Master of Global Studies Program
The Master of Global Studies (MGS) degree is designed to meet the growing societal and occupational needs in a highly competitive and yet increasingly interdependent world for students trained in international affairs and administration. The main mission of the MGS program is to produce well rounded and educated persons who understand and appreciate the diversity and complexity of international affairs, who understand the role of global citizenship, and who can bring imaginative and creative problem-solving skills to problems faced by the global community.
The MGS is designed to equip students with analytical skills in areas such as, policy analysis, administration/management, foreign languages, communication, quantitative analysis, and problem-solving that allow them to pursue careers in both public and private sector institutions in an international environment. The MGS also prepares students to continue their education at the doctoral level in international relations, political science or other related fields.
The MGS program plays an important role in contributing toward Missouri State University's statewide mission in public affairs.
Please note that students now have TWO options for
earning a Master's in Global Studies. The
traditional approach is outlined first below.
Second, is the new option for the accelerated program.
Questions about the program? Please see the
section entitled "Frequently Asked Questions" below.
Also, please see the Graduate College Homepage or
International Services Homepage or contact the Program
Director.
MGS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
I. Required Core Courses
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PLS 705 Seminar in Comparative Politics 3 hrs
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PLS 713 Seminar in. Foreign Policy Decision-Making 3 hrs
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PLS 715 Comparative Public Administration 3 hrs
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PLS 721 International Political Economy 3 hrs
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PLS 732 International Relations in Theory & Practice 3 hrs
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PLS 737 Seminar in International Organization & Administration 3 hrs
Total 18 hrs
II. Cognate Fields
Cognate Fields. The MGS candidate, in consultation with the Program Director and with approval of the department head, may choose one of the following four cognate fields: 15-18 hrs
a. International Relations/Comparative Politics. PLS 635, 644, 645, 646, 648, 560, 642, 757, 771, 780, 782, 797; HST 643, 656, 659, 660, 661, 671, 688, 740, 760; ECO 620; GRY 607, 697
b. Public Administration: PLS 673, 755, 759, 762, 763, 780, 781, 797; MGT 747, 764, 765; FGB 682; PLN 605, 650, 670, 671, 672, 674, 676, 696, 697, 704
c. International Economics and Business: PLS 780, 781, 797; ECO 665, 705, 710; ACC 606; FGB 600; RIL 639; MGT 747, 761; MKT 774
d. National Security: PLS 717, 719, 772, 773, 782; CRM 640 and 645 (students who have completed PLS 717, 719; CRM 640 and 645 will be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security and Defense from the College of Humanities and Public Affairs)
Within each cognate field, a student is required to take courses that are related to each other and reflect the student’s strength and interest. Depending on the research option selected, students will take five or six courses in their chosen cognate field.
III. Research Options
A student will be
required to complete 3-6 hours of one of the following
two options:
-
Non-Thesis Option. Complete required core courses (18 hours), 21 hours in chosen cognate field (see above), including PLS 780.
-
Thesis Option. Complete required core courses (18 hours), 15 hours in chosen cognate field, and 6 hours of PLS 799. The thesis option is open only to students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75.
IV. Comprehensive
Examination
Upon completion of course work, students with a
GPA of less than 3.70 will be required to pass a written
comprehensive examination that covers the core MGS courses.
All students will require to complete an exit interview
with the program upon graduation (before or after graduation
depending on student preference). Students are
reminded to contact the program director (normally one
semester before graduation) to arrange a comprehensive
exam.
V. Foreign Language Requirement
Equivalent of two years of courses in any modern language offered either at Missouri State University or at another institution of higher learning. A student’s language proficiency will be determined by both written and oral examinations in his/her chosen foreign language. In some cases, international students may substitute their native language, if it is not English, for the language requirement if it is related to their cognate field.
VI. Quantitative Methods Requirement: 0-3 hoursStudents without any statistical background will be required to take course work in their area. Proficiency in quantitative methods must be demonstrated either by passing a Diagnostic Test in quantitative methods or by having completed PLS 676 (Quantitative Methods of Political Science and Public Policy) or ECO 508 (Intermediate Econometrics) or an equivalent course approved by the Program Director.
VII. Internships
Students are encouraged
to enroll in PLS 782 (an internship). In the past, students
have secured positions in internships in locations ranging
from the local government in Springfield to Japan.
In the summer of 2010, for example, students served as
interns at the Center for Strategic and International
Studies (CSIS), the Center for the Study of the
Presidency and Congress and the Permanent Mission of
Japan to the United Nations. Students may receive three hours of credit for the internship
and it may be counted in the "cognate field" portion of
the program requirements. Students are reminded to
contact the program director, complete relevant forms
and submit relevant reports throughout the period of the
internship.
Entrance Requirements:
All students applying for admission to the MGS program must submit recent Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Precise application instructions are provided in the section entitled "Applying to the MGS program" below. Please follow those instructions or it may take additional time to process your application.
Normally, applicants with a 3.00 GPA or above in their undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and a combined GRE score of not less than 900 on the verbal and quantitative sections will be admitted to the MGS program in good standing. A minimum score of 900 is required on the combined verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE, with a minimum of 475 on either the verbal or quantitative section and a score of not less than 425 on the other. All students applying for admission must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) before being admitted into the program. After the current GRE exam is replaced with a new GRE exam in late 2011, students will be required to earn scores equivalent to those on the present exam. Under the new GRE system, students should earn a minimum combined score of 290. Normally, a minimum of 150 in the verbal or quantitative section is required and a score of not less than 140 on the other.
We are sorry, but GMAT, LSAT, MCAP and other exams cannot substitute for the GRE
Three strong letters from professors at the undergraduate level and/or persons well acquainted with the applicant’s education and abilities. These letters are to be submitted to the Director of the MGS program.
Applicants with a GPA between 2.75 and 2.909 and/or a score of less than 900 on the GRE may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis. A personal interview may be requested.
International students applying for admission to the MGS program who do not have an undergraduate degree from an American university must have completed the equivalent of an undergraduate degree at an accredited university. They must also demonstrate graduate-level proficiency in English by either having achieved a score of 550 on the paper-based, or a comparable score of 79 on the IBT (or internet-based) TOEFL, or by other equivalent means. More information may be found on the website of the international student services office at http://international.missouristate.edu/services/70306.htm and in the section entitled, "Applying to the MGS program" below.
Prerequisite Courses:
The MGS program does not require any specific prerequisite courses. However, an applicant may be advised or required to take undergraduate prerequisite courses in areas pertinent to the MGS program. For example, an applicant with little or no statistical training will be required to take an undergraduate course in statistics, or a student who has little knowledge of global affairs may be advised to take an undergraduate course in international and/or comparative politics before enrolling in the respective graduate seminars in these two fields.
International Exchange Program Opportunities:
Missouri State University maintains numerous links with China (see the Office of China Programs). In 2010, the MGS program established an exchange program with the Contemporary China Studies Program of the School of International Studies at Renmin (People's) University of China in Beijing, People's Republic of China. Renmin University ranks No. 1 in numerous disciplines in the humanities and social sciences among hundreds of universities in China. The Program in Contemporary China Studies offers students an opportunity to study Chinese governance and foreign relations while living in China, yet without having to master the Chinese language. Courses offered include Contemporary Chinese Politics, Contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy, Contemporary Chinese Society, Sino-American Relations, Contemporary Chinese Economy and Finance, China's Grand Strategy and other classes. Students may also choose to take Basic/Intermediate Level Chinese Language courses. Faculty members are specialists in their respective fields. Located in the heart of China's dynamic capital, this exchange program provides MGS students with unparalleled opportunities. For more information, contact the program director, Dr. Dennis Hickey.
Study Abroad Opportunities:
The MGS program encourages students to participate in study abroad trips. Past study tours have included China and various European countries (including Russia). For more information, contact the program director.
Student Academic-Related Activities:
Graduate students enrolled in the MGS program have participated in numerous international conferences, study-abroad tours, exchange programs overseas, internships and a wide variety of other academic-related events. Such activities play a critical role in helping students learn about the global community (and help make them more competitive job candidates after graduation). To view some images of students engaged in various academic-related activities, please click here.
Graduate Assistantships:
All students applying for a graduate assistantship must have their GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) on file at the time of application. All graduate assistants in Political Science are required to take 9 hours of course work. The Department typically awards up to ten graduate assistantships per year to students in the MGS program and the MPA program. A stipend and a waiver of tuition accompany the assistantship.
Global Studies Graduate Faculty:
The MGS program has internationally acclaimed faculty members, all of whom hold doctoral degrees from leading centers of graduate education. They conduct research on a wide variety of topics pertaining to international studies and global politics. A low faculty/student ratio assures small classes and individual attention. Here is list of some of the core faculty in the program:
Dr. Dennis Hickey,
(program director), international relations and
comparative politics
Dr. Gabriel Ondetti, comparative
politics and international relations
Dr. Indira Palacios, comparative
politics and international relations
Dr. David Romano,
international relations and comparative politics
Dr. Brian Calfano,
methodology
Dr. Mark Ellickson, methodology
Dr. James Kaatz, comparative public
administration
Successful Alumni:
The Masters in Global Studies Program helps prepare students for successful careers. Here is just a small sample of positions currently held by alumni of the program:
- China Analyst, US Department of Defense (DOD)
- Overt Watch Analyst, US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Management Analyst, US Department of State
- Political Analyst, US Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq
- Management Analyst, US Air Force, US Department of Defense
- Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Producer, Television Tokyo
- Counter-Terrorism Analyst, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Assistant Professor (tenure track), University of Seattle
- Doctoral Student, University of Maryland
- Lecturer in Law and American Politics, Missouri State University Campus at Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- Doctoral Student, University of North Texas
- Special Program Associate, Landmine Survivors Network
- Regional Director and Senior Middle East Analyst, Strategic Forecasting Inc.
- International Marketing Specialist, InDiv Export Management Company
- Study Away Advisor, Study Away Programs, Missouri State University
- Executive Vice President, Springfield Chamber of Commerce
- Project Director, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Kiev, Ukraine
- Doctoral Student, Indiana University
- Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Oman
- Doctoral Student, Louisiana State University
- Senior IT Auditor, Federal Reserve Bank, Irving, Texas
- Project Manager, United Nations Development Program, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Field Artillery Officer, US Army
- English Instructor, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Chinese Language Instructor, Fayette County Public Schools, Lexington, KY
- Officer, WND Enterprises Service and Administration Bureau, Wuxi New District Administrative Committee, Jiangsu Province, China
- Instructor, Drury University
- Manager, Proctor & Gamble, Moscow, Russia
- Project Manager, United Nations Development Program, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Lecturer, California State University, Monterey
- Doctoral Candidate, Australia National University
- Lecturer in American Politics, Missouri State University Campus at Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
- International Project Development Manager, City of Seattle
- Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Program Participant
- Doctoral Student, Howard University
- Assistant Professor (tenure track), Political Science Department, University of South Carolina
- Presidential Management Fellow, US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Debtor Contact Representative, Social Security Administration
- Licensure and Certification
Specialist II, Missouri Department of Mental Health
Applying to the MGS Program
Individuals interested in applying to the MGS program may obtain an application from the Graduate College, Missouri State University, 901 S. National, Springfield, MO 65897 (417-836-5335), Carrington Hall, Room 306. Downloadable forms and an on-line application form are provided at the Graduate College website at:http://graduate.missouristate.edu/admissions.htm Please note that international students must also follow all directions as outlined on the Graduate College website at http://graduate.missouristate.edu/international.htm
In addition to completing the relevant forms and submitting documents to the Graduate College, please send letters of recommendation and applications for a graduate assistantships directly to the MGS program director. These forms are available below in downloadable versions.
We welcome applications for admission to the program. However, please note that if an applicant does not follow the instructions, an application might be delayed. So, please carefully follow all instructions.
Application
for Graduate Assistantship
Recommendation Letter Form
You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the Graduate Student Handbook. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
International Affairs Career Resources
and Internship Information
NEW!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is there an application deadline?
A: The MGS program uses a 'rolling admissions process.' It does not have a firm deadline per se. However, those US students who apply for admission after July 20 for the fall semester must pay a higher application fee and those who apply after December 20 for the spring semester must pay a higher application fee (see Graduate College website application instructions). International students must apply by May 1 if they wish to enroll in the fall semester and September 1 if they wish to enroll in the spring semester. See international student services website for more information. All students are strongly encouraged to apply long before the deadlines to avoid complications and disappointment.
Q: Which application materials must be sent to the Program Director rather than the Graduate College or International Student Services office?
A: Please send your statement of purpose (a letter explaining why you want to enroll in the program) directly to the Program Director and arrange for letters of reference to mailed directly to the Program Director. Applications for a graduate assistantship must also be mailed directly to the Program Director.
Q: May I substitute the GMAT or LSAT or some other exam for the GRE exam? Can the GRE exam be waived?
A: No.
Q: Is there a minimum number of
hours to earn a MGS degree?
A: Yes, 39 hours.
Q: I need to take quantitative methods. Will PLS 676 count toward the 39 hour minimum for the MGS degree?
A: Yes
Q: Will my foreign language courses count toward the 39 hour minimum for the MGS degree?
A: No
Q: Why do some students appear to need 15 hours in a cognate field, while other students need 18 hours?
A: Some students will fulfill the research requirement with a thesis--that counts as 6 hours (PLS 799) . But the vast majority will opt for a research project (PLS 780 which is 3 hours). Hence, the hours required for a cognate field may vary.
Q: When should I complete my Adviser Approved Program of Study Form and arrange for it to be sent to the Graduate School
A: Normally, this form must be submitted before a student completes 14 hours of classes. It must be reviewed and signed by the program director. Then, it goes to the Graduate College for review and approval. Normally, this is completed in the second semester and occasionally in the third semester. If a student decides to make changes in the program of study, the student must fill out a new form that will be approved by the program director and sent to the Graduate College.
Q: Is there any flexibility with respect to cognate field requirements?
A: In some instances, students
have been granted permission to substitute graduate
level courses from another field or program for courses
listed in the cognates fields. The student must
first obtain permission from the Program Director and
the Department Head.
Q: I want to enroll in an independent study course
(PLS 797) or complete a research project (PLS 780).
How do I do that?
A: Contact a professor who has agreed to supervise your work. Write a clear, concise proposal and a comprehensive bibliography and submit it to your professor for approval. If approved by your professor, it must be approved also by the Program Director and Department Head. Needless to say, this requires some advanced planning and work.
Q: I want to participate in the exchange program with People's University in Beijing. How many hours will transfer into the program?
A: Nine hours.
Q: If I obtain a graduate assistantship within the MGS program, may I enroll in another degree or certificate program without the director's permission and have the tuition waived for those classes?
A: No.
Q: How do I prepare for the comprehensive exam?
A: Advanced planning is an excellent idea. Save your seminar notes, exams and readings and refer to them when studying for the exam. Contact your professors well in advance of the exam, and inform them that you will be taking the exam at the end of the semester (when they are normally scheduled by the program director). It is not inappropriate to ask professors to remember to submit questions for the exam. Inform the program director as early as possible that you plan to take the exam. He will explain the format and provide other relevant details about your examination.
BE SURE TO VISIT MASTER OF GLOBAL STUDIES
PROGRAM
ON
FACEBOOK
NEW!
ACCELERATED MASTER OF GLOBAL STUDIES (MGS) OPTION
Eligible Missouri State University majors in Global Studies, Political Science, and other relevant disciplines may apply for preliminary acceptance into the Master of Global Studies program after admission requirements for the accelerated master’s option have been satisfied. If accepted, both the undergraduate and graduate requirements for dual-listed courses (6xx) must have been fulfilled to be counted for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. This option gives exceptional undergraduate students the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in ten semesters and a summer. Contact the Department of Political Science for further information and guidelines.
Before enrolling in a course to be counted as both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the course toward the master’s degree, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and receive prior approval from the graduate program advisor, department head of the undergraduate program, and the dean of the Graduate College. Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the course(s). See the Graduate College for further information.
Admission Process for the Accelerated MGS Option:
Immediately prior to or during the junior year, the prospective student should discuss the possibility of participating in the Accelerated Master’s Degree program with their undergraduate advisor, Director of the MGS Program and Department Head of the Political Science Department. If the student’s academic record and potential are judged strong, the Director recommends the student to the proposed Accelerated MGS program for approval by the Department Head. Undergraduate students who enter the Accelerated Master’s Degree program should have a sponsor, i.e., a MGS faculty member who will serve as a mentor to the student throughout the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Students admitted into the Accelerated Master’s Degree program will not be fully admitted into the Graduate College until completion of their undergraduate degree and fulfillment of all other requirements for admission to the Graduate College (such as the Graduate Record Examination). Students should be awarded the bachelor’s degree upon completion of a minimum of 125 hours of and undergraduate course work and degree-specific requirements.
Admission Requirements for the Accelerated MGS Option:
1. Global Studies, political science and other undergraduate majors must have at least junior standing and a minimum of 60 credit hours.
2. Applicants must have a minimum 3.50 GPA in the major curriculum and a 3.00 overall GPA.
3. Students in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program must maintain a 3.50 GPA in their major and maintain a 3.00 overall GPA to remain in the program.
4. Transfer students will be allowed into the Accelerated Masters Degree Program. Transfer students must have
a minimum of 30 graded hours of course work at Missouri State University before they can be accepted into the program.
5. A maximum of 12 credits of accumulated graduate hours may be applied toward completion of their undergraduate degree requirements. The following courses will be allowed as electives in the MGS program if they have been completed as graduate courses (only courses regularly offered are listed; when courses on demand are offered, a student may petition to count them as electives towards the accelerated program); the four courses counting towards the accelerated program must have four different codes, including at least one PLS code:
Course Counts towards (in MGS program)
ECO 565 International Economics, 3 hours, S Counts towards International Economics & Business
FGB 584 International Financial Management, 3 hours, S Counts towards International Economics & Business
GRY 507 Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa, 3 hours, S Counts towards International Relations/Comparative Politics
HST 565 English Constitution, Courts and Common Law, 3 hours, F Counts towards IR/Comparative Politics
PLS 635 American Foreign Policy, 3 hours, F Counts towards IR/Comparative Politics
PLS 644 Governments and Politics of the Middle East, 3 hours, FO Counts towards IR/Comparative Politics
PLS 645 Asian Politics, 3 hours, S Counts towards IR/Comparative Politics
PLS 647 The Politics of the European Union, 3 hours, SE Counts towards IR/Comparative Politics
PLS 648 Governments and Politics of Latin America, 3 hours, F Counts towards IR/Comparative Politics
PLS 650 Modern African Politics, 3 hours, FO Counts towards IR/Comparative Politics
PLS 663 Modern Political Theory, 3 hours, SO Counts towards IR/Comparative Politics
PLS 665 Contemporary Political Ideologies, 3 hours, SE, Counts towards IR/Comparative Politics
PLS 676 Quantitative Methods of Political Science and Public Policy, 3 hours, F/S Counts towards Quantitative Methods requirement
PLS 782 Internship/Practicum in International Field, 3 hours Counts towards any cognate field
IMPORTANT NOTICE: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS WHO WISH TO RECEIVE GRADUATE CREDIT FOR CROSS-LISTED COURSES (for example, Latin American politics, Asian politics, American foreign policy, etc), MUST FIRST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND DEPARTMENT HEAD AND THEN COMPLETE ALL THE GRADUATE LEVEL COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CLASS! PLEASE DO NOT ASK TO RECEIVE GRADUATE CREDIT FOR UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL WORK.
For additional information about the MGS program and your options, please contact the program director, Dr. Dennis Hickey by email at dennishickey@missouristate.edu or by phone at (417) 836-5850 or phone the main political science office at 417-836-5630.