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International Studies

MA in International Studies

This program is not currently accepting applications.

We recommend the MA in Politics with a concentration in International Studies.

The MA in International Studies (MAIS) program prepares leaders in international relations who possess advanced analytical research skills and deep understanding of theories and policy.

The International Studies program emphasizes rigorous training in cutting-edge technical and analytical skills, close engagement with theoretical and conceptual framework, and mastery of applications and policy issues in the real world. Students explore the link between politics and economics in the international arena and learn to use a variety of tools to apply theoretical knowledge to real international problems. The MAIS hones your potential for employment in nonprofits, defense agencies, investment banks, and more—anywhere the world needs you.

Program Highlights
  • Concentrations are available in International Politics and Comparative Politics.
  • Graduate-only education is offered in small, seminar-style classes taught by highly knowledgeable faculty-scholars.
  • The MAIS program encourages flexibility and gives you the resources to develop an individualized curriculum
  • Pursue your MAIS in conjunction with another degree. You earn a diploma for each degree and “double count” some units from one program to the other to decrease your required total units.

Program At-a-glance

  • 33 units

    required units

  • MA in International Studies

    degree awarded

  • In Person

    modality

  • Spring, Summer, Fall

    program start

  • 1.5 years | full time*

    estimated completion time

Areas of Concentration

  • International Politics

    Gain a deeper understanding of the link between politics, security, and global political development by utilizing computational and advanced methodological approaches.

  • Comparative Politics

    Scholars of Comparative Politics investigate similarities and differences in patterns of politics across the world. The field of Comparative Politics includes, among others, the study of political institutions and regimes; electoral behavior and procedures; identity, ideology, and culture; public policy; political economy and political and economic development; social movements and organizations; and protest and revolution.

Where You Can Find Our Alumni

Faculty

  • Portrait of Mark Abdollahian

    Mark Abdollahian

    Full Clinical Professor

    Research Interests

    Strategic Decision Making, International Political Economy, Sustainable Development

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  • Carlos Algara

    Carlos Algara

    Mary Toepelt Nicolai and George S. Blair Assistant Professor

    Research Interests

    American politics, the United States Congress, ideological representation, electoral politics, elite institutions

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  • Heather Campbell

    Heather E. Campbell

    Thornton F. Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy
    Director, Division of Politics & Economics

    Research Interests

    Public Policy, Urban Environmental Policy, Environmental Justice

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  • Portrait of Yi Feng

    Yi Feng

    Luther Lee Jr. Memorial Chair Professor

    Research Interests

    International Political Economy, International Relations, Political Economy of China and Latin America, Quantitative Methodology

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  • Portrait of Jacek Kugler

    Jacek Kugler

    Elisabeth Helm Rosecrans Professor of International Relations

    Research Interests

    Causes and Consequences of War, Political Performance, Power Transition

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  • Tanu Kumar

    Tanu Kumar

    Assistant Professor

    Research Interests

    Development, political behavior, urban politics, digital technology

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  • Tyler Reny

    Tyler Reny

    Assistant Professor

    Research Interests

    American Politics, Racial and Ethnic Politics, Political Behavior, Public Opinion, Political Psychology, Data Visualization

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  • Javier Rodríguez

    Associate Professor
    Field Chair for Policy

    Research Interests

    Public & Health Policy, Social Inequality, Quantitative Methods for Social Science Research

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  • Portrait of Melissa Rogers

    Melissa Rogers

    Associate Professor, Politics & Policy
    Co-Director, Inequality and Policy Research Center
    Field Chair, Comparative Politics
    Field Chair, American Politics

    Research Interests

    Comparative Politics, Political Economy, Economic Inequality

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Curriculum

Program Feature

TransResearch Consortium
CGU’s Politics and Policy Department is a founding member of TransResearch Consortium with the Business School at La Sierra University. The consortium’s objective is to conduct research on major issues in international relations, supports students and to assist government officials in making strategically efficient long-term decisions amid dynamic international co

Cost & Aid

ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
Program 36 units
Tuition per unit* $2,070

*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.

STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
$245 Student Fee
$150 Technology Fee
International Student Services Fee**: $768 fall semester, $851 spring semester
**Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes.

For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.

review financial aid

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