Minor in Applied International Studies

The Minor in Applied International Studies (MAIS) is designed to help students integrate a practical, applied international experience into a coherent course of study. The minor is built around four key principles:

•    proficiency in cross-cultural communication skills, may include language skills
•    theory combined with in-the-field experience
•    concentrated study in a region or topical area of choice
•    applied research skills

The Minor in Applied International Studies is a comprehensive plan of study that allows students to gain the skills necessary for a career in a globalized world. The Minor in AIS requires students to complete an MIT-sponsored international experience such as a MISTI summer internship or a D-LAB summer experience. The academic portion of the minor is interdisciplinary in that subjects from many Courses at MIT are eligible; the minor is also multi-layered in its combining of academic study with real-world experience outside of the United States.

The Minor in AIS consists of 6 total subjects across 3 tiers of study plus an international experience.

The first tier is a gateway subject providing a broad overview of topics that are foundational to international study. This subject should help students identify a topic of interest around which to build a course of study.

The second tier provides an in-depth language or cultural study of the region of interest. This set of subjects will enable students to be successful in their international experience.

The third tier consists of three subjects tied together by a similar theme, topic, or region. This requirement allows students to become experts in a single area of international study as it pertains to their interests.

A list of subjects in Tiers is available here. Students should note that while Tier 1 subjects come from a limited list, the Tier II and Tier III subject lists should be understood as non-exhaustive.

An international experience through MISTI, D-Lab, or similar that is 8+ weeks in length is also required. This is an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge they have learned throughout their coursework in a research or internship experience internationally.

Tier I: Gateway Subject (Choose 1 from the list):

11.005 - Introduction to International Development
17.41 - Introduction to International Relations
17.46 - US National Security Policy
17.50 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
21L.020/WGS.145 - Globalization: The Good, the Bad and the In-Between
21H.009 - World History and Its Fault Lines Since 1800

Tier II: Regional focus via Language and Culture (2 subjects)
    *Any language subjects must be upper level/beyond first year of study. Subjects taught in a foreign language are also accepted.

Tier III: Topical focus (3 subjects)
    *Subjects should be complementary and focus on a region, topic, or issue area
    *at least 2 subjects should be HASS-S

International Experience: MISTI summer or D-Lab summer experience that is at least 8 weeks.

Students seeking additional information or wishing to plan their minor should contact the minor advisor Dr. Katherine Hoss (hoss@mit.edu) or Scott Schnyer (sschnyer@mit.edu).