»Master of Arts in International Studies

Apply now using the Online Application. All applicants must provide the following materials:

• Official transcripts from all degree-granting (bachelor’s or master’s degrees) colleges and universities attended.
• A graduate admission test is required for applicants with a bachelor's degree cumulative GPA below a 3.0. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99, may be considered for admission by submitting a satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with minimum scores of Verbal: 154, Quantitative: 147, and Analytical Writing: 4.0 or by demonstrating significant relevant professional experience. GRE Institution Code: 4047.
• A statement of intent; an essay expressing your reasons for wanting to join the MA International Studies program. What are your personal and career goals, and how will this particular degree from Chapman University help you reach those goals? Your essay should be double spaced, size 12 font, and 2-4 pages in length.
• Two letters of recommendation that speak to academic and/or professional preparation, intellectual ability, and aptitude for graduate study.
• Your resume or curriculum vitae.

Students complete 36 credits of academic coursework, demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language equivalent to having completed two courses in the language at the 300 level, complete a 240-hour international internship between their first and second years of study, and successfully complete a master's thesis. Thesis fieldwork may include surveys, interviews or data analysis. For further information on degree prerequisites, admission requirements and a list of courses view the Graduate Course Catalog.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore past students' MA theses for insight into the depth and diversity of research conducted in our program. These projects showcase the creativity, rigor, and intellectual curiosity that define our graduate community.

Each fall, the International Studies program will offer exceptionally qualified applicants tuition fellowships for study in our program. The value of these fellowships varies, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, to upwards of 50% or 100% the cost of tuition for the first year of study.

The program also offers competitive graduate assistantship opportunities. Working with a faculty advisor, students assist with research and/or writing projects. Unlike tuition fellowships, the graduate assistantships pay an hourly wage directly to the student. Students work approximately 9 hours per week, starting at around $37.81 per hour. This is a value of approximately $5,100, working the full extent of the assistantship.

Financial aid often contains mainly student loans. In addition to any program funding, you will also receive your “financial aid package” from the Graduate Financial Aid Office after you have been admitted. Regarding loans, please contact their office directly with any questions at gradfinaid@chapman.edu

Important Dates

In order to be considered, applicants need only complete and submit an application by the February 1 priority deadline. No additional steps are required for consideration.

Fully completed applications received by the February 1 priority deadline are automatically considered for fellowship. Offers of fellowship are released with offers of admission, typically by March 15.

The Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) program at Chapman University offers opportunities to expand your academic knowledge, connect with distinguished global leaders, and build professional networks beyond the classroom.

Student Research and Conference Travel Grants

The MAIS program invests in students’ research and professional development through funding for academic conference participation and research preparation. Eligible students can receive up to $1,000 from the Office of Graduate Education in funding to support their research and/or to present their work at national and international academic or professional conferences. Students who need funds in excess of $1,000 may be eligible for additional funds through MAIS. MAIS students have received funding to attend the following conferences:

• Peace and Justice Studies Association
• Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Food Expo PRO
• Southeast Asian Studies Graduate Student Association
• International Interdisciplinary Conference on Myanmar’s Borderlands
• International Studies Association Western Regional Conference

Internship Funding

MAIS students are expected to perform an international or domestic internship during their studies. These internships give students opportunities to connect their academic learning with real-world life and work in an international field context, while providing them with an introduction into the sector to which they aspire. The MAIS program supports students’ internship experiences with up to $2,000 in reimbursement for eligible expenses.

Sigma Iota Rho: The Honor Society for International Studies
Delta Mu Chapter| Chapman University

The Honor Society for International Studies, Sigma Iota Rho was first established in 1984 and now claims over 100 chapters on campuses across the nation. The Chapman University chapter, Delta Mu, was established primarily as a means to honor those students who have excelled academically and have shown extracurricular achievement. The purpose of the society is to promote and reward scholarship and service among students of International Studies, and to foster integrity and creative performance in the understanding of world affairs.

Benefits of Sigma Iota Rho Membership

• Opportunity to attend conferences at the United Nations, World Bank, and more
• Opportunity to receive research and travel grant funding
• Access to professional networks
• Certificate attesting membership status Sigma Iota Rho lapel pin
• Copy of the latest issue of the nationally distributed Journal of International Relations, with an opportunity for contribution to the journal as an author or an editor
• Free chapter subscription to the Internationalist magazine
• Graduation regalia: honor cord (included) or stole (discounted purchase)

Beyond these benefits, membership provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, build lasting relationships, and deepen engagement with global issues.

Students interested in Sigma Iota Rho can contact the MAIS Program Director or visit the national website.

MAIS Engagement Activities

MAIS students have opportunities to engage with distinguished leaders, scholars, human rights advocates, political leaders, and international affairs practitioners through guest lectures, special talks, and conversations with students. These experiences connect classroom learning with real-world perspectives on global issues.

Nadia Murad
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Presidential Fellow

Nadia Murad regularly meets with MAIS students for guest lectures and lunch events, offering opportunities for engagement with a leading advocate for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

• Learn more about Nadia Murad

Metra Mehran
Afghan Human Rights Activist and Co-founder of the Afghanistan Accountability Collective and Afghanistan Justice Archive

Metra Mehran participated in a conversation with MAIS students focused on human rights, accountability, and justice in Afghanistan.

• View event details

Julie Chávez Rodríguez
Political Strategist and Organizer, Presidential Fellow

Julie Chávez Rodríguez, political strategist and former campaign manager for the presidential campaigns of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, joined MAIS students for a guest talk on her own experiences with civic engagement and how to build a meaningful career in politics, the public sector, and nonprofit work.

• Learn more about Julie Chávez Rodríguez
• View event details

Gerald Gahima
Former Attorney General of Rwanda

Gerald Gahima delivered a guest lecture titled “Repeating History? Genocides From the 20th to the 21st Century”, followed by a question-and-answer session with MAIS students.

• View event details

Widlore Mérancourt
Editor-in-Chief of Ayibopost, a Haitian News Outlet

Widlore Mérancourt spoke with MAIS students about Haiti’s history and contemporary affairs in a guest talk titled “Haiti Past and Present.”

• View event details

The MA in International Studies program and the Department of Peace Studies are proud partners with the Center for International Experiential Learning (CIEL).

CIEL’s unique holistic learning model combines extensive interdisciplinary pre-travel scholarly education with on-the-ground experiential learning in conflict-affected regions guided by internationally recognized scholars and local experts.

Chapman University joins other students from universities across the US and UK to receive on-the-ground exposure to the people, politics and realities.

A unique part of the MAIS program's commitment to experiential learning, students have the opportunity to actively engage with politicians, community leaders, non-governmental organizations, faith leaders, academic experts and victims/survivors from all sides impacted by the conflicts.

You can read about our inaugural summer program, including student and faculty testimonials, and also our subsequent trips by clicking on the links below.

• Transformative Learning: Wilkinson Students in Vietnam (Winter 2025)