International Relations and Diplomacy, AA Online - New England College

NEC Faculty and Student Web Services (MyNEC) will not be available on Wednesday April 29, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 a.m. due to system maintenance and upgrade. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Need Help?
Admissions
Apply Now
Need Help?
Launch Experience
Degree Programs
Find a Program
Need Help?
Launch Experience
Life at NEC
Apply Now
Need Help?
Launch Experience
About
Apply Now
Need Help?
Launch Experience

Online Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, AA

This program gives you an understanding of the field and prepares you for either public or private sector positions in any industry where a grasp of the foreign policy process is desired.

Apply Now

Request More Information

By clicking the button above, you consent to be contacted by New England College via call, text, or email regarding your education. These communications may use automated technology or AI.

Contact the International Relations and Diplomacy Department

  • Director of Online International Relations and Homeland Security Programs

    Dr. John Callahan
    jcallahan@nec.edu

On This Page

Online Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, AA Program Overview

Explore a future in diplomacy and international relations. Prepare for public and private sector positions in diverse industries that require an understanding of the foreign policy process.

Our program builds and integrates your intellectual interest and experience with small-group dialogue and interaction with theoreticians and practitioners in the field. Experiential learning is at the heart of our associate online degree in international relations and diplomacy. Take advantage of the opportunity to network and apply knowledge developed through the online classroom.

Online Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, AA Program Highlights

Expert Faculty Accessible Transferable
Designed by international relations and diplomacy professionals Seven-week terms to focus on one class at a time and a fully online format Transfer credits for active-duty students 

Why Earn Your Online Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy?

You will gain an understanding of the intellectual foundations of key foreign policy discussions and how the political process shapes and affects outcomes. You can develop analytical and advocacy skills and will be prepared to enter or continue careers in the public, private, and non-profit foreign policy and national security sectors.

 

Online Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, AA Learning Outcomes

  • Research, write, and communicate ideas effectively in applied projects.
  • Understand the institutions that create and implement foreign policy.
  • Analyze historical and contemporary issues in diplomacy and international relations.
  • Prepare for a bachelor’s program in international relations or a similar field.

What Can You Do with an Online Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy?

An associate online degree in International Relations and Diplomacy can lead to a wide variety of career paths. The degree helps active-duty service members with promotion reviews. Civilians working for the Armed Forces also benefit from the degree.

In addition to military career paths, studying diplomacy and international relations can launch a career working for the U.S. State Department, the United States Department of Homeland Security, or the U.S. Foreign Service. The associate program can also act as a steppingstone to the bachelor’s in international relations and diplomacy.

Foreign Service Officer

$89,300*

 Intelligence Analyst

$75,300*
*Approximate median annual salary information from Payscale

Why Choose NEC?

New England College (NEC) is a private, nonprofit college founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicepeople attending college on the GI Bill after World War II and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Today, NEC is an innovative, military-friendly institution and one of the top five liberal arts colleges in New Hampshire.

NEC offers 60 associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as more than 20 master’s degrees and two doctoral degree programs, all delivered by dedicated faculty focused on giving students opportunities to live what they learn. With access to many clubs, outdoor activities, natural areas, internships, and professor-led trips, NEC students have many ways to meet new people and try new things.

At NEC, the world is your classroom.

Find Out More

Recognition and Rankings

Forbesadvisor.com logo for best online colleges in New Hampshire

NEC Ranked Top Online College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best Online Colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Forbes Advisor, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

 

 

logo badge for Best Online Programs as ranked by US News & World Report

NEC Ranked Top Online Bachelor Program

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a top online bachelor program in NH, as acknowledged by U.S. News and World Report, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

 

 

 

Edurank logo for best college in New Hampshire

NEC Ranked Leading College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

 

 

 

 

Research.com rankings logo for Best College in the Northeast 2026

NEC Ranked Leading College in the Northeast

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best colleges in the Northeast, as acknowledged by Research.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Degree Requirements

Download Course Requirements

Faculty

  • Carl Marrara

    Professor Carl Marrara

    Adjunct Professor, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, International Relations and Diplomacy
    Email: cmarrara@nec.edu
    Professional Website: pamanufacturers.org

    Expertise, Awards, and Achievements

    Expertise:

     

    Awards and Achievements:

    • Mosaic Taiwan Fellowship Program, 2019
    • Business and Industry Political Action Committee, Prosperity Project Steering Committee, Member
    • Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Council, Board Member

     

    Educational Background
    MA in Public Policy, New England College
    BA in Political Science, Elizabethtown College

    Research Interests

    • Economic impact analysis
    • Policy design and research
    • Workforce development
    • International trade

     

    Bio
    Carl Marrara came to NEC in 2017. With more than a decade of experience in state, federal, and international government affairs and advocacy, Carl brings a breadth of knowledge and experience to his students and focuses on practically applying their research interests in Research Methods and Senior Thesis classes. His personal academic research focuses on regional and state economic impact analysis.

    Outside of teaching, he is Vice President of Government Affairs for the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association (PMA), the statewide business organization representing the interests of manufacturers in Pennsylvania’s public policy process. Carl oversees the strategic external communications of the Association. He is a writer, producer, and reporter for PMA Perspective—a weekly half-hour news program on Pennsylvania business, government, and politics—and editor of the PMA Bulletin, a premier in-depth analysis of current issues facing Pennsylvania businesses. He serves as the chief lobbyist for the Association and focuses on legislative research and analysis, bill tracking, and grassroots activation. He has successfully maintained relationships with key state legislators, legislative staff, and congressional members and staff. Carl prioritizes building coalitions with allied stakeholders such as regional manufacturing associations, trade groups, and national think tanks and advocacy organizations. He also directs the expenditures and strategy of PMA PAC, the affiliated political action committee of PMA, and has worked on successful political campaigns.

    Carl is active in a variety of civic and cultural organizations including the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education and serving as President-emeritus of the Harrisburg Chapter of Elizabethtown College Alumni. Outside of professional interests, he travels when possible, is a jazz-trained bassist, runs competitively, but enjoys time at home in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two daughters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete an associate online degree in international relations and diplomacy?

You can earn an online degree in international relations and diplomacy at the associate level in two years at New England College. The program requires 60 credits of coursework. Full-time students can complete the degree in two years or less. NEC accepts up to 44 transfer credits toward an associate degree, including credit for military service. That saves students time and money on their international relations degree.

 

How is the associate online degree in international relations and diplomacy structured?

The associate online degree in international relations and diplomacy uses an online learning format. The program uses a seven-week term, so you can focus on one class at a time. The 100% online format means you can earn college credits from anywhere.

During the program, you’ll take 24 credits of diplomacy and international relations courses to earn your associate degree. The curriculum includes classes on international politics, economics, U.S. foreign policy, and global security. You’ll also take core liberal arts and science courses plus electives to meet the 60-credit degree requirement.

 

What are the benefits of an online degree in international relations and diplomacy?

An international relations and diplomacy degree introduces you to complex foreign policy challenges. You’ll strengthen your research, writing, and analytical skills as you examine diplomacy and the politics of international affairs. The degree can prepare you for governmental and private sector jobs related to international relations, including civilian and active-duty roles in the military or foreign services. You can also transfer into a bachelor’s program to qualify for additional positions.

 

How do I enroll in the online degree in international relations and diplomacy program?

NEC offers rolling admissions with multiple start dates every year. Submit your application at any time and start your degree sooner. You don’t need to submit ACT or SAT scores.

Start Your Application

Ready to start your associate degree in international relations and diplomacy? Submit your application and earn a degree by studying foreign policy, international affairs, and national security.

Apply Now
Launch Experience

Your Future Starts at NEC

APPLY TO NEC VIEW A VIRTUAL TOUR