Master of Science in International Commerce & Policy


"As a working professional, I deal with import/export logistics, international and domestic health codes, hazardous material regulations, and international clientele.  The ICP program, as a result of its international focus, offered me exposure to these areas, and many more. As a result, I felt more prepared and was more aware of international issues relevant to my professional life and able to pursue a career in the international arena with more knowledge and confidence"
                   -Cathy DeVito, MS-ICP '04

Program Description
The Master of Science in International Commerce & Policy program is designed to meet the needs and interests of U.S. and international students who want to develop proficiency and understanding in areas related to international relations, business, and policy, but do not want an MBA.  The 37-credit program can be completed in 12 months (fall, spring, and two summer sessions).

  1. Course Descriptions

Especially for International Students
The program is responsive to the needs and interests of international students, and approximately half of the students enrolled in the ICP program are from abroad (current international students come from: Belize, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, The United Arab Emirates). Attractive features include:

  1. Exposure to key elements of international commerce, policy, administration, and law,
  2. Business English component for non-native English-speaking students,
  3. Wide range of course options that can be tailored to meet individual interests,
  4. Access to the resource of the INTERLINK English language center.

Program Requirements
The program consists of 8-9 core courses, one support course, and 3-4 courses as electives.  The required credits to complete the program are 31-37, depending on whether transfer credits are accepted.

Curriculum

Core Requirements
22-25 credits
International Trade & Economics
3 cr
International Commerce & Policy: Case Studies
3 cr
International Business Environment
3 cr
Cross-Cultural Management
3 cr
Organizational Leadership & Team Development
3 cr
International Political Economy
3 cr
Policy/Administration of Public & NGO's
3 cr
Seminar in Global Strategies
1 cr
English for Business (non-native English students only)
3 cr
Core Support
3 credits
Internship
3 cr
Travel/Study
3 cr
One additional course from Policy, Law, Political Science, or Economics
3 cr
Electives
9-12 credits*
Additional credits from Core Support or:
Economics of Developing Nations
3 cr
International Business Transactions
3 cr
International Law I
3 cr
International Law II
3 cr
Comparative Law
2-3 cr
International Commerce & Dispute Resolution
3 cr
The Law of e-Commerce
3 cr
Law & Economics
3 cr
American Foreign Policy
3 cr
Business Law
2 cr
National Security
3 cr
Financial Accounting
2 cr
Marketing Management
2 cr
Managerial Studies
2 cr
Politics of Industrialized States
3 cr
Politics of Developing States
3 cr
Politics of East Asia
3 cr
International Marketing, International Finance, or eCommerce & eBusiness Technology.
3 cr
*Other coursework as approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies may be taken to fulfill elective credits.


Criteria for Admission
Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by emailing graduate.studies@valpo.edu. More information (including specific courses) about this and other graduate programs open to international students may also be found at our website. 

As part of the application process, students must provide:

  1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application;
  2. Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework. If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University.
  3. Prior academic work must be of sufficient quality to warrant admission to a rigorous graduate program. Applicants should have college-level coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics or its equivalent;
  4. If English is not your native language, results of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 575 (paper version) or 230 (computerized). Applicants needing preliminary English language work are encouraged to consider the INTERLINK program;
  5. 2 letters of recommendation from faculty at student's home institution;
  6. A reflective essay detailing your reasons for pursuing graduate study;
  7. Application Fee: $30 for U.S. citizens, $50 for International Students.

Financial Considerations
Students may be surprised to discover the affordable tuition rate at Valparaiso University. Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $450 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Students enrolled in graduate courses pay a $80 general fee each semester. Financial aid is available through direct and indirect student loans for students taking 6 credits or more during fall and spring semesters. Students may transfer up to 6 credits of approved graduate coursework into the program.

NOTE: To maintain valid visa status, international students must enroll in at least 3 courses during fall and spring semesters, and 2 courses in summer sessions.

For more information about the Master of Science in International Commerce and Policy program
Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing graduate.studies@valpo.edu.