»Master of Arts in International Studies

Apply now using the Online Application. All applicants must provide the following materials:

• Official transcripts from all degree-granting (bachelor’s or master’s degrees) colleges and universities attended.
• A graduate admission test is required for applicants with a bachelor's degree cumulative GPA below a 3.0. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99, may be considered for admission by submitting a satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with minimum scores of Verbal: 154, Quantitative: 147, and Analytical Writing: 4.0 or by demonstrating significant relevant professional experience. GRE Institution Code: 4047.
• A statement of intent; an essay expressing your reasons for wanting to join the MA International Studies program. What are your personal and career goals, and how will this particular degree from Chapman University help you reach those goals? Your essay should be double spaced, size 12 font, and 2-4 pages in length.
• Two letters of recommendation that speak to academic and/or professional preparation, intellectual ability, and aptitude for graduate study.
• Your resume or curriculum vitae.

Students complete 36 credits of academic coursework, demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language equivalent to having completed two courses in the language at the 300 level, complete a 240-hour international internship between their first and second years of study, and successfully complete a master's thesis. Thesis fieldwork may include surveys, interviews or data analysis. For further information on degree prerequisites, admission requirements and a list of courses view the Graduate Course Catalog.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore past students' MA theses for insight into the depth and diversity of research conducted in our program. These projects showcase the creativity, rigor, and intellectual curiosity that define our graduate community.

Each fall, the International Studies program will offer exceptionally qualified applicants tuition fellowships for study in our program. The value of these fellowships varies, ranging from 1,000 to 10,000, to upwards of 50% or 100% the cost of tuition for the first year of study.

The program also offers competitive graduate assistantship opportunities. Working with a faculty advisor, students assist with research and/or writing projects. Unlike tuition fellowships, the graduate assistantships pay an hourly wage directly to the student. Students work approximately 9 hours per week, starting at around $34 per hour. This is a value of approximately $4,500, working the full extent of the assistantship.

Financial aid often contains mainly student loans. In addition to any program funding, you will also receive your “financial aid package” from the Graduate Financial Aid Office after you have been admitted. Regarding loans, please contact their office directly with any questions at gradfinaid@chapman.edu

Important Dates

In order to be considered, applicants need only complete and submit an application by the February 1 priority deadline. No additional steps are required for consideration.

Fully completed applications received by the February 1 priority deadline are automatically considered for fellowship. Offers of fellowship are released with offers of admission, typically by March 15.

The Honor Society for International Studies, Sigma Iota Rho was first established in 1984 and now claims over 100 chapters on campuses across the nation. The Chapman University chapter, Delta Mu, was established primarily as a means to honor those students who have excelled academically and have shown extracurricular achievement. The purpose of the society is to promote and reward scholarship and service among students of International Studies, and to foster integrity and creative performance in the understanding of world affairs. 

The MA in International Studies program and the Department of Peace Studies are proud partners with the Center for International Experiential Learning (CIEL).

CIEL’s unique holistic learning model combines extensive interdisciplinary pre-travel scholarly education with on-the-ground experiential learning in conflict-affected regions guided by internationally recognized scholars and local experts.

Chapman University joins other students from universities across the US and UK to receive on-the-ground exposure to the people, politics and realities.

A unique part of the MAIS program's commitment to experiential learning, students have the opportunity to actively engage with politicians, community leaders, non-governmental organizations, faith leaders, academic experts and victims/survivors from all sides impacted by the conflicts.

You can read about our inaugural summer program, including student and faculty testimonials, and also our subsequent trips by clicking on the links below.

• Transformative Learning: Wilkinson Students in Vietnam (Winter 2025)