MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM
GENERAL BACKGROUND
The University of California at Santa Barbara offers a semi-professional Master of Arts in Global & International Studies. The two-year degree program, which was launched in the fall of 2007, currently admits 15-20 students each year. It will eventually grow to roughly 50 students in both years of the program. Applications for the 2008-09 academic year will be available online in fall 2007.
As its name suggests, Global & International
Studies focuses on those global processes, interactions and flows that
are today challenging historical patterns of international relations.
The program is thus situated within the debate over whether the world
is in an epochal transitional stage, increasingly formed by interacting
economic, political, and cultural forces, or continues to be shaped primarily
by the interplay of nation-states.
The M.A. degree is designed for those who wish to deepen their understanding
of these processes. While most students pursue this degree as preparation
for possible international careers in non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
some may choose to work in businesses or government, and others may seek
a Ph.D. in a related social science or humanities field. The M.A.
degree is intended to provide an understanding of the economic, political,
social, and cultural forces that are shaping global organizations. While
it is not intended to provide extensive practical training for specific
professions, it will – through a six-month internship requirement,
policy and training seminars, and a variety of “hands-on” activities – enable
its graduates to meet the intellectual as well as practical challenges
facing those who serve in the growing “third sector” of non-profit,
non-governmental civil society organizations.
In the last ten years, the number of officially registered international NGOs increased by one-third, to more than 13,000. Governments are increasingly channeling assistance through these organizations, which in many countries are among the fastest growing employment sectors. Whether it be tsunami relief in Southeast Asia, hurricane relief in New Orleans, or medical assistance in African communities ravaged by AIDS, NGOs now play a critical role in responding to global crises. During a time of political polarization, this vital sector of civil society is playing an ever-more important role in world affairs.
The MA program was made possible through the generosity of Paul Orfalea and the Orfalea Family Foundation. Their support establishes the Orfalea Center for Global & International Studies, whose mission is to promote and advance global and international studies at UCSB, and which sponsors interdisciplinary conferences, seminars, and public programs as well as funding for the new MA program. Their gift enhances the MA program through student fellowships and internships, visiting professorships, and staff.
