In today’s globalized environment, expertise in international affairs is essential to understanding the contemporary world.
Chapman University’s Master of Arts in International Studies is a two-year interdisciplinary course of study that links global theory and practice. The International Studies program is designed to prepare graduates for a range of global careers with the U.S. Foreign Service, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the United Nations (UN), and other global entities.
The Master of Arts in International Studies program is distinctive in its interdisciplinary approach to understanding global challenges through its emphasis on applied and experiential education. International Studies students have the opportunity to work with faculty from various disciplines including Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Communication, Peace Studies, and Law. International Studies faculty bring their extensive research and professional experience from around the world to classroom. The International Studies program enhances students’ cross-cultural professional skills through an immersive 240-hour internship experience, chosen from a variety of international careers in non-profit, humanitarian and development work, diplomacy, education, and business. International Studies students culminate their degrees with the MA thesis, which analyzes contemporary global challenges. The International Studies program immerses students in culture and real-world inquiry, offering the language and professional skills necessary to succeed in the global marketplace.
The MAIS program includes a stipend toward internship costs for all students, as well as generous, competitive tuition and research scholarships.
Course Study
Students complete 39 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, and successfully complete a master's thesis.
Internships
MAIS students complete an international internship between their first and second years of study. These internships immerse students in culture and real-world work overseas, enhancing language and professional skills in the field to which they aspire. For example, past students who hoped to pursue a career in the NGO arena participated in international internships with Global Vision International, the Foundation for Sustainable Development and others. Students may work with non-governmental organizations in Africa to help alleviate poverty, promote gender equality in Latin America, explore trade issues among countries or firms in eastern Asia, investigate human rights issues in Europe, or assist in developing policy briefs for the U.S. State Department.
MAIS internship funding automatically reimburses up to $2000 in expenses for every MAIS student. Further Internship funding is applied for through Wilkinson College’s graduate student Scholarly/Creative grants program.
Thesis
The International Studies MA thesis has a substantive international focus and incorporates theoretical perspectives. Theses are analytical, and may analyze secondary data or original empirical data collected by students. International Studies students select their thesis advisors and committees based on our core faculty research interests.
MA thesis fieldwork may include surveys, interviews, or observations. Students may apply for research funds of up to $1,500 to cover fieldwork expenses. Funding is also available through Wilkinson College’s graduate student Scholarly/Creative grants program.
considered for fellowship and scholarship awards.
Chapman University is pleased to announce the MA International Studies Fellows. Each fall, the International Studies program will offer exceptionally qualified applicants full or half-tuition scholarships. (The value of the half scholarship is approximately $25,000, applied over two years.)
The Master of Arts in International Studies program offers an accelerated program option for undergraduates that enable students to begin taking MA coursework in their senior year and receive a Master of Arts degree within one year of finishing their undergraduate studies. The program is open to all undergraduate majors that have satisfied the prerequisites for the program and meet the admissions requirements. This interdisciplinary course of study is designed to train students seeking global careers with the U.S. Foreign Service, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the United Nations (UN) or businesses.