International Studies (M.A.)
M.A. International Studies
Program Overview
International studies is an interdisciplinary program that includes the humanities, social sciences, communication, and business and prepares graduates to be informed and active members of an increasingly interconnected world. The center supports internships, service-learning, and study abroad programs, as well as student research, participation at professional conferences, and collaboration with faculty.
Course Work
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Studies offers thesis and non-thesis options, with core courses in area studies and electives tailored to students' academic and career interests.
The 30-hour thesis option offers in-depth research and the opportunity for publication in geography, history, political science, mass communication, sociology, business, and Spanish.
The 36-hour non-thesis option offers the same course work, but instead of a thesis, it includes an internship that provides the opportunity for practical experience related to the student's career interests. It requires a research or working paper focused on the internship experience and the pressing issues in the area studied.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.A. | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.A. | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Program Details
International studies students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and fellowships. Students pursue careers in the private sector, government, non-governmental organizations, and academia.
Program Mission
The Center for International Studies is dedicated to educating students to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. The center provides flexible degree programs, individualized academic advising, top faculty from multiple departments, student-faculty research, study abroad programs, and exchanges with universities and agencies abroad for international internships and study.
The demand for graduates with knowledge of international business, cultural and area studies, and international relations continues to increase. The Center for International Studies offers and promotes meaningful domestic and international opportunities for students to evolve as global citizens, and challenges students to further explore, understand, and contribute to the increasingly interconnected world of today.
Career Options
A degree in international studies positions students to work in diverse fields including the private sector, especially in international business, law, health, and hospitality; government and intergovernmental organizations; NGOs; and academia. The international studies degree presents a wide range of opportunities with careers spanning the globe.
Program Faculty
The program draws on the expertise of top faculty from across the university who support students with a nuanced, interdisciplinary perspective of international studies. Center-affiliated faculty teach international courses, lead study abroad programs, pursue research and publication in international topics, and have interests ranging from international security, law, ethics, and business, to immigration, history, comparative politics, and economic development.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Paul Hart
ph18@txstate.edu
512.245.2339
Derrick Hall (DERR), Room 101
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Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall - Priority | U.S. Citizen February 1 | International February 1 |
Deadlines Fall - Standard | U.S. Citizen June 15 (*Flexible) | International June 1 |
Deadlines Spring | U.S. Citizen October 15 (*Flexible) | International October 1 |
Deadlines Summer I | U.S. Citizen April 15 (*Flexible) | International March 15 |
Deadlines Summer II | U.S. Citizen June 1 (*Flexible) | International No Admission |
*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding, including returned Peace Corps Volunteers applying for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. |
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- Completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers applying for the Coverdell Fellowship should complete their application (including submission of their official Peace Corps description of service) by the priority deadline to have their application fee(s) reimbursed.
Review important information about application fees.
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
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Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work, plus any completed graduate courses
- proficiency in the speaking, reading, and oral comprehension of a modern language other than English as demonstrated by the following:
- grade of B or better in modern language course work beyond the second year that was taken within the last three years at an accredited college, university, or language institute. Read additional information about this requirement.
- examination for proficiency levels in reading, speaking, and listening that would place you beyond the second year of language courses
- recent foreign living experience of at least six continuous months in a single non-English-speaking culture outside the U.S.
If you have an overall GPA of 2.8 - 2.99 or if the last 60 hours of your GPA falls within 2.8–2.99, the official GRE (general test only) with competitive scores will be required in order to be considered for conditional admission*. Our office will notify you via email should this occur.
**Conditional admission is not available to applicants who require "F" or "J" visas
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- official GRE (general test only) scores not required unless you have a 2.8 - 2.99 overall GPA or a 2.8 - 2.99 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose (2–5 pages) describing the following:
- why you are considering the international studies program
- how it fits into a process of professional development
- what you hope to accomplish by enrolling in the program
- three letters of recommendation from professors
Review important information about documents.
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers applying for the Coverdell Fellowship should submit the following:
- official Peace Corps description of service
- resume/CV listing Peace Corps Service
- statement of purpose (2–5 pages) describing the following:
- why you are considering the international studies program
- how it fits into a process of professional development
- what you hope to accomplish by enrolling in the program
- Peace Corps service
- three letters of recommendation from professors
Review important information about documents.
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Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement
If the last language course was taken more than three years before the date of admission, and there has been no significant involvement in the language in the interim, you may be asked to take a refresher course(s) in the language.