Academics
- Concurrent Degrees
- Master of International Affairs
- Master of Public Policy
- Master of Chinese Economic and Political Affairs
- Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs
- Ph.D. Political Science and International Affairs
The MAS-IA is our leading executive international affairs degree. Incoming students are seasoned professionals with five or more years of work experience and our curriculum challenges them by digging deeply into the study of international relations, international political economy, public policy, environmental sustainability and Asia-Pacific security.
GPS students thrive in the diverse, cosmopolitan atmosphere of one of America’s most innovative cities. On campus, students work with professors who are leading experts in their fields. Selecting one of five specialized career tracks, as well as a regional specialization, students are able to connect academic work with the leadership roles they’ll assume after graduation.
Students enrolled full time complete the degree in a nine-month academic year (holders of F or J visas must study full time). A part-time enrollment option (2 academic years) is also available to professionals with flexible work schedules.
In addition to core classes, students must also satisfy the requirements of a career track and complete electives for a country/regional specialization: China, Korea, Japan, Latin America or Southeast Asia.
The Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs core curriculum is designed to integrate the diverse subject areas of international management, politics, economics and comparative public policy.
Core Courses
Two specially designed courses, offered during the fall quarter, are devoted to the politics and economics of the Pacific region and provide a solid foundation in the study of international affairs.
Students choose one of five career tracks prior to beginning study. Career tracks are designed for students to focus their studies in a functional area of their choice.
Course schedules are published on a quarterly basis and are subject to change without notice. Some elective courses that can be applied to meet career track requirements may not be offered in a given academic quarter or academic year. See the UC San Diego General Catalog.
Students who have been admitted as candidates for the Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs program are advised to review the list of courses to determine whether their academic and professional backgrounds have sufficiently prepared them to enroll in a particular course.
Please contact GLI for any questions.
The country/regional specializations were established in recognition of the growing importance of the Pacific region to the U.S. and the world. Students are required to complete two courses.
Courses taken for a country/regional specialization may not be double counted as career track electives for the MAS-IA degree.
Students are required to take at least two courses that have a regional specialization. The two courses may either focus on one country or on two countries from the below list:
The MAS-IA curriculum consists of a total of 12 courses (48 degree units). The program is designed as a one-year degree, which requires students to enroll in four courses each quarter. In an effort to accommodate working professionals, the degree may be completed in two years by attending part time.
Please Note: only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for the part-time program; international students must enroll in full-time study to maintain non-immigrant (F-1 or J-1) status.
Full-Time (9 Months)
Year | Quarter | Courses | Units |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | Fall | Politics of International and National Policy Making Global Economics and Markets Elective Elective |
16 |
Winter | Elective Elective Elective Elective |
16 | |
Spring | Workshop on Policy Issues in the Pacific Rim Elective Elective Elective |
16 | |
Total Degree Units: | 48 |
Part-Time (18 Months)
Year | Quarter | Courses | Units |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | Fall | Politics of International and National Policy Making Global Economics and Markets |
8 |
Winter | Elective Elective |
8 | |
Spring | Elective Elective |
8 | |
Year 2 | Fall | Elective Elective |
8 |
Winter | Elective Elective |
8 | |
Spring | Workshop on Policy Issues in the Pacific Rim Elective |
8 | |
Total Degree Units: | 48 |