University of San Francisco - International Studies

About this program

USF MAIS: A two-year program that provides students with in-depth, interdisciplinary knowledge of the issues and challenges that face the global community. Our social justice driven program provides students with a broad understanding of critical social theory and global-local connections, along with the opportunity to focus on one of three areas: Governance and Global Justice; Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice; or Culture, Power, and Social Movements. Our students also receive training in the skills needed to effect change in the world, including research and writing skills, research design and methods skills, and options for professional skills such as GIS, and advocacy skills.

By analyzing these issues through a social justice lens, our students spend a significant amount of time learning about how to support underserved populations. Our program provides Returned Peace Corps Volunteers with the opportunity to expand on their experience in a meaningful way in one of the country’s greatest cities.

Year partnership began: 2017
Fellowships awarded per year (average): 2

Application requirements

All applicants to the program will undergo an initial application review by two faculty members in the Department and are assessed using the following criteria:

Official Transcripts
Resume (internship or job related experience)
International Studies Background (jobs, internships, community activities, etc.)
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
Professionalism displayed throughout the application process

Admissions process

If an applicant meets our admissions criteria, the scholarship committee will then review all RPCVs, comprised of four faculty members, to determine if they meet our standards for a scholarship. If there are multiple RPCV applicants, the scholarship committee will determine who will receive the fellowship. Application obtain an application fee waiver, by emailing [email protected]

Degrees awarded

Master in International Studies

Benefits and opportunities

	In-state	Out-of-state
Tuition and fees	$56,440	$56,440
Value of fellowship	$14,500	$14,500
Net cost	$41,940	$41,940

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: $23,000

Cost savings details

Cost savings will either come entirely from a tuition waiver or a combination of tuition waiver and a teaching assistantship positions. Each application is reviewed holistically to make an appropriate determination. Our Fellowship award minimum is $14,500, but additional funding may be awarded.

Internship

Our internship program provides an opportunity for students to gain practical professional work experience by working at one of the many international studies-related organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world. Our students have completed internships across five continents with governmental branches, international organizations, research organizations, non-profits and advocacy groups, and corporations. Recent organizations include Kiva, International Rescue Committee, and the United States institute of Peace, and Nonviolence International.

The program office houses a database of potential internship locations to which Fellows can apply. We also share internship postings on an ongoing basis. In addition, we host various internship workshops and networking events throughout the year. Fellows will work with the program’s Director of Partnership, their faculty advisers, and the University Career Services Center to identify and apply to internships.

Other opportunities

Jobs for alumni

Our students are equipped for professional work in international agencies, government information offices and non-governmental organizations. Some students may also pursue further study in International Studies in a PhD program. Our alumni are working at organizations such as: African Diaspora Network, American Red Cross, Amnesty International, Environmental Defense Fund, Global Fund for Women, Google, International Rescue Committee, Mission Housing Development Corporation, UN Development Project, UNHCR, and World Affairs Council of Northern California.