Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA)

Program Overview

The Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA) program at UC San Diego is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers in global affairs. The program equips students with an executive's mindset and skills in policy analysis, cross-cultural diplomacy, and regional expertise. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in various sectors, including foreign affairs, public policy, and the military.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA) program at the School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) at UC San Diego is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers in global affairs. This program caters to individuals with a minimum of five years of work experience who are seeking to take on higher-level organizational challenges with international implications. The program aims to equip students with an executive's mindset and skills, including:

• Policy analysis and formulation: Gaining the ability to analyze complex international issues and develop effective policy solutions.
• Cross-cultural diplomacy: Enhancing communication and negotiation skills for navigating diverse cultural contexts in international settings.
• Regional-specific expertise: Developing an in-depth understanding of specific regions, such as the Asia-Pacific, allowing for nuanced and insightful problem-solving.
The MAS-IA program empowers graduates to become impactful leaders in global affairs.

Outline:

The MAS-IA program is structured as follows:

Length:

• Full-time: 9 months
• Part-time: 18 months

Delivery:

• On-campus

Cost:

• $950 per unit

Total Units:

• 48 (12 courses)

Curriculum:

• Core Courses (2):
• Global Economics and Markets:
Provides a foundational understanding of global economies and market dynamics.
• Politics of International and National Policy Making: Explores the systems and developments that influence policy creation at both national and international levels.
• Elective Courses (9): Students select nine courses based on their professional path and regional interests, drawing from the following specialization tracks:
• International Relations Career Track:
Focuses on bilateral and multilateral relationships among countries in the Pacific region.
• International Political Economy Career Track: Investigates the interplay of international and domestic factors on global economic and political policies and outcomes.
• International Public Policy Career Track: Develops skills for analyzing and evaluating public policies in a comparative perspective.
• Environmental Policy and Sustainability Career Track: Deepens knowledge in environmental policy, regulatory economics, and sustainable development.
• Security of the Asia-Pacific Career Track: Cultivates critical thinking and navigation skills for current security debates within the Asia-Pacific region.
• Capstone Course: Students complete a final capstone course to showcase their acquired knowledge and skills.
This course involves research and the development of actionable solutions to a pressing international challenge, guided by the program's faculty.

Careers:

The MAS-IA program prepares graduates for a range of global affairs careers, with placements across various sectors:

• Foreign Private: 5%
• Foreign Public: 23%
• U.S. Military: 41%
• U.S.
• Nonprofit: 5%
• U.S.
• Private: 15%
• U.S. Public: 11%

Other:

• Graduate Spotlights: The program website features profiles of successful graduates, showcasing their career paths and the impact of the MAS-IA degree.
For example:
• Lt. Reed Harbeck, MAS-IA ‘23 (U.S. Navy):
He pursued the Security of the Asia-Pacific track and stated that the program provided the necessary understanding for his new role as a foreign area officer in Southeast Asia.
• Rummer Bershtein, MAS-IA ‘21 (Booz Allen Hamilton): She noted that the program honed her research skills, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving approach.
• Webinars and Events: The program hosts webinars and events to connect with prospective students and provide further insights into the MAS-IA experience.