Catalog Navigator : Master of Science in Global Affairs

The Division of Global Affairs (DGA) offers a master of science (M.S.) degree in global affairs in residence. It may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. It is a multidisciplinary degree concerned with theoretically informed and problem-oriented approaches to transnational issues that interact with local issues. The Master's degree prepares students to work in the public and private international sectors, as well as in non-governmental organizations, think tanks, foundations, and media companies focusing on global issues. For practitioners in the Global Arena including business professionals, government employees, security professionals including the military, and those who are presently employed or plan careers with international governmental and nongovernmental organizations, the degree is an opportunity for career growth and professional development.

35 credits are required for the M.S. degree in global affairs. All students must complete:

Seven Areas of Inquiry (AIs) courses with grades of B (3.0) or higher - 21 credits
One Research and Methodology course - 3 credits
Two Capstone Colloquia Series with grades of Pass - 4 credits
One foundation course - (26:478:508; 26:790:508): Evolution of the Global System - 3 credits
Three elective courses - 9 credits; note:
Language requirement - no credit; the language requirement is fulfilled by prior coursework, a major/minor, or demonstrated familiarity or fluency in another language

Note: Students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 or better in all non-language courses taken at Rutgers University in order to acquire the M.S. If a student's academic performance falls below the expected standard, the Graduate School-Newark may refuse the student the right of future registration and terminate studies. Students with an insufficient grade-point average may submit an appeal to the DGA director.

Internship

26:478:601,602 Internship or Research Seminar

Internships are not required as part of the DGA program; however, upon prior approval from the deputy director of global affairs, students may complete an internship for 3 credits with an approved international organization, NGO, government agency, transnational corporation, media organization, or other institution active in some aspect of global affairs. Internships generally entail one day of work per week for the duration of the semester. Students interested in internship credits should submit a request in writing to the deputy director and include a description of their duties with the name and title of the person they report to.

To participate in the Division of Global Affairs internship program, M.S. students must meet the following criteria:

Have a cumulative GPA of 3.25;
Have completed 18 credits, including a minimum of 12 credits of core course requirements

Students are responsible for finding their own positions. The DGA does not place students, but will assist students with the process.

Students are encouraged to seek out internships of particular interest to them and/or to consult with the Career Development Center, Rutgers University, Hill Hall 309-B, Newark, NJ 07102-1801 (973-353-5312).

To receive credits the student must submit a letter from his or her supervisor stating that his or her performance was satisfactory and submit a short paper on how the internship will assist the student in future endeavors.

Independent Study

All M.S. students may take up to 3 credits of independent study courses explicitly dealing with topics related to global affairs--a multidisciplinary field concerned with theoretically informed, problem-oriented approaches to transnational issues and their interaction with local issues (26:478:697, 698, 699).

In order to embark upon an independent study, students must:

Find a DGA faculty member willing to supervise the research and grade the paper or project;
Register for the course (special permission number necessary); and
Complete the paper or project at the required time given and submit it to the DGA faculty member supervising the independent study course for a letter grade.
Master's students may not exceed three credits in independent studies.

Master's Thesis

M.S. students may write a master's thesis in the course of two semesters for 6 credits (26:478:695, 696). Students considering doctoral studies are encouraged to complete a thesis.

Students choose the topic of their thesis in consultation with their faculty adviser. The thesis must focus on some aspect of global affairs--a multidisciplinary field concerned with theoretically informed, problem-oriented approaches to transnational issues and their interaction with local issues.

The thesis should be about 100 pages in length (double-spaced; notes, footnotes, and bibliography are extra); they must be written in standard English, adhere to proper academic form, and be free of typographical errors. The final draft of the thesis must be electronically prepared in strict accordance with the instructions given by the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School-Newark, Conklin Hall, Room 241.

The student's DGA core faculty and one Rutgers faculty member must examine and grade the thesis. Both must sign and date the cover page of the thesis as well as the Master Candidacy form.

Time Limits
Students must complete their degrees within three years of admission into the M.S. program, regardless of whether students are part-time or full-time and regardless of whether they entered DGA with or without transfer credits. Students who fail to meet this deadline may be forced to withdraw from graduate studies at DGA.