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Home―Academics―Master Degrees―Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS)

Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS)

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Overview

Gain a competitive-edge from the only truly joint target-language US-China graduate school of its kind by developing expertise on diverse facets of Sino-Global commercial, academic, economic, and political relations. The two-year Master of Arts in International Studies is the only master's degree fully accredited in both China and the United States. Non-Chinese students complete coursework and a thesis in Chinese, culminating in a degree jointly awarded by Johns Hopkins SAIS and Nanjing University.

Become an Expert

Founded at the beginning of China’s post-Mao reforms, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center has witnessed China’s historic transformation firsthand. For more than three decades we have been at the forefront of education in and about China, and our thousands of outstanding alumni have gone on to influential roles in all kinds of organizations—wherever a nuanced understanding of China and superior linguistic fluency are important. We are a one-of-a-kind residential academic community where a shared commitment to cross-cultural learning, collaborative work, and linguistic fluency are at the center of everything we do.

What Your Schedule Will Look Like

You can study a wide-range of topics during your two years of study at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. As an interdisciplinary degree, the MAIS gives ample room for approaching your area of interest from multiple perspectives.

Fall Term

Through target-language study in Chinese, you will explore the interaction of nation-states and other actors in the international arena as well as China’s domestic issues. You are encouraged to think broadly and deeply about a potential topic area of relevance to the HNC’s academic mission and consider how your own thesis proposal might be linked to larger issues in Sino-international relations. 

Sample Courses

  • Contemporary International Politics (taught in Chinese)
  • Social Issues of China’s Modernization (taught in Chinese)
  • Chinese Constitution (taught in Chinese)
  • Air Pollution and its Control (taught in English)
  • MAIS Interdisciplinary Studies Tutorial (bilingual)

Duration

15 weeks

Spring Term

Gain familiarity with master theories and methods currently used in the field, and practice in applying them to policy formulation and analysis. You will select your Chinese faculty thesis advisor during this term, and also submit a draft thesis prospectus.

Sample Courses

  • Chinese History Since 1949 (taught in Chinese)
  • Ethnic Minorities in Chinese Society (taught in Chinese)
  • International Economics (taught in Chinese)
  • MAIS Thesis Preparation (bilingual)

Duration

15 weeks

Summer Term

Though there are no officially organized activities, you will stay busy. You may choose to engage in internships in China, the US, or abroad, or begin laying the foundation for your second year and thesis by conducting field research and beginning your literature review.

Fall Term

You will conduct regular meetings with your faculty thesis advisor to discuss the thesis’ reasoning and field-specific concerns. By the end of the term, you will report on the thesis’ progress to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center Co-Directors, Academic Dean, and your thesis advisor.

Sample Courses

  • Film, Culture, and Society in Contemporary China (taught in Chinese)
  • Comparative Economies: US & China (taught in English)
  • Chinese Government and Politics (taught in Chinese)
  • Perspectives on Globalization (taught in English)

Duration 

15 weeks

Spring Term

You will continue regular meetings with your faculty thesis advisor to ensure the thesis is on track for completion in a timely manner, and that you are prepared for the oral defense of your thesis by the conclusion of the term.

Sample Courses

  •  China on the Border: Provincial Relations in the Periphery (taught in English)
  • Strategic Studies (taught in Chinese)

Duration

15 weeks

Curriculum

Learn From the Best

Our faculty bring an impressive diversity of backgrounds, including extensive research on different aspects of contemporary China as well as other regions of the world. Unlike solely English- or Chinese-medium institutions, the HNC offers a space for genuine engagement with different academic traditions and for collaboration across them.

Tao Hua

Professor of Chinese Studies

Jiahe Cai

Professor of International Politics

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Faculty in the News

Advance Your Career

From consultants to entrepreneurs, leaders of nongovernmental organizations to policymakers, Johns Hopkins SAIS graduates put their degrees to work.

73% of the two-year Master of Arts in International Studies Class of 2023 were employed, pursuing fellowships or internships, or had gone on for further study within six months of graduation.

Recent Employers

  • Baron Public Affairs LLC
  • BASIS International & Bilingual Schools China
  • Ergo
  • European Union Chamber of Commerce in China
  • Hamline University
  • Strider Technologies
  • U.S. Department of the Treasury

*This data is reflective of international Hopkins-Nanjing Center students admitted through Johns Hopkins SAIS who graduated in May 2023.  MAIS survey participation rate was 73%.

Employment Outcomes

Build Your Network

Alumni of the Master of Arts in International Studies degree are renowned for their Chinese-language proficiency and their multidisciplinary approach to understanding international affairs and China studies. At the Hopkins-Nanjing Center you will develop high-level professional Chinese-language skills by reading academic articles, debating issues in class, writing research papers, and living in a bilingual community.

Johns Hopkins SAIS students with Madeleine Albright

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright holds an informal discussion with alumni.

Johns Hopkins SAIS students talking

Most international students live with a Chinese roommate, nurturing long-lasting friendships.

Bryony, Profile Image

A Strong Sense of Community

The Master of Arts in International Studies really appealed to me, because it was the only one of its kind that provided an opportunity to broaden my understanding of China in a bicultural and bilingual context and advance my Chinese language skills by writing a thesis in Chinese.

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Joe Baldock

Learning Through a Different Lens

I really liked the concept of being able to learn about China and global politics through a Chinese lens, especially using Chinese, while still being able to maintain academic freedom.

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Admissions Events

Check back soon for upcoming events.

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Beyond the Classroom

The Hopkins-Nanjing Center fosters a close-knit community, and the bilingual learning environment extends beyond the classroom into everyday interactions on campus.

Study Treks

See policy in action by engaging in a study trip. Recent short-term study trips have taken students to local historical museums, the offices of global IT corporations, and newly-built urban infrastructure. Recent week-long research trips have taken students to study economic, social and political issues in China’s border regions and in Yunnan province.

Volunteer Opportunities

Serve the Nanjing community by volunteering as a student teacher at a local school.

Networking Events

Network with alumni and professionals by attending weekly academic lectures or career events, often hosted by alumni who return to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center to share their expertise.

World-Class Events

Hear groundbreaking research from leading scholars and practitioners. Recent sessions have explored topics including China's energy transition, China-Africa relations, and financial reforms in China.

More Opportunities