MAS-IA Program
The Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA) is a one-year, full-time program designed for mid-career executives and professionals who seek specialized and advanced training in the field of international affairs. The program is designed to complement their professional experience, and offers advanced education to prepare them to assume senior leadership positions in their fields.
The Curriculum
The MAS-IA curriculum consists of a total of 12 courses (48 degree units) completed over the academic year. During the fall quarter, participants take two courses designed especially for them: The Politics of International and National Policy Making and Economies of the Pacific region. These classes will provide students with a solid foundation for the study of international affairs.
Students are required to take seven courses to complete their career track requirements. Students will choose one of three career tracks: International Security, International Political Economy, or International Public Policy. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students will choose three classes within one of these career tracks, and an additional four classes chosen from any of the courses offered at IR/PS.
Students will also complete two courses on the economics and politics of IR/PS's five regional concentrations: China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, or Southeast Asia.
During the spring quarter, students take a capstone course that provides an integrative, analytical exercise for participants in the MAS-IA degree program.
Click here for more information about the MAS-IA Curriculum.
Requirements for Admission
Students interested in pursuing the MAS-IA degree must have earned a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an institution of comparable standing to the University of California with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 or better. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of five years of relevant international experience, including exposure to a regional language. The requirements for international experience might be met in a number of ways, including:
a. foreign work experience or work experience with a multinational enterprise, government entity, or NGO with foreign operations
b. extended residence abroad
c. other relevant international experience considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Foreign applicants whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate education was conducted in a language other than English are required to submit TOEFL scores. IR/PS requires applicants to have achieved a score of at least 90 on the internet-based test or 577 on the paper-based test.
Fees and Financial Aid
Applying for the MAS-IA
For additional information or to discuss your career objectives please contact the GLI Executive Education program at (858) 534-7420.
For application information please contact the Office of Admissions.
