- New graduates with a bachelor’s degree in International/Global Studies, Political Science, Geography, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Languages, or related social science fields
- Experienced professionals in diverse fields looking to accelerate their career through opportunities in California as well as internationally
- Those working in the public sector, including federal, state, local, and/or foreign governments
- Those working in private sector fields including trade, consulting, finance/banking, and business
- Those working in the nonprofit sector such as Nongovernmental Organizations, public interest and advocacy, and higher education
The Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) Professional Program at California State University, Long Beach is designed to prepare leaders for a changing world by providing the skills that employers demand for the global workforce of the 21st century. Greater Los Angeles is one of the most globally-connected metropolitan areas in the world. The region’s diversity of trade, international investments, cultures, and languages exceed that of all but a small handful of countries. Employment opportunities in California reflect a demand for related competencies globally.
The program, aligned with global standards in the field, combines interdisciplinary, policy-oriented, intercultural and global studies with career development. Through a cohort design, students attain both the international and project management skills employers demand for the global workforce of the 21st century. This 18-month program includes 12 months in residence, followed by a carefully placed internship. Graduates become prepared for careers in areas such as International Development & Relief, Migration Advocacy, International Non-Profit Management, International Business, and Trade Policy.
The MAIA program identifies and develops the professional skills necessary for a successful international career in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors—both at home and abroad. The core elements of the program include methodological skills, functional competence, and foreign language knowledge with a multidisciplinary approach. The curriculum applies prevalent theory to real-world situations, while developing tools for project development and problem resolution.
- Hybrid program combining online and in-person learning environments
- The MAIA program is designed accelerated to be completed in 18 months while keeping total costs commensurate with traditional graduate programs at CSULB.
- The MAIA program is one of the least expensive professional MA International Affairs programs in the country.
- Program includes Washington, D.C.-based staff to facilitate internships and job training in the nation’s capital so students can choose between interning in California, Washington, or abroad.
- The only professional master's degree program in International Affairs that includes a focus on serving California’s specific population and workforce needs in a global context
- Global systems patterns with attention to policy, conclusions, limitations, and implications
- Policy-making theories, models, and applications
- Project management and budgeting
- Causes, consequences, legal issues, and identity intersectionality in migration and immigration
- Contrasting perspectives and practical skills for international development
- How to apply international affairs skills to real-world problems
- How to identify pathways from your MAIA degree into career placements
- International Economics
- International Politics
- Scope and Methods for International Affairs
- International Economic Development
- Applied International Development
- Project Management
- Global Trends in International Migration
- Labor Migration
- Citizenship and Immigration Law
- Management of Nonprofit Organizations
- Budgets
- A student capstone project
- Completion of 33 units of approved graduate courses with a 3.0 GPA or better
- A graduate GPA of 3.0 or better in the program course requirements
- Successfully complete the culminating activity with a passing grade
- Satisfaction of all university graduation requirements
Program Outline
PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS (33 units)
Required Core Courses (18 units, 6 courses):
1. MAIA 600-International Affairs Cornerstone (3 units)
This course is an introduction to the major themes and core principals of international development, immigration, and migration. It is a comprehensive introduction covering central concepts of international relations theories and analytical approaches to main international issues and their stakeholders. Letter grade only (A-F).
2. MAIA 610-International Economics (3 units)
This course engages key issues in international macroeconomics; international trade; and international finance. Topics include: growth, inflation, trade—surplus and deficits; monetary policy, interest and exchange rates; financial integration, crises and contagion; neoliberal globalization and anti-globalism; international and regional economic agreements; and prospects for policy coordination and reform in international trade and finance. Letter grade only (A-F).
3. MAIA 620-International Politics (3 units)
This course introduces students to the seminal issues international politics as it relates to public policy. Students develop analytic tools, review analytic frameworks, and apply them to a series cases to better understand policy outcomes. Letter grade only (A-F).
4. MAIA 630-Policy Making Process (3 units)
Course introduces core theories and models of policymaking process, and tools of policy analysis; and application of these concepts and analytical tools to specific policy areas including economic development and poverty, health, education, immigration, transportation, environment, and energy. Letter grade only (A-F).
5. MAIA 640-Scope and Methods of International Affairs (3 units)
This course provides students with tools for designing research and policy papers
in international affairs. It includes principles of concepts and design, quantitative research methods, concrete research techniques with an emphasis on qualitative methods, and application of methods to professions. Letter grade only (A-F).
6. MAIA 650-Project Management (3 units)
Examines the theoretical and practical elements of project management. Explores how and why to use tools of project management, the project cycle, and technical aspects of monitoring and evaluation. Letter grade only (A-F).
Track Options (Choose One-Offered in Summer Term) (9 units, 3 courses):
International Development and Non-Profit Management
1. MAIA 605-International Economic Development (3 units)
A critical examination of theories and approaches to the study of development. Topics include: ideologies of development; institutions; states, markets, and communities; foreign aid, debt, trade; food and nutrition; education and health; environment and climate change. Letter grade only (A-F).
2. MAIA 615-Management of Nonprofit Organizations (3 units)
This course engages theories, methods, and practices affecting nonprofits. Topics include: history of philanthropy—international and domestic, volunteerism, and the role of non-profits as civil society; governance, strategy and planning; financial management, fundraising and budgeting; non-profit and business; emerging trends in nonprofit practice: venture philanthropy and social entrepreneurship; public sector and non-profits. Letter grade only (A-F).
OR
Migration and Immigration Advocacy
1. MAIA 635-Global Trends in International Migration (3 units)
Examines major global migration trends since 1945 and surveys key literature in the field of migration studies. Emphasis is on applying theoretical perspectives and comparative methodology to pressing issues of immigration, emigration, and forced migration. Letter grade only (A-F).
2. MAIA 645-Labor Migration (3 units)
The course will examine the impact of major international migration flows and current patterns in the spatial mobility of people and divisions of labor across the globe, querying how certain types of work become clustered in specific geo-political locations and populated by particular types of workers. Letter grade only (A-F).
3. MAIA 655-Citizenship and Immigration Law (3 units)
This course focuses on four questions: Who is a citizen of the United States? Who can come to this country as an immigrant? When and why can non-citizens be forced to leave? How and why does citizenship matter? Letter grade only (A-F).
Additional Requirements (6 units, 2 courses)
1. MAIA 698-Capstone Project
A project-oriented course designed to synthesize the skills and knowledge that students have acquired in their graduate studies. Students will undertake a supervised international affairs-related internship. Professional work is supplemented by writing, discussion, problem-solving, and efforts to connect program theories and concepts to real world experiences, culminating in a written Capstone Project. Letter grade only (A-F).
2. MAIA 660-Budgets
This course is an introduction to core concepts and principals of budgeting in public and private nonprofit international organizations, which operate in international development, immigration and migration. It is a comprehensive course to explain and analyze central approaches to budgeting. Letter grade only (A-F).
Information Sessions
The Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) Professional Program at California State University, Long Beach is designed to prepare leaders for a changing world by providing the skills that employers demand for the global workforce of the 21st century. The information sessions are short presentations by a program representative, and include a question-and-answer session at the end.
MAIA Information Session
MAIA Information Session
MAIA Information Session
MAIA Information Session
Admission Requirements
Admission decisions are based on consideration of the applicant’s previous academic record, statement of purpose, resume, and letters of recommendation.
- A bachelor’s degree in a social science, language, or related field from a regionally accredited university
- A minimum GPA of 2.7 in the last 60 semester units attempted, and good standing at the last college attended
- A statement of purpose
- A recent resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- International applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. For more information, visit the English Language Requirement page.
- Although there is no prerequisite coursework, applicants are strongly encouraged to have completed Introduction to Macroeconomics and Introduction to Microeconomics.
- While language proficiency is a criterion for graduation, not admission, applicants are encouraged to complete basic proficiency in a second language in advance of enrollment. Please consult with the program director for more information.
How to Apply
Admission to the MAIA degree program requires approval by the University and the program's Graduate Applicant Review Committee. Please follow all directions closely.
Admission Criteria, Documentation, and Information
To be admitted to the program, you must apply for admission using the California State University admissions portal called Cal State Apply. By applying online, you can start, stop, and save your application information throughout the process. Note the following steps to begin the application process:
- Select a term to apply for (Fall)
- Sign in or create an account
- Select CSU Long Beach as your campus and Select Extended Education as the Source
- Select International Affairs from the list of available programs; and once chosen, the program title will be highlighted in green with a check mark to indicate that you have chosen the correct program
- Use the dashboard to continue with your application for admission to the program
You will be asked to provide the following:
- Personal Information
- Academic History
- Supporting Information
- Program Materials
Note the following admissions criteria and information:
- You must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or have completed equivalent academic preparation at a foreign university, as determined by the appropriate campus authority.
- You must be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
- You must have attained an acceptable grade-point average in any of the following ways: (a) hold an advanced degree; (b) hold a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 (A = 4.0); or (c) hold a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
- Students in the process of completing a baccalaureate degree may be admitted on a provisional basis, subject to proof of degree completion by the established deadline, if their cumulative GPA is at least 2.7 or if the GPA in their last 60 semester or 90 quarter units are calculated at 2.5 or higher.
- Admission to CSULB is competitive. We prefer applicants who have earned at least a 3.0 grade-point average in the last 60 semester units attempted. A student whose overall grade point average is less than 3.0, but who presents acceptable evidence of professional potential (either through recent academic performance and/or experiential background), may be admitted by special action of the program's Graduate Applicant Review Committee.
Note the following documentation requirements and information:
- Official transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions after high school must be sent directly to CSULB Enrollment Services. Do not send transcripts to faculty, staff, or the Department, because they will be returned unopened. Some academic institutions will send your transcripts electronically to CSULB. Other institutions will send your transcripts by U.S. Mail, which must be send to the following address:
- Office of Admissions and Records
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840-0106
- The Cal State Apply website requests transcript entry. Graduate applicants need only enter courses that are in-progress or planned. Select “I am Not Adding Any College Transcripts” if you do not have in-progress or planned coursework. Do NOT enter individual course information from each individual institution attended, unless you want the system to calculate your grade point average. Entering all of this information is not necessary for admission to our program.
- You may send your resume and two (2) letters of recommendation directly to the Program Director, along with your relevant experiences, achievements, and a Statement of Purpose. Documents may be sent by email or U.S. Mail, but email is strongly encouraged for most efficient communication. Please note: letters of recommendation must come directly from the individuals signing the letters.
- Richard R. Marcus Ph.D. (Richard.Marcus@csulb.edu)
Program Director, MAIA Program
LA3-100, MS 4605
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840-0501
- Richard R. Marcus Ph.D. (Richard.Marcus@csulb.edu)
- Review and submit your application with the fee by the published deadline.
- You may periodically email the Graduate Advisor for a status report.
- Wait for an admissions decision to come by email directly from CSULB Enrollment Services. If you are admitted to the program, you will receive course scheduling and enrollment instructions from the Graduate Advisor at least two weeks before the semester begins.
- If you have special admissions needs or questions, please contact the appropriate CSULB office directly:
Application Deadlines
The MAIA program admits students for the Fall semester only. The MAIA application deadline is June 1 for Fall admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cost per unit: $515 (Starting Fall 2021)
- Cost per 3-unit course: $1,545
- Total cost of the program: $16,995
- Costs for books, software, or other course materials are in addition to the course fees.
- New graduates with a bachelor’s degree in International/Global Studies, Political Science, Geography, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Languages, or related social science fields
- Experienced professionals in diverse fields looking to accelerate their career through opportunities in California as well as internationally
- Those working in the public sector, including federal, state, local, and/or foreign governments
- Those working in private sector fields including trade, consulting, finance/banking, and business
- Those working in the nonprofit sector such as Nongovernmental Organizations, public interest and advocacy, and higher education
The Professional Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) is designed to prepare leaders for a changing world. It combines interdisciplinary, policy-oriented, intercultural and global studies with career development. Through a cohort design, students focus on attaining both the general and specific skills employers demand for the global workforce of the 21st century. This 18-month program includes 12 months in residence, followed by a semester that can be taken either remotely or in residence (international students on a visa will be required to take the courses in residence). U.S. students may take the final two courses through online coursework to allow them to pursue an internship anywhere in the world. Graduates are prepared for local careers of an international nature, national careers, and global careers in areas such as International Business, Trade Policy, International Development & Relief, and Migration Advocacy.
- Completion of 33 units of approved graduate courses with a 3.0 GPA or better
- A graduate GPA of 3.0 or better in the program course requirements.
- Successfully complete the culminating activity with a passing grade.
- Satisfaction of all university graduation requirements.
Yes, there are six required core courses, three required courses on the students selected track, plus two online courses, and budgets.
CPIE, Department, and University websites contain most of the information you will need. Further questions can be directed to Professor Richard R. Marcus, MAIA Program Director, at richard.marcus@csulb.edu
Instructors
Yousef Baker (PhD)’s area of specialty is Iraq and Iran, and he works in Arabic and Farsi. His research on “Global Capitalism and Political Control: Investigating the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq” focuses on theories of globalization and development, social movements, nationalism, and questions of race and migration, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Through this research he demonstrates how processes of globalization have given rise to a structural tension wherein economic circuits of accumulation are transnational, whilst political legitimacy is still confined within the nation-state. Professor Baker has worked as a deputy Economic Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister of Iraq, and as a Deputy Campaign Manager during Iraqi elections.
Yousef Baker,
Professor
Caitlin E. Fouratt (PhD) specializes in Latin America, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica; and speaks Spanish. Her dissertation, “Presences and Absences: Nicaraguan Migration to Costa Rica and Transnational Families,” exploreshow economic crisis, environmental pressures, and failed government policies contribute to the reconfiguration of care and kinship among transnational families. Professor Fouratt has served in roles including research consultant to the Centro Internacional para el Desarrollo Humano in Cost Rica to help develop and implement community development programs in local squatter settlements; immigration advocate in Costa Rica and the U.S.; and study abroad director in Costa Rica. She is co-founder of the CSULB Dream Center Academic Advisor Board, and is a specialist in issues related to California’s undocumented population.
Caitlin E. Fouratt ,
Professor
Dr. Laura Ceia (PhD) specializes in France and the Francophon world, and speaks French and Romanian. Professor Ceia received her MA from The University of Timisoara, Romania in French and Romanian Literature, focusing on early 20th century French literature and cinema. Trained as comparatist, her research interests also include Eastern-European literature and cinema, and contemporary European trans-national cinemas. Her work places a particular emphasis on the intersection between politics and aesthetics, and the role of artifacts in informing, reshaping, or distorting cultural perceptions of citizenship, nationality, and identity. Before joining CSULB, Dr. Ceia taught in French and Film Studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University.
Laura Ceia,
Professor
Barbara Grossman-Thompson (PhD) specializes in Nepal and South Asia, and speaks Nepali, Spanish, and Hindi. She attended San Diego State University for her BA and MA in Women’s Studies. As a comparative sociologist with an interest in the political economy of contemporary South Asia, her main areas of inquiry include the gendered organization of labor in South Asia; and the implications of development in the Himalayan region, with an emphasis on Nepal. Her secondary research interest concerns the political economy of migration and diaspora; and current research projects focus on migration as a process shaped by local and global forces as well as historically dominant and emergent ways of thinking about gender and mobility.
Barbara Grossman-Thompson,
Professor
Richard R. Marcus (PhD) is Professor and Director of the Global Studies Institute and the International Studies Program at CSULB. He has a BA in Great Books (New York University), MA in African Studies/Political Science (UCLA), PhD in Political Science (University of Florida), and Certificates in French Language and Civilization (University of Paris), KiSwahili Language (University of Nairobi, Kenya), Malagasy Language (University of Antananarivo, Madagascar), Spanish Language (Antigüeña Academy, Guatemala), and basic K’iche’ (Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco, Guatemala). He completed dual postdoctoral studies in Globalization and Environmental Studies at Yale University where, he was also a Lecturer in Political Science. Since 1991, Dr. Marcus has conducted research around the world on the relationships between macro-political institutional change, popular perceptions, and political economic change. In addition to publishing numerous articles and books, Professor Marcus has worked as a political risk manager, and has been a consultant for the World Bank, United Nations Development Program, U.S. Department of State, and many other leading organizations.
Richard R. Marcus,
Professor
Dr. Jolene McCall (PhD) is a sociologist who focuses on energy, development, and the environment. She earned a Bachelor in Human Development degree and a Master’s in Social and Cultural Analysis of Education at CSULB. She served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Niger as a community development volunteer (2007-09) and later worked in Kenya developing a literacy curriculum for early childhood education. She has spent many years in the environmental field, including with the U.S. Forest Service and the California Solar Initiative. Her primary area of research is the social dimensions of environmental change, with an emphasis on environmental remediation in the face of anthropogenic climate change. Her dissertation focuses on the global rise of renewable energy and various factors related to countries’ increases in different types of renewable energies. She speaks French, Hausa, and Spanish.
Jolene McCall,
Professor
Kimberly Walters (PhD) is a cultural anthropologist specializing in the interplay of gender, health, and transnational humanitarianism in South Asia. Dr. Walters’ research has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Committee on South Asian Studies at the University of Chicago. Her fieldwork in Hyderabad, India centered on the challenges of HIV prevention for sex workers and the anti-human trafficking movement, in relation to wealth distribution and the cultural specifics of love, marriage, kinship, and gender norms. Dr. Walters hopes to contribute to the theorization of the intersection of health, moral goods, and humanitarian labor. She speaks Telegu, Portuguese, and Hindi.
Kimberly Walters,
Professor