Program Overview
The 34-unit Master of Arts in International Studies program provides a comprehensive perspective on international issues, including globalization, development, peace and conflict, human rights and international law. It prepares students for careers in international affairs, including non-governmental organizations, foreign service, and international organizations.
The International Studies program is a two-year, 34-unit program that begins each fall and consists of the following:
- Elective and skills courses
- A research methods course
- Final capstone thesis or applied project
- Internship
- Proficiency in a language other than English
- Summer fieldwork and research opportunities are available
I was drawn to MAIS not only because of its location in San Francisco, but for the interdisciplinary nature of the program. It gave me the chance to learn about five different subjects (I chose Political Science, Anthropology, Economics, Language, and History) and let me discover how they were all interrelated.”
Andrew Che ’16
Sample Program Timeline
| Year | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 |
Critical Social Theory in Global Perspective Justice, Culture, and Sustainability in Global Perspective Graduate Writing Seminar |
Research Methods and Project Design Concentration elective I Concentration elective II |
| Year 2 |
Concentration elective III Skills courses (two 2 unit or one 4 unit) |
Capstone (thesis or applied project, one-on-one-with advisor) |
Internships
Students are required to complete 120 hours of practical training/internship as an integral component of the curriculum. Students will participate in professional development activities and begin their internship linked to academic coursework in the first year of the program. Class assignments related to students’ internships are to be completed in the program’s required foundation courses.
Language Proficiency
Language skill is critical for success in the field of international studies. By the completion of the MAIS Program, you will be required to show proficiency in a non-English language at intermediate level two (fourth-semester language course at USF). You can do this through previous undergraduate coursework, passing a language exam at USF, or completing a fourth-semester language course.