Earning a master’s degree in international relations (IR) is a great way to build your resume in preparation for employment with the federal government. In fact, most IR positions require job candidates to have a master’s degree. A new entrant into this job market will quickly realize, however, that choosing a specialization within the IR field is most important. Choosing the right area to specialize in will ensure that you are viewed as a qualified applicant for positions in the branch, agency, or office of your choice. Here is a look at some of the most popular fields of study in IR.
International Security and Conflict Resolution
International security studies and conflict resolution are fields within IR that prepare students to identify, analyze, and report on the issues related to peace and stability between nations. International security and conflict resolution programs have students studying historical causes of conflict and learning to recognize and react to such circumstances as they might appear in the present day. CIA intelligence analysts commonly perform this kind of work, monitoring international political developments and reporting on their potential implications for world peace.
The staff members of Congressional committees such as the House Foreign Affairs Committee or Senate committees such as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are also responsible for analyzing issues pertaining to global security. These committees are responsible for considering the U.S. laws that put foreign policy into action and must be fully briefed on developments in the international security landscape.
Additionally, those who focus on security studies along with conflict resolution could work as Foreign or Civil Service Officers within the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation at the Department of State. These roles will entail analysis of security issues and implementation of resolutions that negate threats to security through negotiation with foreign counterparts.
Sustainable International Development
Another widely applicable sub-specialty of IR is international development. International development graduate programs give students the opportunity to study the societal challenges facing the citizens of less developed states. International development specialists work with a number of issues, including poverty, health, economic development, and environmental preservation. Students enrolled in international development programs will become familiar with the conditions that foster these issues as well as the steps they can take to address them.
A specialization in international development will prepare a student for a career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This position involves developing and managing programs that encourage international development. Like the U.S. Department of State, USAID also offers Civil Service career opportunities.
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Department of Agriculture (DOA) also perform international development work. A position with the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at DOS would involve analyzing and providing recommendations for U.S. policy concerning environmental preservation and sustainability. DOA employs program specialists to coordinate agricultural training and aid distribution around the world.
Choosing a field of study within IR is just as important as making the initial decision to pursue an advanced degree in IR. In light of its impact on available career opportunities, students are encouraged to carefully consider and decide between a specialization in conflict resolution or international development soon after beginning their studies. This will allow them to tailor their course selection and internship experience during graduate school to their desired field of work. Doing so will allow students to demonstrate their expertise and passion in the IR field, which will greatly enhance the quality of their candidacy for employment.
