Online MA International Relations Question

Hi all,

I have narrowed down my search for a 100% online MA program in International Relations or Affairs to the following schools: 1. University of North Georgia, and 2. American Military University. My career aspirations involve being a intel. analyst for a gov. agency. Which do you think would hold more weight in this area, and frankly any other Intl. Relations. job? Its a tough decision, so insight would be helpful.

Thanks

 

I'm unaware of an Intel analyst position that would require a Masters in International Relations or Affairs as an entry level credential. First, I would identify a few agencies where you might want to work. Then I would start looking at USA Jobs (.gov) and looking at the job postings for the positions that interest me.

I've never worked for the federal government as a civilian. But I worked with civilian employees quite a bit when I was in the Navy, I never got the sense that the government hired based upon prestige or reputation of your school in general.

Things like an MA in International whatever are fairly common because they are easy for dreamers to obtain. You can just go out and take some courses and boom, new credential. What's harder to find, and what makes you more competitive, is a security clearance, foreign language proficiency and experience living and working overseas.

Of the two schools UNG probably has the better name in terms of broad recognition. AMU is small, for-profit and has a fairly limited scope. But that doesn't mean either will be helpful for you in your endeavor.

My suggestion would be to get a job with one of the agencies that intrigues you. I know the Department of State, for example, does not require the degree you are seeking to work in the foreign service. That would probably get you much closer to your goal. Then I'd probably get the MA, if one felt so inclined, after spending time on the job and seeing if it would actually offer any utility in terms of career progression or personal development.

 

Neuhaus is spot on: A specific degree in IR won't mean much for entry-level positions, unless you went to, say... Tufts (for example). That said, I'd stick with a State school, or Norwich/Salve Regina - something with ties to the Government. As mentioned previously, a good route to take is to get your foot in the door first, or to at least focus on the type of work you want to do, or the agency you want to work for, look-up the description on USAJobs, and then tailor your academic goals accordingly.


I can't touch-on Intel Analyst positions specifically, but for other IR-related jobs you can check-out USAID, DHS, or the Depts. of Commerce or Agriculture.. lots of options. If your just looking to get a foot in the door, USCIS Immigration Service Officers for example are posted to US Embassy's/Consulates throughout the world (as well as the US), and usually start out as GS-5/7. For that you only need a BA (if that!).


Personally, I held-off on pursuing my graduate degree until after I became a GS employee and had some sense of direction that I wanted to take. Five years later I ended-up in something totally unrelated to my MAPP, but still happy nevertheless. Good luck!

 

Troy University offers a M.S. in International Relations with concentrations in Global Affairs, National Security Affairs, or Regional Affairs.

Troy University Online Graduate Degrees

The granddaddy of them all (the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University) offers a hybrid (online study plus residencies) M.A. in International Affairs. Not the Holy Grail M.A.L.D. degree, but no one can question a Tufts/Fletcher pedigree when it comes to International Relations/Affairs.

Tufts-Fletcher GMAP

 

I agree with what others have said. UNG has some sharp people and probably has better name recognition, but it might be better to start looking for ANY federal job than to go to a regional school. The process to obtaining such a position is very time-consuming, but once you are in the federal "system", it is much easier to land other federal jobs. Get into the system (preferably in the DMV area where most of the action is), look into local programs, then look into the more specific positions.