International Studies, MA

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The program provides a comprehensive perspective on international issues, including globalization, development, peace and conflict, regional problems, human rights and international law that prepares students for careers in international affairs, including non-governmental organizations, foreign service, and international organizations.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Develop a critical interdisciplinary understanding of the major historical, structural, and cultural power relations that have shaped global dynamics
Articulate and analyze the differences between diverse approaches to address global injustices and inequities
Demonstrate an ability to critically engage cultural difference and diversity and evaluate their significance within contemporary global systems
Generate a self-directed, designed and executed interdisciplinary capstone or thesis project
Demonstrate practical and professional skills relevant for a global affairs career

International Studies (MAIS) Required Courses

Foundation Courses (18 units)

Skills Elective (4 units)

MAIS 650 - Advocacy Skills
MAIS 651 - CSR Skills
MAIS 652 - Global Media/Journalism Skills
MAIS 653 - Building Peace in Colombia
MAIS 654 - Urban Development
MAIS 655 - Careers in Diplomacy
MAIS 656 - Bldg Nonviolent Social Mvmnts
MAIS 6XX: Corporate Social Responsibility

Language Requirement

Complete a 3rd semester college-level language or equivalent language course.

Internship (120 hrs)

Students are required to complete 120 hours of practical training/internship as an integral component of the curriculum. Students are required to submit a proposal for their internship and complete at least 20 hours in their first year. They may complete the remaining hours at any point in the two years.

Functional Concentration

Choose one of the three Functional Concentrations.

Note that each has its own requirements.

Culture, Power, and Social Movements Concentration

Students examine the role of culture, the meaning of identity and belonging in a globalized world, and theories of social change as a way to better understand how they shape contemporary global processes. The analysis of diverse social and political movements, constituted through race, class, gender, religion, and other forms of inequality teaches students how to effectively address the most critical issues facing our world today.

Please see concentration page for requirements:

Culture, Power, and Social Movements Concentration

Governance and Global Justice Concentration

Students explore the meaning of justice and the best practices for enforcement, while considering the relationship between local efforts to promote and protect human rights and the global institutions, entities, and processes that make up international governing systems.

Please see concentration page for requirements:

Governance and Global Justice Concentration

Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice Concentration

Students engage in an interdisciplinary examination of historic and contemporary efforts to simultaneously mitigate global inequalities while achieving global sustainability. The combined training via engaged coursework, an internship experience, and capstone project prepare graduates for a diversity of career trajectories, including in civil society, government, the private sector, and further academic study.

Please see concentration page for requirements:

Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice Concentration