Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Global and International Studies at the University of Kansas offers a unique opportunity to explore global issues through a multi-disciplinary lens. This global and international studies masters program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world, whether they are looking to work with international organizations, in government, or in the private sector. The program prepares graduates to make a positive impact on global society through research, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
With a focus on understanding political, economic, social, and cultural dynamics across the globe, the global and international studies masters equips you with a deep understanding of the world’s most pressing issues. As one of the leading global studies masters programs in the Midwest, the program offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific regions or global topics of interest.
Students in the MA in Global and International Studies choose from three concentrations offered through the Lawrence campus, each with distinct regional and thematic focuses, course requirements, and language expectations.
- Global & International Concentration is the program’s original track, offered since 2009, and provides the greatest flexibility in coursework and language study. Students build a regional specialization and a topic specialization, and may complete the degree through a thesis, a research project and oral exam, or a written and oral exam.
- Contemporary East Asian Concentration allows students to focus on issues, languages, and scholarship pertaining to modern East Asia. Students complete core coursework, a regional specialization cluster, and a topic specialization cluster, and must demonstrate language proficiency at the intermediate level in an East Asian language. The degree is completed through a publishable research paper and oral defense.
- Latin American & Caribbean Concentration enables students to develop expertise in the issues, cultures, and languages of Latin America and the Caribbean. Students must demonstrate comprehensive proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese, plus complete two semesters in a second language. The degree is completed through a thesis or comparative research paper and oral defense.
A separate, fourth track — the Interagency Studies Concentration — is offered exclusively through KU’s Leavenworth campus and is designed for military personnel enrolled in the Intermediate Level Education program at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. This program is not open to general applicants; for more information, visit the Interagency Studies program page.
Students in this international studies masters program develop both broad global literacy and specialized expertise, positioning them for leadership in international policy, research, and applied practice. The curriculum emphasizes methodological training, theory, and real-world application, ensuring graduates of this masters in global studies degree are prepared for doctoral study or professional advancement.
Learn more about KU
Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Global & International Studies, MAKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Master’s of Global and International Studies is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Master’s in Global and International Studies Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the global and international studies masters program will:
- Effectively communicate global and international themes through writing, presentation, and speech for both academic and professional audiences.
- Evaluate the impact of international events and domestic developments at the regional, national, and local level for at least one major region of the world.
- Design and conduct independent research in international area studies, demonstrating core research skills including developing a research design, generating and testing hypotheses, working with primary and secondary sources, and applying qualitative or quantitative methodologies.
These learning outcomes ensure students completing this masters degree in international studies are prepared for professional careers or further graduate study.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Global and International Studies?
A global and international studies masters opens doors to a variety of rewarding career paths. Graduates of global studies masters programs can find opportunities in:
- Government agencies involved in foreign affairs and international development
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on human rights, the environment, and more
- Private sector companies with a global footprint, working in areas such as international business or corporate social responsibility
- Diplomacy, government and foreign service
- Global consulting
- International non-profit work
- Political risk analysis
- International business development
- Working for international organizations
- Opportunities in international development or humanitarian work
According to Lightcast, employment for graduates with a global and international studies masters is projected to increase approximately 8% over the next 10 years, with current median compensation of approximately $96,000 per year nationally.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The Master’s Degree in International Studies is competitively priced, and students have access to various forms of financial support, including scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. For more details about tuition, fees, and financial aid options, please visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the global and international studies masters, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A strong academic record and relevant coursework or experience in international relations, political science, economics, or related fields are recommended. Specific requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- A 500-1,000 word statement of interest
- Three letters of recommendation
- Writing sample of up to 20 pages
- Resume/CV
- Applicants must also indicate a potential thesis or research project topic and select a potential advisor from the Core Instructional Faculty list
- Students will not be admitted without the consent of a willing faculty advisor
- Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required
For more details on the application process, please visit the Center for Global & International Studies.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
The masters in global studies provides numerous opportunities for hands-on research and applied learning. Students in this international studies masters program can engage in:
- Faculty-mentored research projects
- Internships with international organizations and agencies
- Study abroad programs that provide real-world experience in global contexts
- Participation in conferences, seminars, and global forums that connect students with experts in the field
Master’s in Global and International Studies Sample Courses
Students in the global studies masters program complete core and elective coursework designed to build theoretical grounding and research expertise. Examples of courses include:
- Approaches to International Studies
- Globalization
- Social Movements in the Middle East
- Political Behavior and Attitude Change
- Chinese Foreign Policy
To view the complete list of courses and full program details, please refer to the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Global and International Studies Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Application deadlines for each entry term and track vary. Visit the official program page for specific deadline dates.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.