Graduate Programs
The Jackson School's three graduate degrees are built on our foundation of deep area knowledge, inspiring students to apply intellect, personal conviction and thoughtful analysis to international problems.
Interested in a Jackson School grad program?
WHY STUDY AT THE JACKSON SCHOOL?
At the Jackson School we build on a foundation of deep area knowledge in order to see moments within broader contexts. In doing so, we bridge racial, religious, economic and cultural differences to lead our global and interdependent community forward. This is how we teach. And this is how our students learn.
The 45 core Jackson School faculty represent a broad spectrum of social science disciplines and speak and research in over 40 languages other than English. They have won numerous awards for their teaching and scholarship within the UW and abroad. Additionally, our practitioner faculty connect students to real world experiences and opportunities.
Our location in Seattle, a global hub of commerce, philanthropy and policy, provides a diverse and dynamic environment that connects our alumni with careers in both traditional international studies career tracks and in growing career markets. You can find our alumni at:
- Congressional staffers
- Department of Justice
- Amazon
- China Daily
- UW Medicine
- Binaytara Foundation
- Council on American-Islamic Relations
- Washington STEM
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- FishWise
- World Concern
- James Borden Consulting
- International Rescue Committee
- McKinsey & Company
- PATH
- Peking University, China
- Peace Corps
- Smartsheet
- Starbucks
- U.S. Foreign Service
- UNICEF
- Freelance translator and editor
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Village Reach
The Jackson School is a founding member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA).
DEGREE OPTIONS
MASTER OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
A 2-year program providing students skills in language, research, critical thinking and analysis, and regional expertise.
Concurrent M.A. Programs: The M.A. programs can be combined with professional programs across campus into 3-4-year concurrent degree programs. Some professional program options include the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance (MPA), Foster School of Business (MBA), School of Law (J.D.), department of Global Health (MPH), School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (MMA), and School of Forest Resources (M.S. or MFR).
EXECUTIVE MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
A 10-month or 2-year mid-career program providing students with at least 5 years of professional experience a blend of academic theory and practical training.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
The Ph.D. program is for students who already hold a Master’s degree. It can be an accelerated one (with completion of the degree in three years), especially for students who are supported by their government or other sources that provide three years of full funding.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Admissions for all graduate degrees at the Jackson School are completed through the UW Graduate School. For specific information about the admissions process and requirements for the M.A. in International Studies programs, Executive Master in International Studies program, and Ph.D. program, visit the individual websites.
Admissions Deadlines
MAIS: January 31
Ph.D.: December 31
WHO TO CONTACT
- Email jsisma@uw.edu for general inquiries about any graduate program
- Email jsisphd@uw.edu for specific inquiries about the Ph.D. program
- Make an appointment with a graduate adviser