UWF to add master’s degree in international affairs this fall

The University of West Florida College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities is adding a Master of Arts in International Affairs beginning in Fall 2020, pending approval from the Florida Board of Governors. The UWF Board of Trustees approved the program at its quarterly meeting on April 23. The program is currently being offered as a specialization track in the master’s in political science program, housed within the Reuben O’D. Askew Department of Government. 

The new stand-alone degree, a program of strategic emphasis in the current State University System Strategic Plan, will emphasize international politics, including relations between countries, trade and diplomatic negotiations, foreign policy, military conflict and engagement, and policy guidance and decision making. It will consist of 33 semester credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree, and will be offered in both face-to-face and synchronous online delivery formats. 

“Students and potential employers can expect a rigorous program that prepares graduates to meet the increased demand for advanced education in international affairs,” said Dr. George Ellenberg, UWF provost and senior vice president. “We are eager to see the positive outcomes of this program, which supports our mission to expand academic disciplines in a thoughtful way.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects national demand for individuals with advanced education in international affairs to grow between 5-9% through 2026. Additionally, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity data estimates growth between 6-10% for graduates with a master’s degree and training in international affairs within the state of Florida through 2026. 

Graduates with this degree can find employment opportunities with mean annual wages ranging from $72,520 to $112,030, according to the Bureau. They will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for jobs in both the public and private sectors under a variety of titles, including intelligence analyst, policy analyst, international relations specialist, and regulatory affairs specialist. 

“With technological advancements we are closer with our international neighbors than ever before,” said Dr. Michelle Williams, chair of the government department and professor of political science. “It’s imperative that we understand the operations of other countries and their governments and now UWF will offer an avenue to do just that.”

A master’s in international affairs is highly sought after by employers including national defense contractors, multinational corporations, and the military, with all these sectors operating in the Northwest Florida region. 

The Master of Arts in International Affairs will also provide interdisciplinary research opportunities for faculty and students, including the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, on topics such as cyberwar threats to governments and national security policy. 

For more information about the programs offered by the Reuben O’D. Askew Department of Government, visit uwf.edu/cassh.