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.
Our graduates can:
Develop a worldview with real-world application. Gain a command of the dominant theories that impact foreign relations, and learn how to leverage qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to build compelling cases based on reliable insights and exercise your influence with high credibility.
Graduate with a leadership mindset. Develop the situational leadership skills to operate across intricate international settings by studying the multidimensional aspects of culture, economics, politics and the distribution of power influencing our modern society.
Understand the intricacies of international relations. Learn to consider events from a wide variety of perspectives, evaluate societal consequences and excel in your area of interest.
Which degree is right for you? International relations or diplomacy? International relations is a broad field. If you career goals center soley on diplomatic processess, explore our online Master of Arts in Diplomacy program.
Choose Your Online MAIR Concentration
Select a concentration that fits your career and professional goals.
International Security
Focus on the protection of nations on an international level through foreign policies and world politics. To pursue studies in international security, you will complete the following courses.
National Security
Focus on the protection of nations on a national level through foreign policies and world politics. To pursue studies in national security, you will complete the following courses.
International Development
Study global economic systems, human rights, globalization, and how each relates to a nation’s development. To pursue studies in international development, you will complete the following courses.
Courses are cross-listed with the Master of Arts in Diplomacy and the Master of Public Administration program.
You will explore the international economic system, examine the impact of modernization within the system, and investigate the controversy over the concept of globalization and the debate of free trade versus protectionism. You will become familiar with the international financial network and its institutions. Special attention will be given to Third World development issues and the concept of economics as a tool of diplomacy and military power.
6
Cyber Diplomacy
Learn about international law and cyber warfare, which includes cyber espionage, cyber terrorism, and cyber activism.
The cyberdiplomacy coursework will be taught from the curriculum in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program. Courses are cross-listed with the Master of Arts in Diplomacy program.
You will explore the structure of the international system as defined by its rules and guidelines. The course presents an introduction to international law terminology and its history and theory. Laws surrounding conflict, war, war crimes, and the rising areas of international law, environmental law, and laws concerning humanitarian intervention will be explored. Of special interest will be laws pertaining to human rights.
6
Regions of the World
Specialize your understanding of the issues, debates, and events pertinent to a specific world region; choose from eight world regions. To pursue studies of a region of the world, you will complete the following courses.
Residency
The final academic requirement for the international relations program is a residency at the beautiful and historic Norwich University campus in Vermont. Students have the opportunity to meet with fellow students, faculty, and program staff in both formal classroom and informal settings. Academic recognition ceremonies and commencement cap off the week, and family and friends are encouraged to attend.
Norwich covers the cost of all meals and accommodation on campus.
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
How much can you earn with a MAIR degree?
Employers today appreciate leaders with a global perspective. That's why careers associated with this degree are projected to grow at a steady rate from 2014 to 2024 (Forbes.com). According to Payscale.com, mid-career professionals working in the international relations field earn a median salary of $97,500.
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.
Dr. Lasha Tchantouridzé is Professor and Director of the graduate programs in Diplomacy and International Relations. He is also a Davis Center Associate, Harvard University, Boston, MA; Research Fellow, the Center for Defence and Security Studies, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; and Advisory Board Member of Peace & War Center at Norwich University. He earned his PhD in International Relations from Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Tchantouridzé’s research interests are at the intersection of diplomacy and force in international politics, and his academic publications are in the areas of geopolitics, Russian foreign policy, Canadian foreign policy, the Arctic, the Black Sea basin, international politics in the Caucasus, and NATO-Russia relations.
Recent Publications:
“The Black Sea question in Russo-Turkish Relations,” in Contemporary Russo-Turkish Relations: From Crisis to Cooperation, ed. by Ali Askerov, Lexington Books, 2018.
“Contending Policies of Russia and Turkey: The Syrian Crisis,” co-authored with Ali Askerov, in Contemporary Russo-Turkish Relations: From Crisis to Cooperation, ed. by Ali Askerov, Lexington Books, 2018.
“Appeasement of Russia and the Return of Great Power Politics in Europe,” Eastern Europe – Regional Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2017.
“საპარლამენტო სისტემის პრობლემები განვითარებადი დემოკრატიის პირობებში” (“Problems of the Parliamentary System in Developing Democracies,” in Georgian), პოლიტიკა (Politics), 2017, Vol. 1, No. 3.
“Unipolarity: End of an Error,” in Michael Hawes and Christopher Kirkey, eds. Canadian Foreign Policy in a Unipolar World. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 2016.
“Canada’s Northern Dilemma: Resurgent Russia and the Competition over the Arctic,” Asian Journal of Canadian Studies, Vol. 21, No. 2, fall 2014.
“Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan: Comparing Canadian and Soviet Efforts,” International Journal, a special issue: Canada and Afghanistan: a Political, Diplomatic, Security, Economic & Social Assessment, Volume LXVIII, No. 2, summer 2013.
“Unipolarity: Theories, Images, and Canada’s Foreign Policy Priorities” Canadian Foreign Policy Journal, Volume 18, Issue 2, 2012.
“Political Economy of Kyrgyzstan’s Domestic (In)Stability,” The Journal of Central Asian Studies, Srinagar, Kashmir, Vol. XX, No. 1, 2011, pp. 89-102.
“Realpolitik and the Russo-Georgian War: Three Years On,” with Ryan Dessayn, Central Asia and the Caucasus 13 (1) 2012. In Russian: Лаша Чантуридзе и Р. Дессейнь, «Realpolitik и война России с Грузией: Три года спустя,» Центральная Азия и Кавказ 15 (1), 2012.
“Canada and the New Russian-European Condominium,” Canadian Military Journal, Vol. 11, No. 3. In French: “Le nouveau condominium russo-européen : Réévaluer les engagements pris par le Canada envers l’Europe en matière de défense,” Revue Militaire Canadienne, Vol. 11, No. 3, 2011.
Courses:
GD510 Theory and the International System GD542 Terrorism: Introduction and State Sponsored Terrorism GD560 Military Intervention and Conflict Management in the International System IR510 World Politics – International Relations IR531 National Security
MAIR
program_master
Gain a relevant degree from a respected institution with the flexibility and online format to finish in as short as 18 months. This combination, along with Norwich’s military friendly history and administration, makes it unique.
Brook O'Brien-Meza
Norwich Graduate, Class of 2018
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Achieve Your Career Goals
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Develop a Worldview with Real-World Application
You only have to look at the crises happening around the world to see that international relations affects us all. That’s why we’re preparing global leaders for large-scale engagement. With our online Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR), you can become one of them.
As the oldest private military college in the nation, our perspective on international relations is unlike that of any other school. Our online MAIR 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.
1 Week
1
Week Residency
Visit campus for culminating experience
15 Students
15
Students
Maximum number of students per class
18 Months
18
Months
Average time to program completion
Next Start Date
8
June
Next Start Date
App Deadline
11
May
Application Deadline
Why Norwich?
Learn from expert faculty members.
Tailor your learning with five concentration options.
Showcase your expertise with our practice-oriented curriculum and master's research paper.
Learn how to analyze and apply data, understand international relations theories and laws, and dig into research and topics that matter most to you.
Apply to one of four start dates.
Benefit from a university recognized as offering Best Value with respect to high academic quality and low net cost of attendance, according to U.S. News & World Report.*
*Rankings are based on undergraduate programs and on students who received the average level of need-based finanical aid.
Accreditation & Recognition
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.).
Recognized for academic excellence, U.S. News & World Report ranks Norwich University in the top 100 for Regional Universities in the North. Rankings are based on undergraduate programs.
Our first graduates of the Master of Arts in International Relations program finished in 2017. Below are graduates from our Master of Arts in Diplomacy program whom interacted with faculty and program staff from the MAIR program.
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.
Norwich University welcomes students from all countries who want to study through our online programs. You must complete all steps in the admissions process.
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.
A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, SpanTran, or CED.
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 understand (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:
When applying for the Master of Arts in International Relations 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.
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.
Class of 2017
Laura
Heller
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 despite associated logistical hurdles.
Class of 2014
What courses can I take in the international relations program?
Students can choose from a variety of courses specific to their interests in the field of international relations. Course topics include international terrorism, human rights and conflict, world politics and the international system.
What concentrations may I specialize in?
Students can choose one of five concentrations: international security, national security, international development, cyber diplomacy or regions of the world.
Is there a major research project?
Under the direction of a Norwich faculty member, students will complete a master’s research paper (MRP) on a research topic of their choice within the field of international relations.
How long is the international relations program?
The program’s five courses take approximately 18 months to complete. Depending on when you start the program, you can expect your degree to be conferred in 18 to 24 months.
How are the international relations program faculty members selected?
International Relations program instructors hold terminal degrees from established universities. They must demonstrate a wide range of university/college-level teaching experience, a strong research record, and solid, practical experience in international relations.
What are the eligibility requirements for applying to the program?
A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, SpanTran, or CED.
A GRE score is not required but may be requested based on your undergraduate GPA.
If English was not the language of previous degree study, proof of English language proficiency and minimum TOEFL scores of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test, or iBT) are required unless otherwise noted in specific articulation agreements.
How much is the online MAIR program?
Price per credit: $767
Term tuition: $4,602
Technology fee: $300/term
Library fee: $75/term
Graduation fee (one-time): $150
Total program cost (6 terms): $27,711
Does Norwich accept transfer credits?
When you apply for admission to the online Master of Arts in International Relations program, you can submit transcripts and course outlines from previously attended institutions of higher education to be considered for transfer credits. Transfer credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be accepted for up to 12 credits.
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Scholarship Opportunities
Norwich University offers a range of opportunities to help you lower your overall tuition costs. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about the below options. Please note that scholarships are not additive. In addition to the below scholarships, students may also be eligible for discounts if their organization partners with Norwich University.
Achievement Scholarship
Recognizing your past academic and professional achievements, the Achievement Scholarship is for newly enrolled students. You could receive a $4,200 scholarship, which will be distributed equally over the courses of the program. To be considered for this scholarship opportunity, submit your application package (application form, resume, letter of intent, and essay (if applicable)) for your program of interest at least one week prior to the upcoming application deadline. The Scholarship Selection Committee will review all application materials and select the recipient.
Norwich Alumni Scholarship
Norwich University alumni and their spouses, parents, and children are eligible to receive our Alumni Scholarship. The scholarship is award for each term of enrollment at $425 per term.
Active Duty Military Scholarship
Active duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel are eligible to receive a $250 award for each term of enrollment in an online master’s degree program.
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Learn More About our Online Master of Arts in International Relations
