Graduate Studies FAQ

What are the strengths of the MAIS program?

Our program has significant strengths in international security, human rights, and international political economy. We have a superb, young faculty, and the program is housed in a growing and dynamic School of International Area Studies. Ours is a small program, with a highly accessible faculty that is dedicated not only to research, but also to teaching.


What do you look for in a statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose is required for all MAIS applicants. Please submit a statement of one to two pages concerning your purpose for undertaking graduate study, your professional plans and career goals. You also may explain any irregularities or special circumstances applicable to your background and elaborate on your special abilities, awards, achievements, scholarly publications, and/or professional history.


How is a student's committee selected?

Students choose their own committees; students working on MA theses work most closely with their advisor, but also draw on the expertise and feedback from 2 additional committee members.


What can I do with my degree?

Several of our students have gone on to Ph.D. programs (including the Political Science Ph.D. program here at OU), though we are increasingly intensifying our focus on preparing students for work with international NGOs or careers with the foreign service, Dept. of Commerce, or other federal government agencies operating in the international environment.


Listed below are some other examples of fields MAIS students might explore after graduation:

• International Trade (Import/Export)
• International Business Administration
• Advertising/Public Relations
• Public Policy/Affairs
• Publishing Companies
• Environmental Law
• International Law
• International Development
• Travel & Tourism
• International Consulting
• Cultural Affairs
• Interpreter
• Translator
• International Relations
• International Security Affairs
• Area Specialist
• Intelligence
• Government Affairs
• Foreign Service
• US Federal Government
• Department of State
• Department of Commerce
• Immigration and Naturalization Services
• Arms Control & Disarment
• Research & Development
• Nonprofit Organizations

Finding Career Opportunities on the Internet

The Internet is a good resource that IAS students can utilize when looking for employment after graduation. Students can explore websites that are related to their specific area of study. Listed below are some very helpful sites that will inform students on various job opportunities as well as provide them with links to other websites.

European Union www.europa.eu.int

United Nations www.un.org

Council of Foreign Relations www.cfr.org

US Consulates and Embassies worldwide www.travel.state.gov/links.html

American Foreign Service Association www.afsa.org

US Customs www.customs.ustreas.gov

Immigration and Naturalization Services www.ins.gov
Central Intelligence Agency www.cia.gov

National Security Agency www.nsa.gov

Organization of American States www.oas.org

Federal Jobs www.federaljobsearch.com

Department of State www.state.gov

Library of Congress www.loc.gov

Department of Commerce www.commerce.gov

Department of Transportation www.dot.gov

UN Non Government Organization Network www.ngo.org

International Committee of the Red Cross www.icrc.org

Peace Corps www.peacecorps.gov

The International Relations and Security Network www.isn.ethz.ch

International Trade Administration www.ita.doc.gov

Aside from the Internet, students can also contact the Career Services office and also use the library's resources on career opportunities. The Career Services office has information on some public sector opportunities that may be helpful for MAIS students.