The Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) is an exciting and innovative interdisciplinary program.
The MAIS program will provide you with many benefits:
INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING
Unlike other international studies programs, MAIS program focuses on the process and dynamics of international intercultural understanding. It is specifically designed to prepare you to interact more effectively with persons from other cultures, particularly in professional settings.
INTERDISCIPLINARITY
The MAIS program is truly interdisciplinary and draws its strength from the cooperation of several departments in the Harriot College of Arts and Sciences and various professional schools and colleges. Each MAIS core course you will take features a different discipline (anthropology, geography, political science, global and multicultural discourse). You can choose from a range of concentrations, e.g., business, international public administration, Hispanic Studies, public health, international education, security studies, economic development, or design your own.
COHERENCE AND FLEXIBILITY
The MAIS program has a solid core of required courses and a great deal of flexibility in the design of its concentrations. The core courses provide you with global perspectives on the interrelations between economic, political, cultural and environmental systems in the world. They also cultivate your skills in communications across cultures, conflict resolution as well as knowledge of professional practices. The four-course concentrations allow you to acquire essential skills in a professional discipline, to pursue interdisciplinary study of a major international issue, and to enhance your knowledge of a world region. The international field experience gives you first-hand knowledge of another culture.
DIVERSITY
MAIS students come from across the US and around the world. They represent many races and ethnicities. MAIS students also represent the full spectrum of political positions, religions, ideologies, ethnic groups, and life experience. Each student brings a different perspective to the various program components. This diversity contributes to the richness of life in the MAIS Program. photos
INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE
You will draw upon the international expertise and contacts of a large and diverse faculty that includes experts on many regions of the world. The Office of International Affairs coordinates a growing range of field experiences for students.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the MAIS program have found success in a wide variety of fields where their skills in understanding and working with people from other countries and cultures have served them well. MAIS students have gone on to careers in:
- International management and marketing for multinational corporations in computer software, cosmetics, and industrial technology
- Government service in foreign affairs and regional development
- Public education
- International organizations
- International education administration
- Health fields
- Journalism covering international news, travel, and economics
- Military service
- Advocacy for environmental organizations
- Law enforcement agencies
MAIS graduates have also been accepted for further graduate study in medicine, law, business, political science, geography, and history.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Sylvie Debevec Henning, Director
MA in International Studies Program
International Programs, Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
East Carolina University
Ragsdale 116B
252-328-5520
hennings@ecu.edu
Dr. Lester A. Zeager, Acting Director (Summers)
MA in International Studies
East Carolina University
Department of Economics
Brewster A434
252-328-6408
zeagerl@ecu.edu
