Norwich University | Master of Arts in Diplomacy

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MDY Program Overview

Gain a unique perspective on the international system

Program Mission

The Diplomacy Program provides a unique and relevant contribution to international relations. Mature individuals from diverse backgrounds acquire the conceptual and theoretical background and the skills necessary to perform effectively at senior and policy formation levels of the military and government and in a multitude of capacities throughout private industry. Within one of three concentration areas that include conflict management, international commerce or international terrorism, students explore foundational and contemporary theory and practice at systemic levels and examine specific issues from a variety of perspectives. Graduates demonstrate skills in research and information literacy, critical thinking, writing and oral communications.

Program Goals

Students will demonstrate understanding of the political, cultural and geographical complexity of the international environment.
Students will demonstrate the ability to view the historical and present day international system from multiple perspectives.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of conflict within an international system.
Students will demonstrate awareness of specific issues affecting the international system as developed within their respective concentrations.
Students will demonstrate oral and written skills needed to communicate effectively within a complex international environment.
Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills needed to generate and implement problem-solving strategies.
Students will demonstrate information literacy skills needed to locate, analyze, and synthesize relevant information from a wide range of sources.

Additional Features

Unique Curriculum

The Diplomacy curriculum is divided into three core seminars and the three seminars that comprise the concentration area of your choice.

The Core Curriculum provides a systematic overview of the historical and current theories, and the contending explanatory paradigms of the international system. It explores terminology, history and theories surrounding International Law (including such topics as Environmental Law and Humanitarian Intervention), as well as the World System, Modernization, and Globalization Paradigms in relation to the International Economic Political System.

The International Commerce concentration focuses on the role of private-sector commerce in the international system by examining internal and external environmental conditions when conducting commerce in a global environment. You explore the impact of economics, law, politics, and culture on multinational commerce endeavors to increase your understanding of the global commerce environment and thereby enhancing your ability to function effectively across borders.

International Terrorism examines the growing threat of terrorism in the international community. The need to explore this threat is obvious. But the complexity of this threat is not so obvious, and is in need of examination by those that are attempting to combat it. The concentration focuses on two major aspects of terrorism, state sponsored and non-state sponsored terrorism and then explores the international community's response to this global threat.

The International Conflict Management curriculum is oriented toward avoidance, management and mitigation of conflict in this increasingly conflict-oriented world and is designed for civilian and military professionals who must apply a broad range of skills in diplomacy, conflict resolution or management, and post-conflict nation building.

Academic Excellence

Within the rigorous academic environment, you acquire the theoretical understanding of your concentration area, congruent with a master's level of education, but also gain the tools and skills needed to communicate fluently in today's complex international environment.

Faculty

The Master of Arts in Diplomacy is designed, developed and taught by some of the most renowned experts in the fields related to the international system, all of whom have terminal degrees in their respective fields.

Class Size

Small class sizes (not more than 16 students) ensure you receive individualized attention directly from faculty. You also develop close relationships with fellow learners from around the world as you interact with them creating a vast network of professional contacts.

Support

You are provided with 24/7 help desk support for technical issues within the online classroom, a uniquely designed curriculum structure, and a caring atmosphere that comes along with being part of Norwich University.

Accreditation

Norwich University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Thesis track

The thesis track provides the opportunity for creativity, focused research skills, scholarly investigation and rewarding discovery. As a thesis student, you will complete all six six-credit seminars. There is no workload reduction while you pursue your thesis as it is a complement to your normal degree work. If you wish to do a thesis, you present a formal application and have your candidacy accepted by the Program Director after the completion of the first two seminars of the program but before the start of Seminar 3. There is a separate fee structure for the thesis track.

The Diplomacy program is structured as follows:

Four start dates per year; March, June, September or December
Six, six-credit, eleven-week seminars
Complete all coursework in 18 months
Graduate 18-24 months from your enrollment date
Residency week academic activities and graduation ceremony
Online, highly experiential, asynchronous curricular activities include threaded discussions, reading, writing, and workplace-oriented assignments