World politics have undergone a profound alteration over the past two decades. The collapse of the former Soviet Union, the evolution of the European Union, events in the Greater Middle East, the rising power of China as well as other developing countries, the influence of non-state actors such as terrorist groups and NGOs, plus concerns about national and global economic issues demonstrate a paradigm shift in international affairs. The Cold War, which dominated global events for nearly five decades, is over, yet what will replace the norms and institutions of that era is not clear. What is apparent, however, is that the world community is increasingly interdependent, that traditional identities and values are being reexamined, and that new challenges are likely to emerge.<br><br>The Master of Science in International Relations (MSIR) degree program is a 12-course, 36-credit-hour curriculum of study designed to provide students with the foundation and knowledge needed to understand the context and conduct of international relations. Students are encouraged to gain a wide-ranging appreciation of the political, historical, cultural, economic, and geographical factors that affect international relations. This appreciation is accomplished through a program of instruction focused on international relations theory and its application but drawing from disciplines such as history, economics, and geography. Students also acquire methodological and analytical skills that improve their understanding and ability to evaluate national and global developments.