International Administration

The Master of Arts in International Administration (MAIA) program offers a comprehensive graduate degree designed to prepare students for careers in the administration of International public and private organizations.  Career options include government, multinational corporations (MNCs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as the for-profit sector. Unlike conventional “international affairs” programs, MAIA equips graduates with both operational skills and a solid conceptual background to produce theoretically capable practitioners. The degree is awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences.

MAIA is an interdisciplinary program which collaborates with faculty members from twelve (12) University departments. Drawing from the best academic resources of the University of Miami and from highly skilled professionals, students receive instruction in areas such as diplomacy, geopolitics, economics, finance, religion, communication, political science, management, public health, and international studies. The program allows students to select an area of specialization to complement their professional goals. Concentration options include International Business, Public Health, Strategic Communications, Geographical Information Systems, Security Management, and a General Track.   Together with a thorough co-curricular professional development itinerary and an internship component students emerge with the expertise needed to further their career in a vast array of exciting fields.  

MAIA’s core curriculum integrates the academic study of international relations; international and public administration; policy analysis and advocacy; international economics; international organizations; strategic thinking and negotiation; world religions and cultures; and communications. MAIA emphasizes practical experience and requires students to complete a 200 hour internship project before graduation.  These courses are taught in an integrated fashion, designed to give students the maximum learning experience in an efficient manner. The courses are a mixture of theory and practice, skills and knowledge, geared toward the demands of international professional careers.

Students will develop skills in writing, speaking, and historical analysis;  learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data; master research and communications skills;  master strategic and tactical thinking and negotiation; build practical and theoretical knowledge in international relations, international economics, intercultural communication and public administration in an international context.

CORE CURRICULUM

Students will be required to take 21 credit hours as follows:

• IGS 611 (International Organizations) - 3 Credits
• IGS 612 (International Administration) - 3 Credits
• IGS 613 (Global Cultures: Religions, Communications, and Security) - 3 Credits
• IGS 614 (World Affairs) - 3 Credits
• IGS 615 (International Economics) - 3 Credits
• IGS 616 (Organizational Administration) - 3 Credits
• IGS 617 (Practicum in International Administration) - 3 Credits

INTERNSHIP COMPONENT:  
Students are required to complete a two-hundred (200) hour Internship as part of the Capstone Project. Although the internship can be completed at any time throughout the Program, it is recommended that students secure an internship for their first summer semester, students are encouraged to pursue internships with non-profit organizations, intergovernmental organizations, government agencies, transnational organizations, nongovernmental organizations, for-profit companies, or international companies. The internship site is selected based on the students area of concentration. Students are guided and assisted by their Program Advisor through this process.

ELECTIVES
The remaining nine (9) elective credit hours will be completed outside of the MAIA Program in an area of concentration selected by the student.  Course availability subject to change per semester.   

Concentration Options:

• International Business/Business Certificate        
• Public Health (Dual Program Option Available)        
• Strategic Communications        
• Human Rights/General        
• Geographic Information Systems        
• Security Management

For elective options offered by the MAIA Program please visit the MAIA Elective Courses page.

Co-Curricular Professional Development Seminars:
In addition to the required courses, MAIA offers students a series of FREE co-curricular professional development seminars which complement the overall curriculum.  All sessions are conducted by University of Miami faculty who are experts in their field. 

These include:

• Spring Seminars:  Public Speaking, Media Relations, Diplomatic Protocol, Budgeting for Non-Profits, and Models & Methods of Public Policy Analysis
• Fall Seminars:  Library Research Strategies, Financial & Managerial Accounting, International Taxation and Related Business Issues, Statistical Software (SPSS), and Navigating your Workplace

• Complete Online Application Form - https://www.applyweb.com/miamigrd/index.html        
• $65.00 non-refundable application fee paid online upon submission of the application        
• Statement of Purpose        
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation:  one (1) from a Professor/Faculty (Required), two (2) preferably from an employer, colleague, or professional source        
• Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution (University/College) attended (even if only one course)        
• An acceptable undergraduate grade point average (GPA). The GPA of the typical applicant is at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.        
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.*        
• Resume (optional)
• Submit official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended (including US universities).  All transcripts and diplomas must be in their original language with a certified English translation of both the transcript and the diploma.        
• Photocopies of all the diplomas        
• Copy of their passport        
• Bank Statement or Sponsorship letter within six (6) months        
• Official scores for the TOEFL or IELTS exam