Strategic Studies

International Relations

Students also must fulfill the general requirements for the field of International Relations (IR), that is, an additional three courses within IR, including courses from two programs other than Strategic Studies.*

International Economics

All candidates for the M.A. degree must complete a concentration in the field of International Economics by taking four to six economics courses at SAIS. Students can also pursue a specialization within International Economics by taking additional course work.

Core Courses

All SAIS students must pass two core exams and/or courses. Strategic Studies concentrators must pass Theories of International Relations as one of their core requirements prior to the start of their third semester. If the other core is not completed by the start of his/her final semester, the student must enroll in the core course.

Language Proficiency

M.A. candidates must pass exams to demonstrate proficiency in a language taught at SAIS. International students whose native language is not English may use English as their proficiency language. All non-native English speakers are required to pass an English placement exam upon entering SAIS.

Capstone

Strategic Studies concentrators must complete ONE of the following capstones:

1.  Strategic Studies Research Seminar (SA.660.751)

2.  Faculty certification of a project, as nominated by a faculty member and approved by the director and associate director of the program

3.  An oral exam conducted by two Strategic Studies faculty members at the end of the final semester

4.  M.A. Oral Exam (to compete for honors—if eligible)

*International Relations concentrators studying at the Bologna Center must take at least three IR courses in Washington. Exception: Those concentrators who are dual-degree students or have advanced standing must take at least two IR courses in Washington.

A total of 16 courses for credit are required for an M.A. degree (unless a student has advanced standing or is in a dual-degree program).

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS BY ACADEMIC YEAR

AY 2011-2012 Entering Class
AY 2010-2011 Entering Class
AY 2009-2010 Entering Class

DEGREE AUDIT (CHECKLIST) BY ACADEMIC YEAR (AY)

AY 2011-2012
AY 2010-2011

Students concentrating in Strategic Studies may not pursue an additional concentration beyond International Economics. For further information, please read the department's statement on dual concentrations.

Concentration Files