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School of Security & Global Studies

International Relations and Global Security

Online Master of Arts in International Relations and Global Security (MA)

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About This Program

American Military University’s (AMU) master’s in international relations and global security provides a comparative study of complex international systems.

This online master’s degree in international relations is designed to develop broad, integrated knowledge of international studies, international affairs, and conflict resolution.

AMU’s program builds your understanding of:

  • Classical and alternative international relations theories
  • The changing role of the state in terms of globalization, regionalism, and security
  • The impact of non-actors
  • Competing political interests
  • Key debates on world order, diplomacy, and international law
  • Tools used to defuse current and potential conflicts

Written and oral communication, problem solving, and collaborative teamwork skills are developed.

What You Will Do

  1. Analyze classical and alternative theories of international relations and the major debates concerning world order, diplomacy, and international law
  2. Evaluate the changing role of the state in the context of globalization, regionalism, and security
  3. Assess the nature and distribution of economic, political, and military resources in the context of interdependence
  4. Distinguish interactions of state, non-state, and supra-national actors by understanding contemporary issues and providing differing levels of analysis

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
36
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

Explores regional issues and actors to determine the significant political, economic, security, diplomatic, and social challenges facing a selected region. Topics include peace through coercive power, nonviolence, world order, personal, and community transformation in a specific geographic region, as well as comparative analysis of different political regimes.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration the student will be able to:

  • Evaluate the potential for conflict in a specific region based on existing theories of causation.
  • Apply the approaches to peace through coercive power, nonviolence, world order, personal and community transformation in a specific geographic region.
  • Understand the concepts and theories of comparative analysis of different political regimes.
  • Determine the significant political, economic, security, diplomatic, and social challenges facing a selected region - individually as separate nations and collectively as a region.

Choose 12 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4825

|
This course will examine various case studies in Foreign Cyber Threats and explore the challenges posed by these threats. Through the review of case studies, students will become familiar with the fact that cyber threats are difficult to assess and mitigate given the existence of malicious actors, multiple motives, different but commonly used attack vectors, the internet as a shared and integrated domain, difficulty in predicting potential attacks and the damaging nature of worst-case scenarios. (Prerequisite: SSGS500)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3549

|
This course examines a broad range of governments utilizing the comparative method of analysis. Students will study democracies, monarchies, dictatorships and authoritarian forms of government. Students will participate in various class projects emphasizing contemporary problems of the various forms of governments of nation states today. This will take into consideration cultural differences and similarities, human nature, and the approaches of individual governments different from that of the American norm in carrying out their basic responsibility to maintain and strengthen society by equal justice for all of its citizens.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3470

|
This course of study examines the history of political, tactical and strategic developments and concepts regarding geopolitical concerns regarding political and military planning and execution from the mid-20th Century through the modern era. The comparative analysis of these concepts from the applicable secondary literature will provide a stepping stone to understanding the nature of modern combined arms and joint forces warfare.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3469

|
This course examines the relationship between military affairs and statecraft, ranging from how war is a logical consequence of political behavior. Case studies in the great powers' use of force and military issues clarify the connection between politics and the use of force, including war in its international context, attitudes toward war and its causes, the notion of "vital interests," WHY humans fight, and aspects of past areas of conflict that appear relevant to the future.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3483

|
An examination of the governments and the militaries of the two Koreas. This course will closely examine the reasons behind the Korean peninsula playing such a pivotal role in overall Northeast Asian security. The course will examine domestic political, economic and social problems and prospects of North Korea and South Korea; the prospects for reunification; the military balance and the changing strategic environment; and the relations of Pyongyang and Seoul with their key allies. Includes an examination of U.S. relations with Korea.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3489

|
Latin America continues as one of the most important areas to the United States -- even as it remains one of the least understood. In particular, the internal dimension of security has not yet been resolved in many Latin American nations to the extent that domestic stability can be taken for granted, a reality which could have profound consequences for the United States.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3487

|
This course examines the evolution of modern Middle Eastern politics. The scope includes political, social, and cultural interactions both within and among the countries located in the Middle East and North Africa. The course involves investigations of the political attitudes and behaviors of prominent players in these regions and a look into the diverse aspirations of specific political, cultural, or demographic groups. In the first weeks of the course, an introduction to the history of the Middle East sets the stage for historic developments that brought about structural dilemmas of today. Evaluating the involvement of outside powers in the politics of region comprises another topic, along with an investigation of how non-state actors affect the future of the region. Discussions concern debates about the prospects of democracy and the future key nations after the Arab Spring
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4526

|
This course will enable students to examine Islam and Islamist movements in historical, political, and cultural contexts, and to understand Islam and the Islamic world more broadly. It does not focus on Islamism specifically, but does include it. The breadth of the course content reflects the inconsistent and uncertain usage of the term Islam. Strictly defined, Islam refers only to the religion founded by Muhammad. It is not a political, ethnic, geographic or cultural term any more (or less) than Christianity is. After investigating the origins and expansion of Islam through history, a central theme explored concerns the various expressions of Islam in the Middle East and beyond, and the relationship of theology to polity within Islamic societies and predominantly Muslim nations.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5027

|
Within this course, students have the opportunity to receive credit for completing an approved internship. Participating in an internship provides students with a valuable educational and professional opportunity. During the internship students explore and gain hands on experience in a field they have an interest in working within. Within the School of Security and Global Studies the primary responsibility for finding an internship belongs to the student, however there are a number of resources in place to help you in your search and application process. Students interested in completing an internship for credit may reach out to their Program Director, Academic Advising, or Career Services for additional information. In addition to completing formal internship hours, students will be required to keep a journal of their internship experiences and will complete a final paper.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session A 16 Week session

Analyzes the principles and foundations of peace, conflict theory, conflict analysis and resolution, and negotiation strategies and concepts. Looks at the factors necessary to build a lasting peace. Topics include the complexity and limitations of negotiating across cultures and historical divides, and the value of multiparty mediation.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration the student will be able to:

  • Evaluate the potential for conflict in a society/state/region based on theories of causation.
  • Assess the approaches to peace through coercive power, nonviolence, and world order constructs.
  • Reconstruct the phenomenon of peace through examples and case studies.
  • Synthesize the rationale for negotiation versus historical tendencies toward coercion.
  • Evaluate the development of multiparty mediation and assess the value of such an approach.
  • Analyze the complexity and limitations of negotiating across cultures and historical divides.

Choose 12 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 3563

|
This course is a study of the theory and literature on the history and practice of international negotiations for purposes of peace; mediation between opposing factions, groups, or states; settlement of hostilities; preemption; among other issues. The course includes contending approaches to international negotiations, their basic assumptions and methodologies, and their application to current conflict situations. The role of culture and cross-cultural communication in international negotiation is explored. Also included in the course is discussion and study of skills development in international negotiation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3233

|
An examination of the strategic, operational, and tactical elements required for conducting both UN and non-UN sponsored peace operations. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the reasons for success or failure of previous and ongoing peacekeeping missions.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2581

|
The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and sources of international law that evaluate the various components, processes, and functions of the international legal process and consider how international law impacts the laws within the United States. Additionally, the current state of the international legal order is reviewed with legal opinions regarding major philosophies, components and current practices and problems of the field of international law.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3232

|
This course is a comprehensive survey of the overall evolution and functioning of United Nations peacekeeping operations from the end of the Cold War to the present. The focus of this course is the detailed analysis and comparative assessment of each peacekeeping operation as a tool of conflict management within the unique parameters in which it was established and conducted, and future trends for similar types of intervention and conflict resolution.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3493

|
This course assesses the role of diplomacy in national security policy development and implementation. It investigates diplomacy as an element of national power and how diplomacy is used by senior diplomats and military officials in the international sphere. The course provides an overview of the history, development, and trends in diplomacy. It will also examine different methods of building relationships, cross-cultural norms and communication challenges in the international environment, as well as the integration of traditional and public diplomacy with other elements of national power.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5027

|
Within this course, students have the opportunity to receive credit for completing an approved internship. Participating in an internship provides students with a valuable educational and professional opportunity. During the internship students explore and gain hands on experience in a field they have an interest in working within. Within the School of Security and Global Studies the primary responsibility for finding an internship belongs to the student, however there are a number of resources in place to help you in your search and application process. Students interested in completing an internship for credit may reach out to their Program Director, Academic Advising, or Career Services for additional information. In addition to completing formal internship hours, students will be required to keep a journal of their internship experiences and will complete a final paper.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session A 16 Week session

Examines international and transnational issues that affect the global community as a whole and nation-states as individual entities. Examines the distinct nature of conflict in the post-Cold War era, norms and purposes of international structures and regimes, and various manifestations of globalization and their impact on political, economic, and social systems.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration the student will be able to:

  • Construct a theory about the distinct nature of conflict in the post-Cold War era.
  • Assess the norms and purposes of international structures and regimes.
  • Critique the various manifestations of globalization and the impact on various political, economic and social systems.

    • Choose 12 credit hours from this section.

    Course ID: 3110

    |
    This course examines Intelligence Community responses to threats to the homeland U.S. from transnational and domestic actors. Students will examine intelligence roles and responsibilities, collaboration, information sharing, and limitations.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

    Course ID: 4183

    |
    This course will provide an overview of transnational crime and narcotics and its effects on national security, political, social, and economic development of countries around the world. The focus of this class will be the proliferation and expanding influence of organized crime groups, the increasing links among crime groups, corruption, and links to terrorism from transnational crime and narcotics. This class will examine the diverse dimensions of transnational crime and narcotics in the context of increasing globalization and the exponential impact of technology advances
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

    Course ID: 4825

    |
    This course will examine various case studies in Foreign Cyber Threats and explore the challenges posed by these threats. Through the review of case studies, students will become familiar with the fact that cyber threats are difficult to assess and mitigate given the existence of malicious actors, multiple motives, different but commonly used attack vectors, the internet as a shared and integrated domain, difficulty in predicting potential attacks and the damaging nature of worst-case scenarios. (Prerequisite: SSGS500)
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session

    Course ID: 3558

    |
    This seminar allows the student to research some of the primary theoretical perspectives and analytical approaches for studying international political economy. The course includes a survey of contemporary literature, with special emphasis on theory, the phenomenon of globalization, an exploration of trade relations, international finance, transnational corporations, economic development, North vs. South conflict, and global inequality. We will also examine how to critically evaluate research and set up a research project.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

    Course ID: 3469

    |
    This course examines the relationship between military affairs and statecraft, ranging from how war is a logical consequence of political behavior. Case studies in the great powers' use of force and military issues clarify the connection between politics and the use of force, including war in its international context, attitudes toward war and its causes, the notion of "vital interests," WHY humans fight, and aspects of past areas of conflict that appear relevant to the future.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

    Course ID: 3489

    |
    Latin America continues as one of the most important areas to the United States -- even as it remains one of the least understood. In particular, the internal dimension of security has not yet been resolved in many Latin American nations to the extent that domestic stability can be taken for granted, a reality which could have profound consequences for the United States.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

    Course ID: 2581

    |
    The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and sources of international law that evaluate the various components, processes, and functions of the international legal process and consider how international law impacts the laws within the United States. Additionally, the current state of the international legal order is reviewed with legal opinions regarding major philosophies, components and current practices and problems of the field of international law.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

    Course ID: 5027

    |
    Within this course, students have the opportunity to receive credit for completing an approved internship. Participating in an internship provides students with a valuable educational and professional opportunity. During the internship students explore and gain hands on experience in a field they have an interest in working within. Within the School of Security and Global Studies the primary responsibility for finding an internship belongs to the student, however there are a number of resources in place to help you in your search and application process. Students interested in completing an internship for credit may reach out to their Program Director, Academic Advising, or Career Services for additional information. In addition to completing formal internship hours, students will be required to keep a journal of their internship experiences and will complete a final paper.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session A 16 Week session

    Evaluates the principles and foundations of peace operations within the context of international and regional mechanisms. Addresses the evolving theory and practices of United Nations, along with specific peace-building, peacemaking, and peacekeeping operations in conflict areas.

    Objectives:

    Upon successful completion of this concentration the student will be able to:

    • Assess the evolving theory and practices of United Nations Peacekeeping operations.
    • Evaluate the role of UN and regional peacekeeping initiatives in specific peace-building, peace-making, and peace-keeping operations in conflict areas.

    Choose 12 credit hours from this section.

    Course ID: 3469

    |
    This course examines the relationship between military affairs and statecraft, ranging from how war is a logical consequence of political behavior. Case studies in the great powers' use of force and military issues clarify the connection between politics and the use of force, including war in its international context, attitudes toward war and its causes, the notion of "vital interests," WHY humans fight, and aspects of past areas of conflict that appear relevant to the future.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

    Course ID: 3233

    |
    An examination of the strategic, operational, and tactical elements required for conducting both UN and non-UN sponsored peace operations. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the reasons for success or failure of previous and ongoing peacekeeping missions.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

    Course ID: 2581

    |
    The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and sources of international law that evaluate the various components, processes, and functions of the international legal process and consider how international law impacts the laws within the United States. Additionally, the current state of the international legal order is reviewed with legal opinions regarding major philosophies, components and current practices and problems of the field of international law.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

    Course ID: 3232

    |
    This course is a comprehensive survey of the overall evolution and functioning of United Nations peacekeeping operations from the end of the Cold War to the present. The focus of this course is the detailed analysis and comparative assessment of each peacekeeping operation as a tool of conflict management within the unique parameters in which it was established and conducted, and future trends for similar types of intervention and conflict resolution.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

    Course ID: 5027

    |
    Within this course, students have the opportunity to receive credit for completing an approved internship. Participating in an internship provides students with a valuable educational and professional opportunity. During the internship students explore and gain hands on experience in a field they have an interest in working within. Within the School of Security and Global Studies the primary responsibility for finding an internship belongs to the student, however there are a number of resources in place to help you in your search and application process. Students interested in completing an internship for credit may reach out to their Program Director, Academic Advising, or Career Services for additional information. In addition to completing formal internship hours, students will be required to keep a journal of their internship experiences and will complete a final paper.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session A 16 Week session

    Must take all courses for this section.

    Course ID: 3557

    |
    This course provides an analysis of the three important theoretical debates of international relations: Idealism vs. Realism, Traditionalism vs. Behavioralism, and Realism vs. Neo-realism. The course also addresses the level of analysis problem, as well as the central assumptions and key concepts of various theories of international relations, with special emphasis on the basic concepts, propositions, and current critique of realism and neo-realism.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

    Course ID: 3560

    |
    This course examines how the international political system---the patterns of interaction among world political actors---has changed and how some of its fundamental characteristics have resisted change. Students will investigate how the global system works and how the process of globalization is remaking the political and economic world.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

    Course ID: 3568

    |
    This course introduces issues surrounding the two major categories of international institutions: intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. The course studies the theories, origins, principles, organization, activities, legal authority and performance of major international organizations as world actors in areas of economic development, international security, trade, and humanitarian assistance. IGOs serve as forums for communications, as regulators, as distributors, as organs of military security, and as peacekeepers.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

    Course ID: 4934

    |
    Introduction to Global Security addresses the complex global security environment. Focus is placed on the role that actors in the global environment play in the formulation and implementation of international, bilateral, and state policy, norms, and practice related to security issues of global scope and concern. The course also addresses the impact of these security related concerns in the global environment on domestic and international security.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

    Course ID: 3562

    |
    The course will consider the rationalist approach to conflict analysis, along with other theoretical approaches to international relations theory. It will examine the generic nature of conflict, whether between individuals or nations. It also directly addresses international conflict, its origins, discernible patterns, routine components, range of outcomes, and modes of conflict prevention or amelioration. Conflict resolution theory will be applied to various cases of contemporary conflict among nations. Students will develop a thorough awareness of the origins of conflict, various approaches to conflict analysis and resolution, as well as strategies for conflict prevention.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

    Course ID: 4891

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    This course provides basic research methods skills for addressing problems and issues specific to the programs within the School of Security and Global Studies (SSGS). The course covers four basic approaches to social research including experimentation, survey research, field research, and the use of available data. Students will gain foundational knowledge in research planning, design, methodology, data collection, and analysis. This course prepares students for advanced research methods. Students in SSGS graduate studies are expected to be completely familiar with Turabian and APA writing styles. If you do not possess copies of these manuals, here is a link to the library, https://www.apus.edu/apus-library/resources-services/Writing/writing-center.html, specific to writing basics, that has quick style guides in use within SSGS. Purchase of the most recent writing guide in use in your program is highly recommended. If you are unsure what writing style is in use in your program, consult with your academic advisor.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
    Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

    Choose 3 credit hours from this section.

    Course ID: 3842

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    The Master’s Capstone in International Relations is the capstone course for graduate programs in International Relations. NOTE: This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA. THIS COURSE IS 16 WEEKS.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session A 16 Week session
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 05/25/25 Winter 2025 Session K 16 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 06/22/25 Winter 2025 Session C 16 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session A 16 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 08/24/25 Spring 2025 Session K 16 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 09/21/25 Spring 2025 Session C 16 Week session

    Course ID: 4948

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    The School of Security and Global Studies Masters Project Capstone course gives students the opportunity to address issues of public importance that are directly or closely related to their own career, occupation, profession or current position. Creative projects as program capstones may derive from a wide variety of organizationally defined formats such as legislative proposals (local, state or federal), amicus briefs, standard operating procedures, training program manual, procedure manuals, organizational change proposals, communication plans, or recruitment plans to name but a few. The format will be proposed by the student and approved by the instructor. The creative project must demonstrate originality and will follow the style requirements set by the student's academic discipline. For example, a criminal justice student would present work in accordance with the current American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual. NOTE: It is mandatory for students to contact their Academic Advising team when they are 2 or 3 courses out from the capstone. Guidance on the format of the research study proposal and a sample proposal are contained in the APUS Research Study Manual. NOTE: This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED. THIS COURSE IS 16 WEEKS.
    Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
    07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session A 16 Week session
    08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 05/25/25 Winter 2025 Session K 16 Week session
    09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 06/22/25 Winter 2025 Session C 16 Week session
    10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session A 16 Week session
    11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 08/24/25 Spring 2025 Session K 16 Week session
    12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 09/21/25 Spring 2025 Session C 16 Week session

    Courses Start Monthly

    Next Courses Start Jan 6
    Register by Jan 3
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    Admission Requirements

    • All AMU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®).
    • Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
    • There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

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    Materials Cost

    Most courses in this program use Open Educational Resources (OER). These teaching, learning, and research materials are made available to you at no cost, meaning there are minimal book costs associated with earning this degree.

    Technology fee: $85 per course

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