Center for International Studies

Josep Rota
Director

http://www.ohio.edu/internationalstudies/

M.A. Program in International Affairs The Center’s goal is to maintain and strengthen national benchmarks of excellence in area studies and studies of development policy and practice, while promoting the synergy that results from our unique combination of the two. Programs are centered on aninterdisciplinary curriculum that combines the traditional foundations of the social sciences and the humanities with strategic linkages to the natural sciencesand all of Ohio University’s professional colleges. In support of the curriculum, programs emphasize utilization of new information technologies, the acquisition of professional skills, the development of language competency, and the cultivation The Center for International Studies is the nexus for global and area studiesand activities at Ohio University. The center’s interdisciplinary teaching, research, publications, service, and outreach programs bring together faculty and students from all parts of the University—the social sciences, humanities, sciences and professional schools—in Athens and on the regional campuses. Ohio University established the Center for International Studies in 1964; it was founded on the broad belief that an appreciation of others’ values and institutions increases mutual understanding, enriches individual lives, and prepares citizens and students for work in the global environment.

The Center for International Studies embodies Ohio University’s commitment to international understanding and solidarity and to the development of knowledge and skills necessary for competition in a global marketplace of ideas and jobs. The Center seeks to advance its mission through interdisciplinary academic programs and activities; faculty development; the encouragement and promotion of research; the development of library resources; outreach to the community; the cultivation of solidarity with other peoples and cultures, particularly with the developing regions of the world; and the maintaining and strengthening of faculty area and international expertise in collaboration with other academic units. Through the Office of the Associate Provost for International Programs, the Center for International Studies coordinates Ohio University’s international programs and activities is embodied in the following statement:

Ohio University has established an African Studies Program in order to provide scholarly resources for a comprehensive understanding of the continent, its peoples and its languages. A strong African presence on our campus contributes significantly to the University’s diversity and signals our commitment to the world’s most disadvantaged region. Our scholarly interests range from the consideration of Africa’s development challenges to the continent’s joyful contributions to global civilization. We use the methods and disciplines of the social sciences, fine arts, and humanities to promote the investigation of Africa. Through the initiative of our Institute for the African Child we offer research and teaching in the health sciences. The African Studies Program seeks partnerships for study, research, service and artistic performance everywhere in the world where Africa has found a home. Over the past 10 years the University has sought the status of National Resource Center for African Studies funding to assist in achieving its goal of national prominence and diversity. The University affirms its continuing commitment to the peoples of Africa through its support of the African Studies Program.

Both Africa and Southeast Asian Studies are the recipients of other federal and foundation grants that support program activities. The Center’s nationally known Monograph in International Studies series makes available more than 100 scholarly titles relating to Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

General Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 70 credit hours. At least 40 credit hours must be devoted to core courses. The remainder is used to build an individualized, professional skills minor. A mandatory two-hour course requirement for all programs, International Studies (INST) 500: Introduction to Graduate Study, is offered in the fall quarter.

Depending on the program, one of the following is required to complete the degree: a comprehensive written exam, a comprehensive oral exam, or a project/research/grant proposal. This ordinarily takes place in the last quarter of study excluding summer. Guidelines are available from individual programs.

A thesis option is also available. The number of credits granted for the thesis (up to a maximum of 10) is determined by the student’s advisory committee. The Center follows Ohio University’s Electronic Theses and Dissertation Guidelines found on the Office of Graduate Studies Web site. Training seminars are offered quarterly.

All students in the M.A. program must maintain a minimum grade-point average (g.p.a.) of 3.0. If the g.p.a. falls below this level, students will be placed on academic probation. If the g.p.a. is not raised by the end of the following term, the student will not be permitted to continue in the program. University policy prohibits awarding any type of financial assistance to students on academic probation. Should a student receive more than two grades below a “B,” the director reserves the right to drop the student from the program. A grade below “C” will not count toward any degree requirement.

Language Proficiency

Each student is required to demonstrate an acceptable level of achievement in a foreign language appropriate to the area of concentration. For non-European languages, this may be accomplishedeither by a) satisfactorily completing a minimum of one academic year in one of the following languages: Gikuyu, Indonesian/Malay, Khmer, Somali, Arabic, Swahili, Thai, Akan Tigrinya, Amharic, Pulaar, Wolof, or Vietnamese, or b) taking an examination in a language not taught at Ohio University or demonstrating an acceptable level of achievement on an examination administered by other recognized testing agencies. For students in concentrations offering a European language, an intermediate level of proficiency is required.

Note: Latin American Studies offers Portuguese through the enhanced language skills option. Southeast Asian Studies requires two years of coursework or its equivalent in a Southeast Asian language.

Admission

Persons interested in applying for admission must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent, plus the following requirements:

Two completed graduate applications
Two official college transcripts from an accredited college
$45 non-refundable application fee (applications will not be processed without fee)
Affidavit of support with supporting documentation (international applicants only)
Three letters of recommendation (at least two from people who can judge academic abilities)
Autobiographical sketch
Statement of purpose (a two page statement indicating career goals and how the program of study chosen will help meet those goals. Be specific in discussing the aspects of your personal and academic background that may lead to success in the area of study chosen)
A curriculum vita
TOEFL or IELTS scores (Non-native English speakers only). Refer to the English Language proficiency requirements section of this catalog for an explanation of exceptions.

Things to keep in mind:

Each program has its own admission committee. Be sure to specify on the application the program for which you are applying
Individual files will not be reviewed until all relevant documents have been received.
January 1 deadline: We request applicants submit their completed application and supporting documents so they are received by the January 1 deadline. Admission and funding review will begin shortly thereafter. Later applications will be considered but decisions on financial aid will be contingent upon availability of funds.
Most programs admit only in fall quarter. For programs that admit students in other quarters, the standard deadline is June 1 for winter; September 1 for spring; December 1 for summer.
All non-native speakers of English who have not submitted official TOEFL or IELTS scores as part of their application are required to take an English proficiency test (which includes composition) when they arrive on campus. If the level of proficiency is not at the 550 (paper test) or 213 (computer test) level you must enroll in the Ohio Program of Intensive English until you reach the required level. Financial aid cannot be used to pay for English language courses.

Financial Aid

The five programs under the Center for International Studies annually offer some financial assistance to students. Aid is awarded competitively on the basis of merit including previous academic performance or post-graduation professional or other work experience. Programs also look for geographical, cultural, linguistic and other forms of diversity so that the group of students collectively strengthens the program. The deadline is January 1. The criteria used to award aid are:

A good undergraduate record
Strong letters of recommendation
Appropriateness of background toprogram of study
Work experience
Special skills

Curricula and Courses

Degree programs are interdisciplinary and designed to give students freedom to choose courses from a number of fields that best fulfill their academic and professional objectives. Following are brief descriptions of the individual program requirements and a list of core courses appropriate to each area of concentration.