International Studies, MA

Goals of the Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) are three-fold:

Gain substantive knowledge in comparative and/or world politics
Build an understanding of the linkage between politics and economics in the international arena
Master an ability to use a variety of tools in the study of comparative and/or world politics
Develop a capacity to use theoretical knowledge for practical purposes

Each MAIS student works out an individualized curriculum in consultation with an advisor. The career path in which a student is interested influences the selection of elective courses and research tools to be undertaken. A student intending to work in an international non-government organization (NGO) might include courses thematically related to the work of the particular NGO and about the areas within which the NGO operates. Students looking towards investment banking careers should develop an expertise in international political economy and political risk. For employment by an agency working on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, course offerings in defense and foreign policy are recommended.

Admission requirements are detailed in the Admission section of the Bulletin.

Degree Requirements

36 units; no Master’s research paper required.

Final Paper Portfolio. All students are required to submit two papers to the program office. One paper must be written during the student’s first semester in the program. A second paper should represent the student’s best work and may come from a subsequent semester that the student was enrolled in the program. Papers are used for accreditation reviews of the program. The program’s Student Handbook provides additional details.

University Policies. University policies detailed in the Academic Policies section of the Bulletin apply.

Track 1: World Politics (36 Units)

Core (16 Units):

INST 401 World Politics
INST 430 Perspectives in Conflict & Peace
INST 410 Political Economy of International Development
SP&E 411 International Political Economy

Research Tools (12 Units)

INST 400 Math Preparations Workshop (0 units) for those who need basic calculus, linear algebra and probability theory
INST 481 Statistical Methods for Social Sciences (4 units)
INST 483 Multivariate Analysis in International Studies Using SAS (4 units)

And

INST 487 Advanced Topics in Applied Econometrics OR
SP&E 317 Advanced Formal Models OR
SP&E 471 Strategic Modeling for Politics, Economics & Business OR
INST 489 Advanced Research Design

Note: MA students who wish to a substitute must gain prior approval by a Faculty Advisor and the Department Chair

Electives (8 Units):

Choose two of the following:

INST 403 Seminar in Deterrence and Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
PP 420A-H Foreign Policy (USA, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia etc.)
PP 408 Seminar in Political Demography OR TNDY407I Seminar in Social Demography
PP 432 Seminar in Civil War
PP 412 Seminar in Integration
SP&E 429 Political Economy of China
SP&E 471 Strategic Modeling for Politics, Economics, & Business
PP 316 Seminar in Computational & Agent-Based Modeling
SP&E 438 Dynamic Modeling

Note: Students who wishes to a substitute classes must gain prior approval by a Faculty Advisor to choose the best courses for your goals.

Track 2: China Track (36 Units)

Core (16 Units):

INST 401 World Politics
INST 410 Political Economy of International Development
SP&E 411 International Political Economy
SP&E 429 Political Economy of China

Research Tools (12 Units)

INST 400 Math Preparations Workshop (0 units) for those who need basic calculus, linear algebra and probability theory
INST 481 Statistical Methods for Social Sciences (4 units)
INST 483 Multivariate Analysis in International Studies Using SAS (4 units)

And

INST 487 Advanced Topics in Applied Econometrics OR
SP&E 317 Advanced Formal Models OR
SP&E 471 Strategic Modeling for Politics, Economics & Business OR
INST 489 Advanced Research Design

Note: MA students who wish to a substitute must gain prior approval by a Faculty Advisor and the Department Chair

Electives (8 Units):

PP 408 Seminar in Political Demography OR TNDY407I Seminar in Social Demography
PP 412 Seminar in Integration
GOV142E CM Chinese Politics
PP 432 Seminar in Civil War
INST 403 Deterrence and Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
PP 420A-H Foreign Policy (USA, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia etc.)
SP&E 363 Politics and Economic Development in Asia

Note: This track requires that papers for core classes focus on China. Consult with Faculty Contact to select best courses for your goals.

Track 3: Regional Studies (36 Units)

Core (16 Units):

SP&E 350 Theories and Issues in Comparative Politics
SP&E 351 Comparative Institutional Analysis
SP&E 352 Comparative Political Economy
SP&E 364 Democracy and Development

Research Tools (12 Units)

INST 400 Math Preparations Workshop (0 units) for those who need basic calculus, linear algebra and probability theory
INST 481 Statistical Methods for Social Sciences (4 units)
INST 483 Multivariate Analysis in International Studies Using SAS (4 units)

And

INST 487 Advanced Topics in Applied Econometrics OR
SP&E 317 Advanced Formal Models OR
SP&E 471 Strategic Modeling for Politics, Economics & Business OR
INST 489 Advanced Research Design

Note: MA students who wish to a substitute must gain prior approval by a Faculty Advisor and the Department Chair

Electives (8 Units):

PP 353 Comparative Parties and Elections
PP 354 Politics of Developing Countries
PP 356 Politics of Non-Democratic States
PP 366 Political and Economic Development in Latin America
PP 375/POST 225 Politics of Africa
SP&E 367 Political Economy of Africa
SP&E 417a Public Policy in the European Union: Markets and Security
PP 408 Seminar in Political Demography OR TNDY407I Seminar in Social Demography
PP 412 Seminar in Integration
PP 363 Politics and Economic Development in Asia
SP&E 429 Political Economy of China
TNDY 405B Politics, Modernization, and Development: The Muslim World in Comparative Perspectives
TNDY 405C Wealth Poverty and Inequality
INST 369P Globalization and Political Economy of the Middle East