UMass Boston

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• Résumé/CV is required
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts (completed Bachelor’s degree required)
• A writing sample is required (5-10 pages of original, single-authored work).
• Statement of purpose: In no more than 1,500 words, provide a personal statement describing your research and career interests and explain why you are interested in an interdisciplinary MA program in Global Governance and Human Security.

Please visit International Graduate Applicants for more information, if applicable.

Deadlines: June 15 for fall

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee. The application fee is waived for all alumni, graduated or not.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website.

Core Courses (18 Credits)

Complete six courses from below.

• GGHS 710 - Human Security 3 Credit(s)
• GGHS 711 or INTREL 638L- Global Governance 3 Credit(s)
• GGHS 713 or INTREL 611- International Relations Theory 3 Credit(s)
• GGHS 715 - International Organization 3 Credit(s)

Two of the following:

• GGHS 712 - Gender and Human Security 3 Credit(s)
• CONRES 623 - Introductory Theory 3 Credit(s)
• INTREL 613 - International Relations Research Methods 3 Credit(s)

Electives (12 Credits)

Complete four courses chosen in collaboration with your faculty advisor.

Capstone (6 Credits)

Complete one of the following options:

• GGHS 780 - Doctoral Research Design 3 Credit(s) and one additional methods course 3 Credit(s)
• INTREL 691 - Capstone in International Relations (6 Credit(s)
• Six credit Master's thesis (see department for course information)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Upon completion, students will have:

• a solid theoretical foundation in the concepts of global governance and human security, and in the range of actors, systems, and patterns that compose our increasingly dynamic global system
• the ability to identify, assess, and address current and emerging human security issues in their geopolitical and governance contexts
• advanced academic skills in interdisciplinary research methods and design, across a variety of methodologies

Complete 36 credits from eleven to twelve courses including six core courses, four electives, and one to two capstone courses.

Capstone: Complete a capstone paper or thesis.
Exam: A comprehensive examination is required if completing the GGHS 780 and methods course capstone pathway (normally as part of the GGHS MA en passant track for doctoral students). 

Statute of limitations: Five years.

Global Governance & Human Security PhD

Interim Graduate Program Director Courtenay Sprague
courtenay.sprague@umb.edu
(617) 287-4596

Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance
conresglobal@umb.edu