Master of Arts in International Affairs

Degree Program

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.
  • Program includes Washington, DC-based staff to facilitate internships and job training in the nation’s capital so students can choose between interning in California, Washington, 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