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.
CSULB is ranked #1 in the Western U.S. for Best Value (Washington Monthly) as well as the top 10% of universities nationally for Return on Investment (Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce). The MAIA 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 with courses taken in residence or online. 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.
Please Note:
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
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
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
Personalized internship advising to help students find internships in California, Washington, D.C., 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
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).
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).
3. MAIA 625 Applied International Development (3 units)
This course provides students with skills for the practice of international development. Students will be provided an overview of key international development policies and issues while they gain tools and methodologies relevant to a career in international development. 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).
Culminating Experience
The goal of the Capstone Project is to help students further develop and refine relevant skills such as research design and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, production of professional quality deliverables, and public speaking skills. In addition, completion of the Capstone will demonstrate the ability of members to collaborate as a group and negotiate.
Students will:
Undertake a supervised international affairs-related internship.
This component requires a minimum of 250 hours in an approved internship over the course of the Fall semester.
Create a Client-Serving Project.
Write a Final Report to contextualize their learning. experience in the internship through the literature and practical skills acquired throughout the program.
While precise content will vary, it is expected that the final report will reflect on project management, policy, and budget considerations in the work at hand as well as the international placement of the organization, the potential challenges this creates, and sector-specific issues.
Prepare an Oral Presentation of findings from the Final Report.
Although Capstones are conducted under the guidance of a faculty member, students have considerable agency throughout the process and are encouraged to be ambitious. At the end of the Capstone experience, each student will have several deliverables: a written product for the client organization; a written report for the course instructor to assess for a grade and the MA International Affairs committee to assess for completion of the program; an oral presentation of the findings at a public event; and diverse methodological outputs—both quantitative and qualitative.
The program is necessarily designed to help students unpack the learning process during the internship, problem-solve with the faculty member and peers, and make connections between course theories/concepts and real-world experiences, while ensuring that students complete and submit required reporting and e-portfolio elements.
Information Sessions
Potential students interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to attend a free information session. The information sessions include short presentations by a program representative, designed to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program's benefits.
Upcoming online Information Sessions are listed below when they are available. Choose a date and click the link to register for that Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details about joining the meeting.
If no sessions are listed below, then none are currently available. Please check this page at a later date to view updated sessions.
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 calledCal 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 (GPA) 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 a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted. A student whose overall GPA 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 sent 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.
Caitlin Fouratt, Caitlin.Couratt@csulb.edu Program Director, MAIA Program LA3-100, MS 4605 California State University, Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90840-0501
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:
The MAIA program admits students for the Fall semester only. The MAIA application deadline is March 15 for international applicants and June 1 for those in the U.S.
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.
Please contact the MAIA Program Developer, Matthew Reimers, at Matthew.Reimers@csulb.edu or (562) 985-8222 OR you may contact the MAIA Program Director, Dr. Caitlin Fourat, at Caitlin.Fouratt@csulb.edu or (562) 985-4703.
Every step in the process for applying to the MAIA program is detailed on our How To Apply page.
New university graduates in with a baccalaureate degree in International/Global Studies, Political Science, Geography, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Languages, or a related social science field; or experienced professionals in diverse fields looking to looking to accelerate their career and open it to global opportunities in California, nationally, or abroad.
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
Common job titles in growth areas for graduates in International Affairs include social and community service managers, training and development managers, public relations and fundraising managers, operation research analysts, trade analysts, community development specialists, and immigration advocates.
International careers require specific skills, whether the work is taking place in California, Washington, DC or anywhere else in the world. The MAIA program at CSULB is one of only a small number of professional graduate programs nationwide that is designed to develop these critical skills. Small classes create a focused environment, allowing students to complete their degree in only 18 months. It is also the only program in the country to recognize California's specific role in International Affairs. California is the fifth largest economy in the world, and has more Foreign Direct Investment than most countries. Nearly half of California residents speak a language other than English, larger cities have their own international relations, and even local businesses are globally-engaged. Graduates are well-prepared for jobs in public, private, and non-profit sectors around the world.
Globalization has driven the movement of people, technology, goods, and norms in ways we could have never imagined, creating significant international challenges and opportunities that change the way we live and communicate. The goal of the MA in International Affairs is to provide for the advancement of international understanding by developing skills in areas of economics, politics, trade, development, and migration. By combining multidisciplinary, policy-oriented, intercultural studies with career development, the MAIA prepares students for the global workplace of the 21st century.
While no one specific degree can provide the international pathway, the MAIA is considered a gateway degree for a career in public service and nonprofit sector. While the largest percentage of International Affairs graduates go into the private sector, a disproportionately high percentage of graduates work for governments, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, and universities.
CSULB is a fully accredited program by the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). All of our full-time faculty have the highest degrees in their fields from highly regarded Universities and have extensive experience in teaching, and research. Our part-time faculty members are highly respected practitioners in the region. For over 23 years, many of our graduates have attained senior managerial and leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. We have a flexible program that will permit you to design a program of study that will help you achieve your particular career goals.
Yes, classes are scheduled in the evenings and on weekends to ensure students can maintain full-time employment.
It is graduate school, so it can be very demanding of your time. It may take time for you to get used to being back in school. But, if you're willing to work hard and manage your time effectively, you should be fine. After all, we have hundreds of graduates who were in the same situation as you, and they were successful.
Generally, for each hour of class time, you can expect two hours of study time per week. A full-time student takes three courses per semester.
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.
Students must have access to a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone as well as an Internet connection.
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.
No, we have no thesis requirement or comprehensive exams but there is a Capstone Project as part of the MAIA 698 course.
The language requirement is intended to ensure students have this additional tool for the workforce. It is not a unit requirement. The language requirement is commonly met through demonstrated work in a second language, completed language coursework, a certificate from an approved language school, examination, or a letter from a qualified language instructor. Consult with the Program Director for more information.
There is a two-part process. First, you must apply to the University, and second you must apply to the MAIA program.
All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission materials at Cal State Apply.
Complete and submit the Department application (PDF) along with a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation.
It can be a current or former professor and/or a current or former supervisor.
The MAIA program admits for Fall semester only. The application deadline is June 1; or April 1 for international applicants.
You would need to apply to the next MAIA cohort.
The process is the same for the Department but not for the University. First, you will need to contact the University's International Admissions Specialist in the Center for International Education.
You will need a 2.7 GPA in your undergraduate coursework from an accredited institution.
If you have at least a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework, you may be admitted by the University but not the Department.
We look at a number of factors such as the strength of your undergraduate training, the type of courses you took, letters of recommendation, your statement of purpose, and your work history.
Prospective students who have clearly demonstrated substantial professional progress may be given extra consideration in the admission decision.
You have essentially two choices if you want to continue to try to be admitted. First, you may continue to work on your professional progress and reapply in a year or two. Second, you can take additional courses to increase your GPA.
They must be upper level undergraduate or graduate courses from an accredited institution. Further, you should take courses that are related to the study of international affairs. You are encouraged to contact the Program Director for more information.
No, but you may wish to take the quantitative, verbal, and analytical sections and submit the scores to the Department if you do not meet the GPA requirement.
If you have a graduate degree from an accredited graduate school, you automatically meet our GPA requirement but you must still complete the other University and Department requirements.
As noted above, the program requires 33 units. It will take 18 months to complete. Students take three courses per semester for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. In the final Fall semester students will undertake their internship while taking an online course in budgets and another to guide their capstone projects.
The University requires that students complete graduate programs within seven years.
Yes, unless you take an Educational or Medical Leave. Students who are not enrolled for one or more semesters without an Educational or Medical Leave must reapply to the University.
The College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) registers students in courses.
All MAIA students take three courses for the Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions, followed by two online courses in the final Fall semester.
There are no prerequisites for MAIA students.
MAIA students are grouped in cohorts. This means that all members of the cohort will take the same courses in the same sequence. During the summer, the cohort will divide into two tracks.
Electives in the MAIA program are pre-selected by CLA faculty.
First, you must make sure that you have satisfied all the program requirements as stated above for the MAIA and University (see the University Catalog for details). Master’s students must have an approved advancement to candidacy on file. Second, at the same time that you submit your Advancement to Candidacy form, you should Apply to Graduate with Enrollment Services. DLMPA cohort members will advance to candidacy and apply to graduate together as a group.
Please refer to the Advancement to Candidacy form found on the Student Handbooks & Forms page. It is your MAIA program plan. MAIA staff will complete your advancement to candidacy form and the entire cohort will advance together typically during the summer of the first year in the program.
The form is provided by CLA staff.
The MAIA cohort will advance together in the Summer semester of the first year of the program.
CPaCE, Department, and University websites contain most of the information you will need. Further questions can be directed to Caitlin Fouratt, MAIA Program Director, at Caitlin.Fouratt@csulb.edu.
Yes, the MA in International Affairs program offers Graduate Assistantships through The Global Studies Institute. Other Graduate Assistantships are offered on a competitive basis through partnering units at the university. Contact the MAIA Program Director, Professor Caitlin Fouratt, for more information.
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
Instructors
As a truly interdisciplinary program, the Master of Arts in International Affairs curriculum is a collaborative effort by faculty and instructors from several departments across campus.
Featured instructors are listed below. For a full list of faculty in the International Studies program, visit the department website.
Noelan Arbis teaches International Economics in the MAIA program. With extensive experience in global financial markets, Noelan brings a practical approach to topics like trade and monetary policies, leveraging his background as an Economist at HSBC, where he specialized in Asian economies. Noelan holds a Master’s in International Economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and is a CFA charterholder.
Noelan Arbis, Professor
Yousef Baker (PhD) specializes in Iraq and Iran, and speaks 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
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
Dr. Fouratt is director of the MAIA program, Interim Director of the Global Studies Institute, and Associate Professor of International Studies. She has taught at CSULB since 2014. Dr. Fouratt’s research primarily focuses on transnational migration, particularly within Central America. Her book, Flexible Families: Nicaraguan Transnational Families in Costa Rica, explores the dynamics of Nicaraguan migrants in Costa Rica and their families back in Nicaragua, examining how economic crises, environmental pressures, and government policies reshape care and kinship among transnational families. Her work includes articles published in interdisciplinary journals including the Latin American Research Review and International Migration Review, and a background paper for the UN, State of the World's Women.
Caitlin E. Fouratt, Professor
Barbara Grossman-Thompson (PhD) specializes in Nepal and South Asia, and speaks Nepali, Spanish, and Hindi. 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. She attended San Diego State University for her BA and MA in Women’s Studies.
Barbara Grossman-Thompson, Professor
Liesl Haas is a professor in the Department of Political Science. Her research focuses on Latin American politics, gender and politics, and religion and politics. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Liesl Haas, Professor
Dr. Rich Haesly has taught at CSULB since 2001, including graduate and undergraduate courses in American Government, Global Politics, and Scope and Methods of Political Science. His primary research interests are in nationalism and national identities, particularly in developing a theory of “bounded imagined communities,” which views these topics from contemporary political perspectives rather than from a historical standpoint. He also studies the intersection of race, religion, and American politics, with an emphasis on the challenges encountered by multi-ethnic Evangelical churches as they attempt to confront a legacy of white supremacy and racial inequality in their congregations and the larger community. He is interested in issues related to international education, research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, and the role of liberal arts education in the larger society. Dr. Haesly received an MA in Economics from Duke University and a PhD in Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Rich Haesly, Professor
Jeff Leisner is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in health and safety, compliance, finance, and organizational development. He is a strong advocate for leadership development and accountability, bringing a unique background that includes wilderness search and rescue and lean methodologies for organizational improvement. Jeff’s deep expertise in operational capability, leadership, data analytics, and cross-functional collaboration significantly enhances his teaching approach. His dedication to practical problem-solving and mentorship is focused on equipping students for successful careers in international affairs. Joining the MAIA department in 2022, Jeff Leisner is a CSULB alumni who completed his BA in International Studies minoring in Migration Studies as well as his Master's in Public Administration.
Jeff Leisner, Professor
Richard R. Marcus (PhD) 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. He completed dual postdoctoral studies in Globalization and Environmental Studies at Yale University, where he was also a Lecturer in Political Science. His degrees include a BA in Great Books (New York University), MA in African Studies/Political Science (UCLA), and PhD in Political Science (University of Florida), as well as 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).
Richard R. Marcus, Professor
Jolene McCall (PhD) is a sociologist who focuses on energy, development, and the environment. Dr. McCall 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. She earned a Bachelor in Human Development degree and a Master’s in Social and Cultural Analysis of Education at CSULB.
Jolene McCall, Professor
Julie Mitchell is co-legal director at the Los Angeles-based Central American Resource Center (CARECEN LA) and founder of CARECEN’s College Legal Services.
Julie Mitchell, Professor
Graham F. Odell (PhD) specializes in East Asian politics, especially that of China and Japan. His book, State Reconstitution in China, Japan and East Africa, proposes a new theory of state formation based on case studies from Chinese, Japanese, Ethiopian, and Ugandan history. He also has teaching expertise and research interests in social-science methodology, populism, and party systems. Professor Odell also teaches at Cal Poly, Pomona in the Political Science Department.
Graham F. Odell, Professor
As Executive Director, Dr. Raman oversees the international initiatives for the California State University system. Prior to joining CSU, Dr. Raman was the Assistant Provost for International Affairs at Valparaiso University and an Associate Professor of Economics. Dr. Raman has taught International Economics and Economic Development for over 20 years. He has held teaching assignments in China, India, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil; and has delivered lectures in Pakistan, Indonesia, and South Korea. Dr. Raman has a BA in Economics from the University of Bombay, an MA from Fordham University, and a PhD from the University of Notre Dame.
Jaishankar Raman, Professor
Khodr Saleh teaches strategy, management, and project management for graduate and undergraduate courses at CSULB. He is a Certified Project Management Professional with a specialty in project management software and systems. He has more than 11 years of experience in the research, development, and manufacturing of medical devices, including several novel and minimally invasive instruments and implantable devices. Khodr is skilled in building the relationships and strategic partnerships needed to move large-scale initiatives forward. He has a proven track record of early R&D programs, successful new product rollout, and extensive knowledge in project management and new product development. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from CSULB.
Khodr Saleh, Professor
How to Enroll
To begin registering for classes, log on to your MyCSULB account.
Click on My Page
Click on Student Center
Click on Academics
Click on Enroll
You can view your current classes for the term, add a class, and place yourself on a waitlist.
You will be prompted to select a term. Click on the radio button for the corresponding term and click the "Continue" button.
Your Class Schedule for the selected term will display. Icons will indicate your enrollment status (Enrolled, Dropped or Wait Listed).
Search for Classes When Enrolling
You can search for classes by clicking on the "Search" button below the "Class Search" option on the left side of your shopping cart. The basic search function allows you to search using general class information. If you receive a "no matching values found" message, make your search less specific.
Note: When searching for classes during your enrollment period, you can click on the "Select Class" button on the Class Search Results page to add the class to your Enrollment Shopping Cart. If you are already enrolled in a class, the “Select Class” button will not appear for the section you are enrolled in.
Class Enrollment Options
Multiple Component Courses: For classes that require a related component (e.g. lab, activity, etc.), you must specify the related class section.
Units: For classes with variable units, you may specify the number of units being taken.
Continue selecting classes until you have entered all the classes in which you would like to register, and then click on the "Proceed to Step 2 of 3" button.*
Confirm the classes you wish to add and click the "Finish Enrolling" button.
Icons will indicate the enrollment status (Open, Closed, or Wait Listed).**
*Note: You will be prevented from enrolling and will receive an error message if attempting to add a course under the following conditions:
currently have an incomplete grade
received a grade of C, B, A or CR
already repeated a course once at CSULB
reached the repeat limit
In these cases, you will need to remove the course from your enrollment request in order to add other courses and complete your registration.
**Note: The Waitlist icon will only display during the waitlist period. Once the Last Day to Waitlist has passed for the term, the class will display a status of Closed.
Undergraduate students are subject to limits of course repetitions allowed during their entire CSULB undergraduate career. If a student attempts to enroll in a class that goes beyond these limits, an error message will appear pertaining to the following situations:
Undergraduate students may repeat courses only if they earned grades lower than a C. An error message will appear if you are attempting to enroll in a class in which you have received a grade of C or higher.
Undergraduate students may take a course no more than two times. After the student has enrolled in the course for the second time, an error message will indicate that the class cannot be repeated because the total number of completed attempts allowed has been exceeded.
Post-baccalaureate and undergraduate students may not re-enroll in a course for which they have received a grade of “I” (Incomplete) until that “I” has been converted to a grade other than “I” (e.g., A-F, CR/NC). An error message will appear if you are attempting to enroll in a class in which you have received an “Incomplete” and it has not yet been resolved.
Enrollment Results
The system will display the status of each enrollment request. Be sure to review the errors and/or messages.
Possible Messages
The class is currently full. You may place yourself on the waitlist (see below for more information about waitlisting).
There is a time conflict between this class and one you are already enrolled in for this term.
A Requirement Designation (GE Indicator) was assigned; these are used to help the degree audit process and require no action on your part.
You have not met the prerequisites or co-requisites for this class. Refer to the message details to see what the requirements are for the course. For further information, refer to the University Catalog or contact the Department.
Enrolling into a Waitlist
Waitlisted classes will count towards your maximum number of units allowed for registration, but you will only be charged for fees based on your number of units "enrolled." Additional charges, if any, will be assessed if you are successfully enrolled from the waitlist.
Note: To see classes that are currently full, uncheck the "Open Classes Only" checkbox. Then you will see all classes offered for a course and can choose to waitlist in ones that are currently full.
To place yourself on the waitlist of a class, check the "Waitlist if class is full" checkbox and then click the "Next" button. If there is no space available in the class, you will be placed on the waitlist unless the waitlist is already full.
If you were placed on a waitlist, a message will be returned indicating your position on the list.
Note: Be sure to update your email address in the Personal Information section. Communications regarding changes to your registration will be emailed to your "Preferred" email address.
Withdrawals
Withdrawals are not permitted during the final week of instruction. Only extenuating circumstances will be considered. Approval from Instructor, Department Chair, Dean and University Provost will be required. Forms must be turned in to Enrollment Services.
Master of Arts in International Affairs
Application Period:
Fall 2025
Application Deadline:
June 1, 2025 (Priority deadline: February 15, 2025)
Application Deadline:
March 15, 2025 (International)
Cost:
$515 per unit / $1,545 per 3-unit course*
Total Program Cost:
$16,995
Location:
Hybrid
*Fees listed are for the 2024-25 academic and are subject to change.