MA in International Studies
San Francisco, USA
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Feb 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 26,560 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for living on campus and living in off-campus housing
Introduction
Come earn a master’s degree in changing the world. Come prepare for a career in international affairs. In two years at USF, you’ll learn to think critically about equitable development, social movements, social justice, and environmental sustainability — and you’ll gain the hands-on experience you need to effect change.
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 you for careers in international affairs, including non-governmental organizations, foreign service, and international organizations. You'll choose a core concentration to gain expertise in a subject area aligned with your passions and career goals. Each concentration lets you develop closer working relationships with faculty and fellow students.
Admissions
Curriculum
Our Master's in International Studies Curriculum
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
Foundation Courses (18 units)
- MAIS 605 - Justice, Culture, & Sustainability
- MAIS 606 - Research & Writing Skills
- MAIS 620 - Global Critical Social Theory
- MAIS 625 - Research & Project Design
- MAIS 626 - MAIS Capstone Course
Skills Elective (4 units)
Choose from the following:
- MAIS 650 - Advocacy Skills
- MAIS 651 - Corporate Social Responsibility (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 - Building Nonviolent Social Movements
- MAIS 6XX - Corporate Social Responsibility
Program Outcome
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 differences 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 to a global affairs career.
Scholarships and Funding
Our program offers a limited number of scholarships to new students. These program scholarships are merit-based, vary in amount, and cover part of tuition costs. All applicants, both U.S. and international students, are considered for these scholarships during the admission decision process; a separate application is not required. If a scholarship is awarded, it will be indicated in the admission letter.
The Dean's Scholarship
The Dean’s Scholarship grants recipients compensation for research and conference travel. Additional benefits include the Dean's Scholar kickoff and reception, connection with other Dean's Scholars and with leaders across the college, and the chance to serve as program representatives to USF donors and Development initiatives.
To be considered for the $15,000 Dean's Scholarship towards their first year of tuition, students must apply by the program's priority deadline.
Double Dons Scholarship
USF Alumni and current students can be awarded the USF Double Dons Scholarship upon admission. The scholarship covers 20% of the program tuition, and may not be stacked with other USF scholarship awards. Exceptions may apply.
Career Opportunities
Come to USF and gain the skills that employers look for — problem-solving, critical thinking, intercultural communication, and the ability to make connections in the field. Our graduates pursue careers in government and foreign service, global and community service, nonprofit management and advocacy, and development and social responsibility. Our interdisciplinary approach sets you up to compete for a variety of fellowships and PhD programs around the world.
Program Leaders
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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