The University of California at Santa Barbara offers a Master of Arts in Global & International Studies [MAGIS]. The two-year degree program, launched in the fall of 2006, currently admits approximately 12-15 students each year.  It is especially well suited for students who wish to engage in or study the dimensions of global civil society--such as political economy, development, law, human rights, religion, culture, and environmental protection--that affect our contemporary world in significant ways.

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 Master of Arts 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.  This M.A. degree is intended to provide an understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural forces that are shaping global organizations. While not providing extensive practical training for specific professions, the program will through a six-month internship and/or study abroad 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 recent years the number of officially registered international NGOs has increased dramatically. Governments are increasingly channeling assistance through these organizations, which in many countries are among the fastest growing employment sectors. Whether it is tsunami relief in Southeast Asia, earthquake relief in Haiti, 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 and global governance. The degree to which this is a desirable and effective solution to challenges of governance in an increasingly globalized world is much debated, and is a central concern of the MAGIS program.

The MAGIS program is sectioned into three areas of specialization: global culture and religion; global governance and human rights; and political economy, sustainable development and the environment.  Students complete gateway coursework in all three areas before focusing on a specific area to research. The program completion requires an internship and/or study abroad component, graduate elective coursework in an area of specialization, mastery of a second language, and a thesis or comprehensive project to earn the G&IS M.A. degree.

The MAGIS program is made possible in a large part through the generosity of Paul Orfalea and the Orfalea Family Foundation. Their support established the Orfalea Center for Global & International Studies, whose mission is to promote and advance global and international studies at UC Santa Barbara, and which sponsors interdisciplinary conferences, seminars, and public programs as well as funding for the MAGIS program. Their gift enhances the M.A. program through graduate student fellowships and internships, visiting professorships, and staff. In addition, individual and corporate donors have been especially supportive of the MAGIS students, and we are very grateful for all support.

For prospective students: the online application for the 2011-12 academic year will be available in early September—please use the ‘Admissions’ link for detailed information and useful application links.