Master of Arts in International Studies Degree

Program Description

The Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) was recently reorganized to better train students in international and global studies. ISP teaches disciplinary knowledge in anthropology, economics, geography, history, politics, and sociology and the epistemologies associated with global studies. The MAIS emphasizes inquiry-based, critical analytic and writing skills that public and private employers demand. The MAIS is designed for two kinds of students:

1. Those concurrently pursuing another graduate degree in one of six professional schools at the University: the Graduate School of Business Administration, the College of Forest Resources, the School of Law, the School of Marine Affairs, the Graduate School of Public Affairs, and the School of Public Health
    
2. Those with some professional experience or advanced training, who want to solidify their international and global studies scholarship and practical training.

All graduate students participate in a year-long core series (JSIS 500, 501 & 511), providing them with the framework and map for navigating and contributing to the field of international and global studies. Throughout the two years of their enrollment in the program they participate in a graduate colloquium that provides a forum for discussions about research and practice with faculty, practitioners, and peers. The MAIS degree is designed to provide students with the utmost flexibility so that they can take full advantage of opportunities for teaching, research, professional degrees, and study abroad.

Sara Curran, Chair

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet basic Graduate School requirements, which include a 3.00 GPA or better in their last 90 quarter (60 semester) graded credits, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and submission of test results from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). The GMAT is acceptable only for applicants who are concurrently applying to the Business School. Applicants also must meet all application requirements and deadlines set by the Jackson School and described in its application guidelines. Meeting minimum standards, however, does not ensure admission.

Prior foreign language study and preparation in intermediate-level macroeconomics and micro-economics is highly recommended for all applicants. For those applying to the SIS program without applying to a professional school (MAIS-only), preference is given to those who have a professional interest, or previous professional experience or education.

Degree Requirements

All students must complete at least 39 credits in addition to fulfilling the language requirement. Those enrolled concurrently with one of the above mentioned professional schools must meet the requirements of both the professional school and those of the International Studies program; however some course work is counted for both degrees. 

Language

Students must reach a proficiency equivalent to the completion of 2 years of college level work in a modern foreign language. For Chinese and Japanese the requirement is 3 years.

Coursework

Required Coursework:

The core courses are: JSIS 500/Origins of Global Systems; JSIS 501/Comparative International Studies; JSIS 511/Research Design and Methods for International Studies (5 credits each). An intermediate-level economics course (3 credits) and a statistics course for the social sciences are also required of those who have no background or training in economics.

• JSIS 500/Origins of Global Systems (5 credits)
  Survey of historical and contemporary international political, economic, social and cultural systems that have ordered and reordered places, communities, and individuals around the world. Simultaneously, the course addresses countervailing forces emergent from individuals, communities, organizations and places that have resisted and exerted influence in attempts to define belonging and ensure human well-being. Students in SIS 500 are required to also attend SIS 200.
   
• JSIS 501/Comparative International Studies (5 credits)
  Focuses on comparison across geographical areas, including comparative political economy, comparative cultures, and comparative institutions. Familiarizes students with comparative methods of inquiry, an understanding of the interplay between area studies and cross-regional theories, and skills in conducting comparative research and writing. Students in SIS 501 are required to attend SIS 201.
   
• JSIS 511/Research Design and Methods for International Studies (5 credits)
  Covers basic principles of research design, exposes students to excellent examples of basic research within international studies as practiced in the social sciences from case studies to large n  designs, and prepares students for conducting their own independent research project. Students are  expected to complete short assignments throughout the quarter, develop critical methodologically focused, commenting skills on research articles, and produce a research proposal for their thesis or one of their empirical research papers
   
• JSIS 591-592-593-—Colloquium in International Studies 1 credit each
  Offered every quarter to enhance MA student knowledge of the international studies field, to foster research collaborations among students and faculty, and to socialize students to develop writing, research, and presentation skills.

Other Coursework:

Students must complete at least 18 credits in two of the following three foci (3 courses per focus):

• Regional Focus
  Students may focus on Japan, China, Korea, Russia, East Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Canada, Latin America or Africa.
   
• I.S. Field Focus
  Students may focus on one of four themes: 1. States, Markets and Society;
  2. Governance, Law and Rights; 3. Culture and Religion; 4. Peace and Security.
   
• Professional Focus
  This focus consists of courses offered by a professional school that deal with the international and comparative dimensions of the profession.  For students pursuing concurrent degrees, these courses can be counted for both the International Studies program and the professional degree. 

Final Papers and Oral Exam

At the end of the course of study each student must pass an oral examination based on two research papers, a thesis, or a Task Force report. The M.A. examining committee will be composed of faculty members representing the foci the student has chosen.
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