https://maia.as.miami.edu/

Dept. Code:  IGS

Master of Arts in International Administration (MAIA)

The University of Miami’s Master of Arts in International Administration Program is a thirty (30) credit interdisciplinary graduate degree designed to prepare students for careers in the administration of public and private organizations.  MAIA students learn how to identify, analyze, and manage the complex global problems that confront modern institutions, particularly in areas of security, human rights, and geopolitics. The program combines academic considerations of politics and culture with those of economics and management to provide participants with the skills necessary to pursue a range of career objectives in both domestic and international careers.  

MAIA students are change-agents, entrepreneurs, and leaders in both government and non-governmental sectors.  Our graduates have pursued careers in the realm of non-profits and non-governmental organizations, in the fields of communication, health, emergency management and national security, as well as in the financial and business sectors.  The degree is awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences.  

The MAIA program offers the following concentrations, designed to prepare students for global leadership roles in specific fields:  

  • Certificate in Security Management - for those who seek additional credentialing in security administration and emergency management strategies.
  • Certificate in Geospatial Technology - for those who seek credentialing with spatial data, mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS)
  • Healthy Equity and Human Rights - for those who seek to study community-engagement strategies for health care, social justice, and human rights.
  • Risk Communication - for those who seek coursework on strategic communication, crisis management and assessment, and communication in high stress scenarios.
  • International Crime & Justice - for those who see to address the nature and impact of the growing challenges of international crime, including comparative policing, counter-terrorism, and human trafficking.
  • Independent Concentration - for those who wish to propose and develop their own field of elective study.

For additional program information, please visit us at maia.miami.edu

Certificate in Security Management

The Certificate in Security Management is designed to prepare organizational administrators to meet the various multidimensional security challenges that have faced our planet in the last two decades: from the aftermath of 9/11 to the most recent crisis of COVID-19.  The program is grounded in an academic, theoretical, understanding of security problems and emergency management strategies. It also emphasizes the development of the practitioner’s arts within the strategic, tactical and operational realms of security administration.   The certificate requires twelve (12) credits and can be completed entirely in the summer or over the course of the academic year.  It is offered in a hybrid format, with 50% of the courses in person and 50% online.  MAIA students may also complete the Certificate in Security Management as a concentration in the M.A. program.  

Joint/Dual Degree Programs

MAIA and the Master of Public Health (MAIA/MPH)

The Master of Arts in International Administration/Master of Public Health (MAIA/MPH) degree is offered jointly by the College of Arts and Sciences and Miller School of Medicine's Department of Public Health Sciences. The MAIA degree, with a second master's degree in public health, is designed for students who seek knowledge of public health with a broader emphasis in globalization and health, international health, international health policy and international development. Students enrolled in this joint program can expect to complete both degree requirements within two and a half (2.5) years.  The dual degree requires sixty (60) credits.

MAIA and the Master of Public Administration (MAIA/MPA)

The Master of Arts in International Administration/Master of Public Administration (MAIA/MPA) degree is designed for students who seek an in-depth knowledge of both domestic and international aspects of policy, administration, and leadership.  In additional to the professional advantage of studying public administration as part of UM's highly regarded MPA program, student will benefit from the global pedagogical perspectives of the MAIA program, including coursework on diplomacy, security, sustainability, and culture.  Students enrolled in this joint program can expect to complete both degree requirements within two and a half (2.5) years.  The dual degree requires sixty (60) credits.

Certificate in Security Management and the Doctor of Medicine (SECM/MD)

The College of Arts & Sciences offers current MD students the option to add the 12-credit Certificate in Security Management to their plan of study.  Students in the Certificate in Security Management/MD program will focus specifically on the multidimensional security challenges that have faced our planet in the last two decades: from the aftermath of 9/11 to the most recent crisis of COVID-19.  Security Management courses address many issues that are critical to the medical professions: human resilience, disaster relief, migration & trafficking, sustainable development, cyber security, and data privacy.  The Security Management Certificate can be completed in a single summer and is offered in a hybrid format.

Dual Degree - M.A. in International Administration / Master of Public Administration

Joint Degree - M.A. in International Administration / Master of Public Health

Joint Degree - M.A. in International Administration / MD

Joint Program - Security Management Certificate / MD

The MAIA program offers three Certificate options:

  • Certificate in Security Management (15 credits)
  • MAIA with a Certificate in Security Management (30 credits)
  • MAIA with a Certificate in Geospatial Technology (30 credits)

Certificate in Security Management

The Certificate in Security Management is designed to prepare administrators of public and private organizations to meet the various multidimensional security challenges that have faced our planet in the last two decades: from the aftermath of 9/11 to the most recent crisis of COVID-19.   From threats posed by violent human actions to natural disasters and data security, management in times of acute crisis demands a unique array of insights and skills. The program is be grounded in an academic, theoretical, understanding of security problems and emergency management strategies. It also emphasizes the development of the practitioner’s arts within the strategic, tactical and operational realms of security administration.   

To be admitted to the Certificate in Security Management, students must complete the same admission requirements for the MAIA program.  For more information about the stand-alone Certificate in Security Management , click here.

Certificate in Security Management
IGS 613Global Cultures: Religion, Communication, and Security3
IGS 644Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability3
IGS 645Human Security: Prevention & Mitigation3
IGS 646Civil Security Preparedness and Management3
IGS 647Disasters and Humanitarian Assistance3
Total Credit Hours15

Certificate in Security Management (w/MAIA)

MAIA Core Courses
IGS 611International Organizations Masters Project3
IGS 612International Administration and Social Entrepreneurship3
IGS 613Global Cultures: Religion, Communication, and Security3
IGS 614World Affairs and Diplomacy3
IGS 615International Political Economy3
Security Management Courses
IGS 644Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability3
IGS 645Human Security: Prevention & Mitigation3
IGS 646Civil Security Preparedness and Management3
IGS 647Disasters and Humanitarian Assistance3
Capstone Requirement
IGS 617Capstone in International Administration3
or IGS 820 Research in Residence
Total Credit Hours30

Certificate in Geospatial Technology (w/MAIA)

The Certificate Program in Geospatial Technology (GT) is designed to benefit students who seek to enhance their skills in geospatial technology, especially Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite remote sensing.   MAIA students may complete the Geospatial Technology Certificate as part of the MAIA program.  For information about the stand-alone Geospatial Certificate program, click here: Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Technology

MAIA Core Courses
IGS 611International Organizations Masters Project3
IGS 612International Administration and Social Entrepreneurship3
IGS 613Global Cultures: Religion, Communication, and Security3
IGS 614World Affairs and Diplomacy3
IGS 616International Leadership, Strategy, and Decision Making3
Geospatial Certificate Courses
GEG 691Geographic Information Systems I3
GEG 692Remote Sensing of the Environment3
GEG 693Geographic Information Systems II3
GEG 695Web GIS3
Capstone Requirement
IGS 617Capstone in International Administration3
or IGS 820 Research in Residence
Total Credit Hours30

IGS 610. Intelligence and National Security. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the structure of the US Intelligence Community, the national security enterprise as a whole, and the objectives, priorities, and instruments of American foreign policy. Students in this course will examine the missions and methods of the principal national security agencies (the CIA, Defense Department, and State Department) and how intelligence professionals and analysts interact with national decision-makers to shape debates and policies.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

IGS 611. International Organizations Masters Project. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the spectrum of international organizations, theoretical and practical issues relating to international organizations including peace and security, human rights, and economic development, culminating in an experiential exercise in which students will demonstrate their ability to identify, analyze, and manage a global organization’s response in confronting a complex multi-national problem.
Components: PRA.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

IGS 612. International Administration and Social Entrepreneurship. 3 Credit Hours.

Presents a broad overview of concepts, theories, processes, and practical global challenges confronting professional public/nonprofit managers and mission-driven entrepreneurs; discusses contemporary issues facing multi-national corporations, non- government organizations, and public agencies; and analyzes the process of establishing organizations that address social issues on both local and global scales.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

IGS 613. Global Cultures: Religion, Communication, and Security. 3 Credit Hours.

An overview of world religions and cultures as a backdrop of effective communication for international professionals. Religious and political conflicts have increasingly become a staple of our complex, globalized world. As a result, it is important for professionals working with international and non-governmental organizations to understand the religions and the cultures of the world to better facilitate their work in different societies in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. Since religion is an integral part of many cultures, understanding the religious implications of certain activities is important in navigating certain societies and facilitating the work of professionals, especially in regions where religion and political violence dominate foreign relations and foreign policy.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

IGS 614. World Affairs and Diplomacy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces the conceptual basics of international relations and trains students in analytical and critical thinking skills through familiarity with the broad palette of issues and actors that make up today's world politics. Topics include the origins of the state and its changing role in today's world and an examination of the actors in international relations and the issues before them.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

IGS 615. International Political Economy. 3 Credit Hours.

Reviews the essentials of International Economics. It then provides students with an operational understanding of the theory of comparative advantage and its application to policy issues.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

IGS 616. International Leadership, Strategy, and Decision Making. 3 Credit Hours.

Explores organizations from the strategic perspective of the leader, identifying common elements of thinking, structure, measures, outcomes, issues, and challenges faced by those who seek leadership roles in international administration.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

IGS 617. Capstone in International Administration. 3 Credit Hours.

The capstone experience gives students the opportunity to apply academic theory and acquired skills through a professional project in international administration. The capstone project must reflect the student's area of concentration, as applicable, and should be completed in a single semester.
Components: PRA.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

IGS 618. Internship in International Administration. 1-6 Credit Hours.

The MAIA internship experience gives students the opportunity to apply academic theory and acquired skills in international administration under real world conditions. Students in any MAIA track may complete an internship experience to satisfy the MAIA practicum requirement.
Requisite: Students must complete at least 18 credits prior to enrolling in the internship course.
Components: PRA.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

IGS 644. Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability. 3 Credit Hours.

The concepts of environmental sustainability and energy security will be explored. The importance of energy and the mitigation of climate change in formulation of country strategies, advancement of national interests and shaping of the international system will be stressed.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Summer.

IGS 645. Human Security: Prevention & Mitigation. 3 Credit Hours.

Theoretical approaches and the major global threats to human security along with some of the most promising policy solutions will be explored. Some of these human security threats are well known, like genocide, and others, like cybersecurity, are newly emerging. Focus will be placed on key human security topics such as war, terrorism, human trafficking, climate change, famine, violence against women, and infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring & Summer.

IGS 646. Civil Security Preparedness and Management. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the preparedness and management of civil crises issuing from violent human actions, natural disasters, and threats to public safety and health, providing a framework to examine emergency preparedness, the security of civil spaces, and actions threatening public order and individual safety. Emphasis will be placed on the burdens of critical incident management and the elements central to its success. These elements—planning and contingency, leadership and management, intelligence and analysis, as well as operations and communication—will be engaged from an operational perspective.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Summer.

IGS 647. Disasters and Humanitarian Assistance. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the management of disasters from natural causes. It is focused primarily on the theory and practice of response. At the center of this investigation is a difficult question: how to help? The answers are not obvious. Through the vocabularies of practitioners and the frameworks offered by academic literature, we will explore the ways in which responders respond, the lessons learned and the best practices that have emerged in the field of disaster response and humanitarian intervention.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Summer.

IGS 699. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

Special topics related to international administration. Content varies by semester and is indicated in parentheses following course number and title in Class Schedule.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

IGS 820. Research in Residence. 1-9 Credit Hours.

For students conducting additional research, practice, field experience or special projects as part of their graduate experience.
Components: THI.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.