User:Maaisuw/sandbox

The Master of Arts in Applied International Studies (MAAIS) is an accelerated graduate degree program for professionals seeking to advance their careers in foreign affairs. The degree is offered by the University of Washington's Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies. MAAIS is one of two 10-month International Studies master's degree programs on the West Coast of the United States, the other being the University of California, San Diego's Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs.

Program Overview
The UW Master of Arts in Applied International Studies is a 10-month degree program that is global in scope and multidisciplinary in nature. The MAAIS curriculum prepares its students to succeed in the increasingly complex and interconnected world of international affairs. The MAAIS degree is designed for professionals looking to broaden their global perspective; dive into the political, social, economic and cultural aspects of international policy and decision making; and more effectively engage with governments, international and nongovernmental organizations, foundations and companies to tackle critical global challenges.

The program combines the area studies expertise of the University of Washington's Jackson School faculty with the strategic location and pioneering leadership of the city of Seattle. The result is a unique graduate experience, which provides students with a deep understanding of today’s world and a multidisciplinary perspective that facilitates their ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders on today’s global challenges.

MAAIS Program Highlights

Multidisciplinary Perspective: The program curriculum provides a holistic approach to international affairs, integrating and exploring the intersections of diplomacy, development, security and business. Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with thought leaders in international affairs, including representatives from renowned Seattle-area business, government and philanthropic organizations; learn from expert faculty and guest lecturers and participate in field visits, simulations and public events. Real-World Training: Team-based activities and capstone projects conducted in collaboration with Civic Council partners give you the chance to tackle topical challenges, engage in hands-on simulation exercises and deliver actionable policy recommendations to industry leaders. Career Skills and Competencies: Program coursework teaches the concrete skills and competencies needed to succeed in the workplace, including media training, advocacy, risk assessment, public speaking, policy writing and crisis decision making. The MAAIS degree is offered by the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies and is administered by UW Professional & Continuing Education.

Program Format

The Master of Arts in Applied International Studies is a 10-month, full-time degree program that runs from September to July each year. Students must complete 12 standard courses, a two-quarter Task Force exercise and a Capstone Simulation to complete the degree. The MAAIS program also includes two elective courses that give students the opportunity to hone their expertise in a particular area of interest and engage with the broader Jackson School community.

MAAIS students attend all classes in person on the UW Seattle campus. Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday during the day, with occasional activities on evenings and weekends. The official name of the degree as it appears on your transcript is Master of Arts in International Studies (Applied International Studies Option).

Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Applied International Studies is a full-time, daytime program. Students complete 43 credits, which consist of one Jackson School gateway course, nine MAAIS courses, two Jackson School electives, a two-quarter Applied Research Fellowship and a Capstone Simulation. The program also includes a number of required special lectures, workshops, field trips and other activities, many of which are offered in partnership with the MAAIS Civic Council.

MAAIS courses draw on the Jackson School's renowned faculty and a commitment to interdisciplinary and comparative teaching on the world's regions, cultures and languages. Through coursework and other activities, students also engage with leading Seattle-based practitioners and Civic Council members, who represent area companies and organizations that are influencing and grappling with today's key issues and challenges. These include Media, Public Speaking and Strategic Communications Workshops and

The MAAIS program runs a series of workshops throughout the year that introduce students to a range of communications and media-related topics critical for international affairs practitioners. Sessions will include public speaking, messaging, speech writing, media training, advocacy and public diplomacy. MAAIS students will use these skills as they prepare and present a 15-minute talk to Jackson School students and faculty. (Big) Data, Connectivity and the Future of Decision-Making: The MAAIS curriculum will include a focus on the future of decision making as influenced by new technology platforms, increasing connectivity and the world of Big Data – trends that are shifting the landscape for policymakers, business leaders and development and security experts around the world. Over the course of the 10-month program, experts will engage with MAAIS students and the larger Seattle community to explore these trends, discover how to unlock their value (in diplomatic, development, business and security contexts) and examine the ethical and security issues at stake.

Applied Research Fellowship
Each spring and summer quarter, MAAIS students work in teams to tackle a challenging international affairs issue and provide actionable policy recommendations to an external client. Civic Council members submit ideas for Task Force projects – complex matters that their organizations are grappling with, on which a group of students from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds may offer a valuable perspective. During spring quarter, students are introduced to their Task Force challenge, meet with their Task Force adviser and arrange to receive a briefing by their client. Students work outside the classroom to define the scope of the challenge, analyze the underlying issues and begin to flesh out actionable policy and programmatic recommendations. During summer quarter, students finalize their written client report and present their findings and recommendations in a formal client briefing.

Faculty
The Master of Arts in Applied International Studies faculty features a distinguished and diverse group drawn from the Jackson School of International Studies, the wider University of Washington academic community and prominent real-world practitioners in the field. These faculty include:


 * Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, PhD
 * Kathie Friedman-Kasaba, PhD
 * Anish Goel, PhD
 * Gary Hamilton, PhD
 * Reşat Kasaba, PhD
 * Frederick Lorenz, PhD
 * Saadia Pekkanen, PhD
 * Anand Yang, PhD

Civic Council
The MAAIS Civic Council is comprised of corporate, nongovernmental, political and security sector figures from companies and organizations that influence global policy and decision making and directly impact the world's economy and political climate. Members bring their expertise and diverse perspectives to the MAAIS program through special lectures, field visits, simulations and group projects. These activities offer significant networking opportunities and help students stay relevant and current.

Admissions
The MAAIS program is intended for U.S. and international applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least five years of professional experience. The program attracts diverse student cohorts from different countries and a wide variety of professional backgrounds, making for an intellectually stimulating classroom environment.

Application Deadline
A new cohort of the Master of Arts in Applied International Studies begins every September. The priority application deadline for the fall 2015 cohort was November 15, 2014. Applications will be considered on a space available basis until May 1, 2015.