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  4. Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of International Affairs
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Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of International Affairs (BA/MIA-PS)

Fast-Track Your Global Career in 5 Years

If you want to engage with global challenges using data-driven insight, this program offers the training to get you there. Prepare for careers in diplomacy, nonprofit leadership and other international fields with the accelerated BA/MIA-PS degree.

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What You Will Gain

  • Accelerated Timeline: Complete both your BA in Political Science and MIA in just 5 years instead of 6.
  • In-Demand Technical Skills: Master data analysis, econometrics, quantitative methods and policy evaluation to solve complex global challenges.
  • Regional & Language Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge and professional language proficiency focused on China, Japan, Korea, Latin America or Southeast Asia.
  • Competitive Edge: Graduate with a master’s degree from a top-ranked policy school, positioning you for high-impact roles in international organizations, government, non-profits and global enterprises.

Here’s How the 5-Year Program Works

  1. Junior Year: Apply by April 10 to the BA/MIA-PS program during spring quarter.
  2. Senior Year (BA Final Year): Begin taking graduate-level core courses at GPS while completing your BA requirements.
  3. Fifth Year (MIA Year): Matriculate as a full-time GPS graduate student to complete your career track, regional specialization and capstone project.

Who’s Eligible?

This program is open exclusively to current UC San Diego undergraduate students in collaboration with the Department of Political Science. The program is open only to Political Science-International Affairs majors at UC San Diego.

Curriculum Overview

In addition to core classes, students in the program select one career track and one country/regional specialization: China, Korea, Japan, Latin America or Southeast Asia.

Language acquisition is a key element within the curriculum.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Master of International Affairs

  • Details on the requirements of the country/regional specializations can be found below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core curriculum for the MIA degree portion?

You will take eight foundational courses designed to build your expertise in policy design, economics and quantitative analysis:

  • Microeconomics for Policy and Management
  • International Economics
  • Quantitative Methods I & II
  • Policy-Making Processes
  • International Politics and Security
  • Globalization, the World System and the Pacific
  • Accounting and Finance for Policy Makers

View the UC San Diego General Catalog for a complete list of GPS courses. All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described are subject to change or deletion without notice. Course availability varies by academic quarter and year.

Please consult with a GPS academic advisor at gps-studentaffairs@ucsd.edu for real-time requirements, a full list of elective courses per areas of specialization and current course schedules.

What are the requirements for the MIA career tracks?

Career tracks are designed for MIA students to acquire expertise in a functional area. You will gain targeted expertise by selecting 1 career track (comprising 5 courses: 1 required course, 1 track option and 3 electives) and 1 regional specialization paired with language proficiency.

  • International Development and Nonprofit Management: Design and evaluate sustainable development programs across global communities.
  • International Economics: Analyze international trade, monetary policy and global market interactions.
  • International Environmental Governance: Address global sustainability, energy transitions and environmental policymaking.
  • International Management: Build expertise in global corporate strategy, business reinvention and market operations.
  • International Politics: Navigate diplomacy, global governance, national security and international law.

What are the requirements for the MIA regional specialization and language?

Gain deep localized expertise in a vital global region. You will complete 2 specialized courses focused on the political system and economy of your chosen region, along with language training through sixth-quarter proficiency:

  • China: Mandarin Chinese
  • Japan: Japanese
  • Korea: Korean
  • Latin America: Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese
  • Southeast Asia: Tagalog, Thai or Vietnamese

When is the BA/MIA-PS application deadline?

The application portal opened in early January and the deadline to apply is April 10.

All required application documents must be on file by the posted deadline. If documents are missing, your application may be moved to the next round. View BA/MIA-PS application information.

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