Why Get an MA in International Law and Government

Recent surveys indicate that a solid base of knowledge in international law and government provides a leg-up for students applying to and attending law school. And the word is out, as the graduate enrollment in the fields of international relations and foreign policy continues to increase. In its recent survey of graduate programs in international relations, the bi-monthly Foreign Policy Magazine highlights the increased attention to the relationship between the study of international relations and the practice of law and policy-making.

Why study international relations before law school?

With the continual increase in the number of law school applicants and a growing demand for educational backgrounds in cross-disciplinary areas, a graduate degree in international law and politics offers students a significant competitive edge when applying to and succeeding in law school. For those unsure about applying to law school, a master's degree in international relations and foreign policy offers a great option before committing oneself to pursuing a Juris Doctorate.

International relations and foreign policy degree programs are a unique opportunity for future lawyers, legal scholars and policy-makers to set themselves apart with a grounding in the study of law as it relates to international relations and foreign policy before pursuing a JD. Students in these programs enroll in graduate school courses focused on a wide range of topics including international law, international relations, security studies and international organizations. The classes provide not only a challenging classroom and academic environment that prepares students for the rigors of law school, but also a macro view of law and policy, enabling students to better understand it on a micro level.

Georgetown's MA in international law and government

In the Foreign Policy Magazine survey, Georgetown University's master's programs in international relations ranked No. 1 among a tier of competitively top-ranked schools. The MA in international law and government at Georgetown University serves as the department of government's primary master's program to study the intersection between international relations and law. Students enrolled in this program also have unique access to Georgetown University Law Center courses that will introduce them to subjects they may wish to pursue further. Additionally, with program-sponsored lectures, guest speakers, colloquium, and research initiatives, students are provided the essential academic resources of a one-year master's degree aimed at strengthening future endeavors, whether it be in law school, postgraduate work or the policy world.

For more information about this program, please visit the website for the Institute for International Law and Politics here or contact the institute by e-mail.