MASTER OF / MASTER OF ARTS IN
International Studies
Master in International Studies (MIS) – Professional Track
The Master in International Studies (MIS) is a practice-oriented graduate program designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in fields deeply impacted by globalization, international affairs, and global governance. This program directly applies advanced theoretical understanding and technical skills to address real-world challenges in international relations.
Students are required to take 43 credit units (including a 3-unit capstone course) to earn the degree.
Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) – Academic Track
The Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) is a graduate program designed to provide students with an advanced and nuanced understanding of the theoretical underpinnings, emergent complexities, and critical issues of globalization. The curriculum emphasizes the study of global governance and its challenges to traditional practices in international affairs and relations. The program transcends conventional international relations frameworks to examine the dynamic interplay between global, regional, and local interactions.
Students are required to complete 37 units of coursework and 6 units of thesis to earn the degree.
Areas of Specialization
Students have the option to specialize in one of the following areas:
- Global Politics
- Gender and International Development
- Leadership and Global Change
What Will I Study?
Below are some of the courses offered in the graduate programs of IS:
Foundational Courses
The course examines various theories and perspectives to explain global politics and interstate relations. It provides a selective analytical overview of the evolution of linkages and strategies in international relations and development theories. It is informed by the notion that “there is no absolute theory…just universe of theories” and is guided by the parameters of 3 c’s (context, content, and critique).
The course highlights theoretical and empirical literature on the various approaches and practices in the pursuit of international/global peace and security. It focuses on major conflicts and sources of insecurities since World War II, how these were internationalized/globalized through policies and ideologies and what the contending responses were from both state and non-state actors.
The course serves as the intellectual and conceptual background in understanding and assessing the actors, institutions, processes, and mechanisms that define the scope and direction of international development. Special emphasis is given to locating and reflecting on development discourse within historical, structural, social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions.
The course provides an overview of the philosophy of quantitative and qualitative social science research methods and their associated methods and techniques. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating the usefulness and appropriateness of scholarly works on chosen topics and focuses on generating propositions or arguments, evaluating and selecting relevant conceptual and theoretical frameworks, and constructing hypotheses and over-all research designs. It requires students to write and defend draft thesis proposals.
Specialization Courses
Teaching and Learning Engagement
Glocal Practitioners and Scholars Network (GPSN)
As part of the program’s commitment to continuous excellence, IS graduate students become part of the Glocal Practitioners and Scholars Network (GPSN). GPSN is designed to foster responsible and transformative engagement by bridging the space between theoretical academic frameworks and real-world global challenges. Its primary goal is to empower graduate students to move beyond passive observation into active, justice-driven engagement that seeks to influence established institutions and norms in the pursuit of social justice and human rights.
The GPSN supports experiential learning opportunities, such as collaborative fieldwork with global and local practitioners who serve as guides for action. It also supports student-led international symposiums and networking workshops with global scholars to expose learners to diverse views.
