California State University Long Beach- Department of Global Studies

About this program

The Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) degree program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) can help you build on your Peace Corps experience while gaining advanced academic training in international development, public policy, and global advocacy. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, personalized advising, and structured pathways into public service and international careers.

The MAIA program combines interdisciplinary and intercultural studies with a focus on policy-oriented career development. The 18-month program includes 12 months in residence, followed by a carefully placed internship. Classes are offered in a hybrid combination of online and in-person learning environments, with an international perspective applied to topics such as politics, economics, law, finance, migration and immigration, and labor.

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 curriculum applies the latest theory to real-world situations in project development, budgeting, and management. MAIA graduates become prepared for careers in areas such as International Development & Relief, Migration Advocacy, International Non-Profit Management, International Business, and Trade Policy.

For more information, visit Master of Arts in International Affairs | CSULB.

• Year partnership began: 2026
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 1-2

Application requirements

College transcripts

Statement of purpose

Resume

2 letters of recommendation

Admissions process

• Email the program director and Coverdell coordinator, Dr. Caitlin Fouratt, with a letter of interest and your DOS or a letter from your country director.
• Submit your application by the February priority deadline.
• We will notify you of your admission to the program and fellowship status by mid-March.

Degrees awarded

Master of Arts in International Affairs

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $19,384

Cost savings details

10 hour per week Graduate assistantship ($11,690)

Book scholarship (up to $800)

Internship

Fellows will complete a 250 hour internship as part of the degree program’s culminating capstone project. Through the internship, fellows will apply the skills and knowledge from their service abroad and the MAIA program to serve underserved communities in Southern California. Fellows work closely with the program internship advisor to identify placements that match their interests, skills, and professional goals. Past placements have included: Community Veterans’ Justic Project, Church World Service, Commission on Voluntary Service and Action, Kuwait Cultural Center, as well as local, state, and federal government agencies, among others.

Other opportunities

Jobs for alumni

RAND

Jericho Corporation

District Office, US Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45)

City of Long Beach

Embassy of Kuwait, Cultural Office

Hyundai

Amazon

USAID

UC Irvine International Center

County of Orange

Ministry of Economy, Republic of Armenia

International Rescue Committee

Church World Service

Nittedal Municipal government (Norway)

Center for International Trade and Transportation, CSULB

Nontraditional options

Low-residency/distance learning