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Degree Requirements


This 37-credit hour master’s program includes both core and specialized classes.

  1. Two core courses

    • INTL 701: Approaches to International Studies
    • INTL 702: Globalization

  2. Electives

    In addition to the two core courses, students will take eight graduate level elective courses.  These courses form two coherent clusters, one around a world region and the other focused on a topic specialization area approved by the student’s advisor. No more than three of these eight elective courses may be taken in a single department other than International Studies.

    • For their regional focus,  students choose four courses from one of KU’s area studies programs (African Studies, East Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, Russian & Eastern European Studies) or courses related to another world region (e.g., the Mediterranean, the Middle East, South Asia). 

    • Students use their other four elective courses to focus on a topic area such as women and development, domestic and international conflict, international politics, globalization, international business, global urbanization, peace studies, or another topic.

  3. Knowledge of a second language

    Exposure to a second language is an important part of international studies.  Before completing the M.A. program, students must demonstrate familiarity with a language other than their native tongue.  This can be done through two years of successful college-level study (either before entering the program or concurrently) or - if the student has gained competence through other means (such as tutoring or living outside their country of birth)- through certification by the appropriate language department.

  4. Additional curriculum requirements

    Thesis Option: Students electing to do a thesis must enroll in 6 thesis hours and 1 hour of exam preparation, complete a significant original research project approved by a faculty committee, and pass a comprehensive exam over the thesis research.

    Non-thesis Option: Students pursuing the non-thesis option will complete an additional 6 hours of electives and enroll in 1 hour of exam preparation. This option requires completion of written examinations over the core course content and the student's regional and topic area concentrations as well as an oral examination.