Master of Arts
The STEM-designated Global Governance, Politics, and Security: Quantitative Economic Methods program combines advanced economic and quantitative training with real-world international policy challenges. Our mission is to equip students with superior data analytics and economics skills, positioning them for the most sought-after roles in international affairs today. With a 36-credit curriculum, students gain expertise in economics, specialize in quantitative methods, and build a strong foundation in global politics. They can also customize their studies with a secondary specialization in Global Security, Multilateral Diplomacy, State, Society & Politics, or International Economic Policy.
After completing foundational coursework in politics & economics, students will complete 9 credits hours in econometrics and quantitative methods, with the option to pursue either a standard or accelerated track.
Specializations and Areas of Focus
GGPS:QEM students will complete nine credit hours in their primary specialization in quantitative economics or data science coursework. You will also complete three credit hours from the lens of comparative and regional studies, global security, global governance, or international political economy.
Additionally, students will complete three credit hours from one of the following secondary areas of focus:
- Global Security
- Multilateral Diplomacy & Global Governance
- State, Society & Politics
- International Economic Policy
Capstone
All GGPS:QEM students complete a student research requirement for their capstone. Students can choose from three different options to fulfill their capstone.
Practicum Program
The Practicum is a one-semester, pre-professional experience which serves as a capstone for the MA program. Student teams complete projects for external client organizations, producing deliverables that address challenges identified by clients in a statement of work. Students work under a site supervisor and a faculty advisor. Each practicum offers real-world experience with project management, client relations, oral presentations, and writing skills. Practicum options change every year, and students can apply to one that best suits their academic and career interests.
Master's Thesis
The Master's Thesis is an original research project appropriate for students looking to complete a longer and more academically rigorous research paper. It is similar to the Substantial Research Paper but will completed over the course of one year.
Substantial Research Paper
The Substantial Research Paper (SRP) is an independent research project intended to integrate and apply knowledge from the field to a final scholarly project. The SRP culminates in a 50- to 60-page report that defines a question, applies one or more specific research methods to the question, develops findings, and discusses their implications and significance. Completed during your final semester in the program, the SRP is conducted under the supervision of a IER:QM faculty member.
Application At a Glance
View a detailed admission and degree requirements listing for your degree of interest.
- Entrance Semester
- Fall and Spring
- Application Deadline
- January 15 for the fall semester
- October 1 for the spring semester
- Additional Requirements
- Undergraduate degree
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- TOEFL/IELTS score if international applicant
- Application
- Completion of online application