International Studies, M.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The M.A.I.S. requires completion of 9 or 12 courses (36 units and a research paper, or 48 units with no research paper).

The goals of the program include the development of substantive knowledge in comparative and/or world politics; an understanding of the linkage between politics and economics in the international arena; an ability to use a variety of tools in the study of comparative and/or world politics; and, a capacity to use theoretical knowledge for practical purposes. Each M.A.I.S. student works out an individualized curriculum in consultation with her or his advisor. The career path a student wishes to pursue upon graduation heavily influences the selection of elective courses and research tools. A student intending to work in an international NGO might include courses thematically related to the work of the NGO and about the area(s) within which the NGO operates. A student planning a career in investment banking would be advised to develop a concentration in international political economy and political risk. A student who wishes to be employed by an agency working on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction might concentrate on course offerings in defense and foreign policy.

For those undertaking the 36-unit degree, the capstone project for students is the Master’s Research Paper. It should focus on a topic related to the sequence of courses the student has studied. It offers an opportunity to explore a topic of interest in depth and to bridge the worlds of “theory” and practice. For those undertaking the 48-unit degree, there is no Master’s Research Paper required.

Core Course Requirement (8 units)

Comparative Track

PP350 Comparative Political Systems
PP351 Comparative Institutional Analysis OR
PP352 Comparative Political Economy

International Track

PP400 World Politics
PP430 Perspectives on Conflict and Peace OR
PP438 Dynamic Modeling in Foreign and Defense Policy

Research Methods (12 units)

One additional Methods course can be taken to support the Track

Sequence 1

PP481 Quantitative Research Methods
PP482 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
PP487 Applied Data Analysis OR PP488 Bayesian Methods

Sequence 2

ECON308 Mathematics for Economists
ECON381 Econometrics I
ECON382 Econometrics II OR ECON383 Econometrics III

Expertise in Depth (16-28 units)

Track1: Foreign Affairs

Choose at least two (2) topical courses

PP362 Foreign & Defense Policy
PP369a Comparative Foreign Policy
PP371 Globalization & Diversity
PP373 The Domestic Politics of Foreign Economic Policy

Choose at least two (2) Advanced topical courses

PP361 Comparative Politics of the Middle East PP363 Asian Politics
PP366 Political and Economic Development in Latin America
PP368 Special Topics in Defense and Security Policy
PP375/POST 225 Politics of Africa
PP438 Dynamic Modeling Seminar in Foreign & Defense Policy

Track2: Strategic Policy

Required (2) courses

SPE 315 Game Theory

SPE471 Strategic Models of Politics, Economics and Business Decisions

Choose four (4) of the following courses

PP354 Political Risk Analysis

PP408 Seminar in World Politics

PP412 Regional Integration

PP419 Seminar in International Political Economy

PP430 Perspectives in Conflict and Peace

PP438 Dynamic Modeling in Foreign and Defense Policy

PP447 Seminar in Social Network Analysis

SPE316 Seminar in Computational and Agent Based Modeling

*course approval required by faculty advisor

** see “Use of foreign language as a research tool” under the “General Requirements” section.