CURRICULUM

The curriculum consists of at least three courses per quarter. The first year includes required courses on Organizational Policy and Management, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics Trade and Development, Global Trade and Finance, Transnational Forces and Political Systems, Global Governance and World Order, Theories of Intercultural Understanding, and Global Organizations and Civil Society. Students are also required to take a course on research methods in Global & International Affairs, participate in a policy analysis and exercise seminar, and attend a one-unit seminar in the fall that focuses on contemporary issues and internship preparation. The minimum course load for the first year is 37 units.

The second year allows students to choose elective graduate courses that provide background in particular cultural/geographic regions, and focus on a career emphasis in Global Social and Economic Development, Global Culture and Human Rights, or another emphasis of their choosing. The second year returnees begin winter quarter with a post-internship thesis/project workshop. They are also required to take courses in an area specialization of their choice: East Asia, South and Southeast Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, or Europe. A course on Managing Development Organizations, Non-Profits and Other NGOs: Theory and Practice may also be offered as an elective. The minimum course load is at least 36 units.  [With prior approval, up to 8 units of transferrable coursework may be done in a study abroad program]

In consultation with their advisors, students can elect either Master’s Plan I (thesis) or Master’s Plan II (comprehensive project) for their final submission.  In addition, two years of a second language at grade ‘B’ or better and completion of 73 units of course work, including 41 core-course units, is required for the Global & International Studies M.A. program completion.