MAIS

Master of Arts in International Studies

The MA in International Studies Degree equips students with the tools to engage a globally integrated environment, whether in the realm of diplomacy and Foreign Service, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, think-tanks, research institutes, or academia. With a focus on international politics, foreign policy, and policy analysis, the program also provides a rigorous foundation in global economics, global security, law and institutions, and area studies, and allows students to concentrate their coursework in one of these four sub-fields. The MAIS Program emphasizes a “cohort model,” whereby students admitted the same year take many of the same classes together, participating together in various group activities, projects, and assignments, most notably culminating in the Global Policy Workshop in the final semester.

Dr. Rebecca Cruise

Assistant Professor

Associate Dean for Student Services
Director of Graduate Studies
Phone: 405-325-1095
Email: rebeccajcruise@ou.edu

Katie Watkins

Academic Counselor for Graduate Students
Phone: 405-325-2337
Email: mais@ou.edu

Make an Appointment

The Department of International & Area Studies is offering a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fellowship for MAIS applicants.

Learn more

Student Testimonials:

The MA in International Studies at OU provided me a multi-disciplinary framework to understand and engage a world where complex problems—and complex solutions—rarely fit neatly in any one discipline. While enjoying the low cost of living and high quality of life in Norman, Oklahoma, I had the opportunity to hear renowned speakers from the academic and the policy worlds, publish articles in student journals, complete internships in Washington, DC and Oklahoma, and participate in a variety of student organizations. The critical thinking, multi-disciplinary mindset, and global fluency that the MAIS hones has served me well in every role I have held since graduation, including in the private sector, the non-profit sector, and government.

Brad Crofford
Analyst, U.S. Government Accountability Office
MAIS graduate, 2015

Obtaining an MA in international Studies at the University of Oklahoma opened up opportunities for me that I would not have otherwise had. Through the MAIS program, I was able to strengthen my critical thinking and writing skills, learn from first-rate faculty, and develop a cultural awareness and global perspective that have proven invaluable for obtaining internationally-oriented careers like mine. Upon graduation, I worked for an international healthcare nonprofit organization with the marketing team. After two years, I moved to Budapest, Hungary and began my career as the School Manager at an international K-12 school. My economics concentration from the MAIS program has served me well, both in my nonprofit work, as well as my current career as an international education administrator.

Karina Legradi
School Manager, Greater Grace International School, Budapest
2018 MAIS graduate