TOOLS FOR THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION

Analytical and Interdisciplinary Perspectives on World Politics and Economics

Globalization and the increased interconnectedness between politics, economics, and policy require a new set of specialized educational tools. The four-semester Master of Arts in International Political Economy (MAIPE) program prepares students from the United States and around the world to analyze the complex interactions between political and economic trends, both domestically and at the international level. This program provides the analytical tools and contextual background that prepares students for the challenges of competition in market economies around the globe. The MAIPE program is also ideal for students who may be interested in subsequent pursuit of the Ph.D. degree, since the foundations laid in this program allow full transfer of credits toward the doctorate.

An Analytical and Interdisciplinary Approach to World Politics

The MAIPE program takes advantage of the high level of curricular integration between the departments of Economics and of Politics and Policy. Graduates will be trained in the analytical tools most frequently in demand for analyzing trends and issues in the international political economy. Students develop basic skills in microeconomics and macroeconomics while mastering the major conceptual approaches to world politics and international political economy. Students focusing on international economics usually emphasize formal models and econometrics in their methodological training, while those primarily interested in politics emphasize decision theory and statistics. All students are encouraged to develop the sophisticated computer skills most useful in applied situations.

In addition to the development of analytical tools, students choose fields of study in the substantive areas where politics and economics overlap. Possible emphases include international trade, economic growth, money and finance, regional integration, international regimes and negotiations, globalization, foreign investment, and the economic determinants of regime changes. Students may also choose to emphasize particular regions of the world such as Latin America, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, Africa, or Europe.

A Choice of Careers

Graduates holding the MAIPE degree have many career options. Those choosing professional careers will find that their grounding in analytical techniques opens doors in both private and public sectors. Recent graduates have found employment in consulting firms, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, and the United States government. They also serve as analysts and managers in large corporations. Average salaries are competitive with those attained by economists.

Other students in this program have chosen to continue their studies at the Ph.D. level. Completion of a doctoral degree with a focus on international political economy opens the door to both academic employment and to challenging opportunities in the public and private sectors.

The MAIPE is a 12-course program that can be completed in two years pursued full time.

If you are interested in applying to this program, please contact Laura Carrillo, our Recruiter/Admissions Coordinator at (909) 621-8699, or by email at Laura.Carrillo@cgu.edu.   You may also click on this link to request program information.