Pursuing a Professional Degree Program Concurrently with International Studies

The general International Studies (IS) master's program was specifically designed as a concurrent program to complement a professional degree. One component of the program therefore requires students to take three courses of relevance to both the International Studies program and the professional program which would serve to fulfill degree requirements for both. Concurrent degree programs have been formally established between the International Studies program and six professional programs: Public Affairs, Business Administration, Law, Forest Resources, Marine Affairs, and Public Health.

Completion of the International Studies master's program concurrently with a professional degree takes approximately one year longer than the estimated time to complete the professional degree. The following schedule illustrates how the IS program and a concurrent degree are typically completed. This pattern may vary depending on the professional degree program.

1st year:
Required core for professional program.

2nd year:
Three required core courses for IS. Electives for either/both programs.

3rd year +:
Two core courses for IS. Electives for either/both programs, any final papers and/or final exams required.

Foreign language study, for those who have not met the IS requirement, usually begins after the first year. Any internships required by the professional schools generally are scheduled for the summer.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PROGRAM (MAIS)

Concurrent candidates must submit application materials to both the Jackson School and the professional school. (See application procedures for both.) IS evaluates applicants accepted by the professional school on academic and practical/professional performance, test scores, references, essay, and writing ability. Applicants denied by the professional school are automatically denied by IS.

Description
The IS program draws on both area studies and various disciplines in molding a new approach to the study of international affairs. This interdisciplinary study is intended to help students approach their profession with a better understanding of how to relate it to the increasingly interdependent world.

Requirements

Language:
Proficiency equivalent to 2 years of college- level work in a modern foreign language
(3 years for Chinese or Japanese).

Required Core:

  • International Studies Survey
  • Comparative Studies
  • Introduction to Research in International Studies
  • Research Methods in International Studies
  • International Studies Pro-Seminar
  • statistics course for the social sciences
  • intermediate-level economics course

Electives:
Two Foci of study: the Professional Field must be completed by courses relevant to both programs; the second field can be either a Regional Studies Focus or a Special Topics Focus.

Final Papers and Oral Exam:
Students present two research papers or one thesis to a faculty examining committee.

*Formally approved concurrent professional degree programs:

  1. Business Administration (MBA)
  2. Forest Resources (MFR/MS)
  3. Law (JD)
  4. Marine Affairs (MMA)
  5. Public Affairs (MPA)
  6. Public Health (MPH)
Last Updated
8/22/2012
Jackson School Advising
University of Washington
111 Thomson Hall
Box 353650
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-6001 phone
(206) 616-3170 fax
jsisadv@u.washington.edu

James Donnen
Director, Student Services; Undergraduate Adviser for Asian Studies (East Asia), European Studies, and Departmental Honors
jdonnen@uw.edu

Joni Marts
Undergraduate Adviser for European Studies, JSIS minors, and general advising
jmarts@uw.edu

Dr. Linda Iltis
Undergraduate Adviser - Lead for International Studies: General, Comparative Religion, Jewish Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Canadian Studies, & Asian Studies: South Asia & Southeast Asia options
iltis@uw.edu

Paula Milligan
Graduate Program Adviser for all JSIS Master's Programs
milligan@uw.edu

Kelly Voss
Career and internship adviser for JSIS undergraduates, graduates and alumni
kvoss@uw.edu

Robyn Davis
Fellowships Coordinator
rldavis@uw.edu