the Graduate Record Examination General Test or the Miller Analogies Test. You may be granted Provisional Admission without GRE or MAT scores, but they must be received before the end of the first semester of course work. Your test scores may not be more than 5 years old at the time of application.

Your application should be submitted at least three weeks before the beginning of classes.