What is a Master’s Degree?

For many who are interested in studying, international relations, and may have either took some international relations courses, or have an international relations degree, one question that they may be asking is: what is a master’s degree in international relations? However, a more basic question that needs to be answered is: what is a master’s degree? In this article, I answer the question: “What is a master’s degree?” I shall discuss what is a master’s degree, discussing this degree, and how it differs from other degrees. The hope is that this article will be of use for those looking for information on the question of what is a master’s degree. In addition, hopefully the reader can use this information as they start thinking about an international relations master’s degree, if that is one field of study that they are looking to follow.

What is a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree is an advanced degree in a field of study. While many who go into a master’s program have an undergraduate degree (as master’s programs often have specific requirements with regards to students having completed an undergraduate degree), it is not necessarily the case that the student needs to have completed her or his undergraduate degree in the same field as the master’s degree program that they are hoping to enroll in. While many students who look to enter an international relations masters degree program may have earned an undergraduate degree in either international relations, political science, or international studies, it does not have to be the case. For example, a student could have earned a mathematics degree, or an international business degree as an undergraduate, and could decide to enroll in a master’s degree in another field.

A Master’s degree is often a set number of credits that a student has to take in order to obtain the degree. In addition, master’s degree programs often require some sort of independent original research project. This may vary from an undergraduate degree, which often does not require an original project (although even this can vary. This requirements for a master’s thesis vary, but are usually longer in length than expected undergraduate papers, and again, offer an original scholarly contribution.

Thus, a master’s degree is a great way for a student to gain additional skills and knowledge as it relates to the topic of interest. In the field of international studies, there are many places in which a student can study for a master’s degree in international relations, a master’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in international studies, or other related fields.