So, my focus and interest seems to be crystallizing around International Relations and/or Public Administration/Government. Since my UG degree is technical, I would like to prospect for any advice regarding possible preparation for a graduate degree in those fields. For anyone in the know: 1) Does one need much prerequisites (if any) before embarking on such a study? 2) Is there any initial difficulty to study if one is coming from an unrelated UG background? 3) What is the general makeup of such a class in a DL program? Would most have a background in IR/PA or are an exotic melange of majors? 4) I would like to concentrate my focus on the Middle East, as I was born and raised in North Africa and speak Arabic. Any recommendations for a good program besides AMU's? Thank you.
You might want to look at a few DL MPA and IR programs to see what they want for pre-requisites. The MPA program that I am in right now wanted me to complete an introductory statistics course and have some professional experience (or an internship involving the public sector). There is a National Security Studies program (Not DL BTW) that requires a person to complete a course in algebra, American politics and national security policy. It's not exactly IR, but it's the closest that I can find at my University. Also, some IR programs might have a foreign language requirement. I come from a business background. I took a couple of extra political science course (almost double majored, but decided to get out ASAP). I would say that the best advice to you (besides fulfilling any pre-requisites that your desired program may have) is if you are aware of the issues in each of the areas, you'll be just fine. It seems, from your post, that you have a natural interest in these areas. I have no personal experience with any IR program, and the MPA program that I am in is not DL, yet. Awhile ago, I asked another member about the online MA IR program that he was in at Staffordshire University in the UK. He gave it a good recommendation. Use the search at the bottom, and search for IR programs. You'll find it. NOTE to MODS: Can you guys move this to the DL discussion area. I just think this will get more attention over there.
Master's degrees in international relations are to be found here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21843 . Master's degrees in public administration are to be found here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22140 .
Additional master's degrees in international relations are to be found here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21002 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20960 Additional master's degrees in public administration are to be found here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19764 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20284
An older thread on master's degrees in international relations is to be found here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9591 . An older thread on master's degrees in public administration is to be found here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11268 .
I have known a few Social Workers who have gone the MPA route as they were interested in the management of non-profits and/or politics. I'm guessing that you will find some substantial diversity of backgrounds. Jack
Thank you all for the info. I will look up those threads, Ted. To any mod: humbly requesting to move this thread to the DL forum. I didn't notice that I posted it here, when I hit the new thread button. Thank you.
