M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.A. in International Affairs
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Affairs, a distinctive and multidisciplinary program designed to equip students with the hands-on experience and intellectual depth required for success in a globally connected workforce. This program, which is the only one of its kind in Northeast Florida, is offered jointly by ten departments across three colleges (College of Arts and Sciences, Coggin College of Business, and the College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction), highlighting its truly interdisciplinary nature. It focuses on educating students about the complex political, economic, cultural, and historical dimensions of an interconnected world, fostering an awareness of intricate relationships between countries, cultures, and individuals. The program requires 36 credit hours, including either a thesis or a field experience (internship or study abroad), and mandates intermediate-level foreign language fluency by graduation.
Curriculum: The 36-credit hour curriculum for the M.A. in International Affairs is designed to provide a broad yet rigorous education in global issues. Core requirements (18 credits) include foundational courses such as "International Relations Theory," "International Economics," and "U.S. in World Affairs." It also necessitates coursework in philosophy or religious studies, and anthropology or sociology, emphasizing the multidisciplinary approach. Students then choose 15 credits of major electives from a wide array of courses across various departments, including economics, geography, history, and public administration, allowing for significant customization. The program culminates in either a 3-credit master's thesis or a field experience, which can be an internationally-oriented internship or a study abroad program, providing practical application of learned knowledge.
Research Focus: The M.A. in International Affairs at UNF emphasizes a research-informed approach to understanding and addressing global challenges. Through core courses in international relations theory and various electives, students are encouraged to engage with complex global issues, analyze policy problems, and apply theoretical frameworks for systematic analysis. The program supports the development of analytical writing and critical thinking skills necessary for evaluating international affairs. The option of completing a master's thesis provides an opportunity for students to engage in original scholarly research, contributing to the understanding of specific international phenomena, while the field experience option allows for applied research in professional settings. Faculty members across the contributing departments bring diverse research interests and expertise, guiding students in their inquiries.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in International Affairs program at UNF is designed to prepare graduates for professional careers in foreign relations, both in the public and private sectors. While it doesn't offer narrow policy-making training, it broadens students' intellectual horizons and equips them with practical skills. The required field experience component, which can be an internationally-oriented internship, provides invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities with international organizations, government agencies, or private companies with a global focus. UNF's location in Jacksonville, a growing international trade and logistics hub, further facilitates connections with organizations that have a global footprint. The program aims to produce professionals capable of navigating the demands of a globally connected workforce.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in International Affairs at UNF is inherently global in its design and mission. Its core purpose is to educate students about the complex political, economic, cultural, and historical dimensions of an interconnected world. The curriculum covers a wide range of international issues, including international relations theory, international economics, and U.S. foreign policy, often incorporating diverse regional studies from various historical and contemporary perspectives. The requirement for intermediate-level foreign language fluency upon admission or by graduation further underscores the program's commitment to fostering a genuine global perspective and cross-cultural competence. Whether through academic coursework, internships, or study abroad experiences, students are immersed in the complexities of global interactions.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Affairs from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a unique and highly interdisciplinary program designed to equip graduates for diverse careers in a globally interconnected world. Jointly offered by ten departments across three colleges (Arts and Sciences, Business, and Computing, Engineering, and Construction), this program emphasizes a holistic understanding of global political, economic, cultural, and historical dynamics. With a required foreign language fluency and the option of a thesis or field experience (internship or study abroad), UNF's program provides both theoretical depth and practical application, preparing graduates to navigate complex international challenges.
Foreign Service Officer/Diplomat: Representing their country abroad, diplomats work to maintain positive international relations, negotiate treaties, and address bilateral issues. This is a highly sought-after career for those interested in government and international relations.
International Development Specialist/Aid Worker: These professionals work with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies to address global issues like poverty, public health, human rights, and environmental sustainability. They plan, manage, and evaluate development programs in various regions.
Intelligence Analyst: Employed by national security agencies (e.g., CIA, NSA) or private intelligence firms, these analysts collect, interpret, and provide critical insights on international security threats, political developments, and foreign policies to inform decision-makers.
Policy Analyst (International Focus): Working for think tanks, government bodies, or non-profit organizations, policy analysts research and evaluate global policies related to trade, security, human rights, or environmental issues, providing recommendations for policy development and implementation.
International Business Consultant: Advises multinational corporations on navigating international markets, managing geopolitical risks, developing market entry strategies, and fostering cross-cultural business practices. Their understanding of global economics and politics is crucial.
International Trade Specialist: These professionals help businesses and governments navigate the complexities of international trade laws, export/import regulations, and foreign tariffs. They work to facilitate global commerce and promote economic growth.
Program Officer/Manager (International NGOs/Organizations): Within international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or intergovernmental bodies (like the UN, World Bank), graduates manage and coordinate programs related to humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, education, or environmental protection.
Global Communications Specialist/Public Relations: Manages the public image and communications strategies for international organizations, multinational corporations, or government bodies. They craft messaging for diverse global audiences and handle international media relations.
Political Risk Analyst: Assesses and forecasts political, economic, and security risks in various countries to advise businesses, investors, and government agencies on potential impacts to their operations or investments.
Immigration Specialist/Advisor: Provides guidance and support to individuals navigating complex immigration processes, often working for government agencies, law firms, or non-profit organizations that assist immigrants and refugees. They ensure compliance with international and national immigration laws.
