Erskine launches M.A. in International Studies, fall 2027

Erskine College is excited to offer a multidisciplinary Master of Arts in International Studies degree, beginning in fall 2027. The program is designed to be completed in one year with courses offered primarily online.

“This new master’s degree marks a significant step in the expansion of Erskine’s graduate offerings,” says Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson. “The program combines rigorous academic study with practical preparation for international business and the global marketplace.”

Erskine’s M.A. in International Studies will offer four distinctives: its interdisciplinary nature, Christian perspective, affordability, and emphasis on practical skills.

The innovative program has been championed by Associate Professor of History Dr. Christiane-Marie Abu Sarah, whose background in diplomacy and international relations has helped to shape the curriculum. In preparation, she conducted extensive research on other universities’ offerings and found a clear niche for Erskine to fill.

“One of the things that we found is that when we did comparative analysis of other M.A. programs in international studies, there’s a lot of theory—political theory—and not a lot of concrete job skills,” Abu Sarah says.

Erskine’s program will include both, helping students gain essential skills in areas such as negotiation and conflict resolution, strategic decision-making, law and policy, intercultural communication, project management, and data analysis.

“It’s meant to be very practical but also contain the cultural components that will help navigate these new global spaces,” says Abu Sarah. She notes that Erskine’s location in Upstate South Carolina is a particular advantage because of the considerable presence of international business in the region.

“We want our graduates to understand the forces shaping international commerce,” Dr. Adamson says, adding that Erskine’s graduates will be prepared to “negotiate effectively and make sound decisions while conducting business with integrity.”

Affordability will also differentiate the program from many of its peers. With some master’s programs in international studies in the $40,000-$70,000 range, Erskine’s will be considerably more affordable, with an initial estimated cost of $16,000-$17,000.

Another key differentiator will be the integration of the Christian faith. Many of the programs Erskine studied are at state universities that lack an emphasis on faith, and more broadly, the interdisciplinary focus that will distinguish Erskine’s.

“As a Christian university, we are committed to preparing men and women to bring professional competence and a biblical worldview to the responsibilities of leadership,” Dr. Adamson says.

Abu Sarah echoes that sentiment and sees it as a natural extension of the uniquely interdisciplinary focus of the program.

“Most of the [other] programs had a lot of political theory but weren’t interdisciplinary,” Abu Sarah says. “When we were looking at the different programs in international studies, nobody had the Christian faith component. We saw that as a space that was needed; a space that could distinguish the program from some of the others. If employers are looking for employees who are going to be ethical and reliable, then that faith component…will also do them a great service.”

As the program takes shape, it will draw on professors with diverse expertise, befitting the broad scope of international studies. They will include Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Matthew Cawvey, Associate Professor of Business Dr. Jeffrey Briggs, and Abu Sarah, among others.

Cawvey previously taught comparative politics as a visiting assistant professor at Oklahoma State and, since joining Erskine’s faculty in fall 2019, has led courses in political science while also teaching in the university’s Honors Institute.

“I look forward to participating in the international master’s program, focusing on research methods or perhaps my substantive area of specialization: comparative politics,” Cawvey says.

Abu Sarah, who has a deep background in history, also alludes to history’s impact on the program.

“The wonderful thing about history is that it’s essentially case studies. It allows you to look at case studies in business and international politics and say, ‘What can we learn from these? What can we learn about leadership? What can we learn about negotiation? What works and doesn’t?’” Abu Sarah says.

Answering those questions, and gaining that perspective, will provide graduates with a more nuanced approach to the complex international issues facing today’s societies.

“How are you going to go into a country and make development recommendations if you don’t know the historical context of economic development that’s gone on and some of the barriers that they’ve faced?” Abu Sarah asks.

Erskine is also planning to hire an additional faculty member who will focus on international law or the international or global economy, says Abu Sarah. The program’s online format will allow an off-campus professor to potentially contribute.

Though most courses will be taught online, “There are going to be a few courses, particularly negotiation and conflict management courses, where students will come for intensives,” Abu Sarah says.

The master’s program will have exceptional appeal and value for a broad array of students. Undergraduate students majoring in international studies are a natural fit, as are business students with international aspirations. The program’s online format will greatly expand its reach to prospective applicants.

Abu Sarah sees the potential to reach “people who are maybe working a little further afield, perhaps in missions, who want a little more robust skill set.”

“I think it’ll draw from a broad audience,” she says.