Each student in the Master of Global Policy Studies program must select a specialization, which consists of 15 credits (usually five three-credit courses) that fit together to give the student a depth of knowledge in a particular area of global affairs. All specialization courses must be taken for a letter grade and must be approved by the graduate advisor. Students can pick from any of the specializations listed below, or create their own specialization, subject to approval by the graduate adviser.
Security, Law and Diplomacy
Security, Law and Diplomacy emphasizes the study of conflict and the conditions under which the rule of law and diplomatic negotiations may supplant or alter organized violence.
International Trade and Finance
International Trade and Finance emphasizes the intersection between policy and global economic activity, including the effects of private and public actors on the global economy.
International Development
International Development explains the dynamics of economic, political and social change within the less-developed countries of the world and how these can be improved by policy.
Global Governance and International Law
Global Governance and International Law describes the development of international rules and norms by governments, firms and international and nongovernmental organizations.
International Energy, Environment and Technology
International Energy, Environment and Technology considers the global dimensions of natural resources, the environment, science and technology.
Regional International Policy
Regional International Policy allows students to develop a deep understanding of a region of their choice, including its particular history, culture and politics. The areas available for such a specialization correspond with the area centers present at UT: Africa; East Asia; Europe; Latin America; Middle East; Russia, Eastern Europe and Eurasia; and South Asia.
Custom Specialization
All students can suggest a custom specialization if their policy interests are not adequately represented in the list above. Custom specializations — and which courses will count toward it — must be approved by the graduate adviser. Some examples of previous custom specializations include Gender and Development, Biological and Chemical Proliferation and Global Water Policy.
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