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Home―Academics―Master Degrees―Certificate in Chinese and American Studies + Master of Arts in International Affairs

Certificate in Chinese and American Studies + Master of Arts in International Affairs

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How to Appy Chinese Language Proficiency Hopkins-Nanjing Center SAIS Europe

Overview

Gain a professional edge in your career and further your Hopkins-Nanjing Center studies with a Master of Arts in International Affairs degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Spend one year in China working towards the Certificate in Chinese and American Studies credential and then spend two semesters at SAIS Europe to complete an MAIA degree on an accelerated timeline.

Become an Expert

Certificate in Chinese and American Studies 

The one-year certificate, jointly awarded by Johns Hopkins SAIS and Nanjing University, is delivered at the HNC, and provides you with the flexibility to focus on the issues that matter most to your professional interests. Intermediate- to advanced-level proficiency in Chinese is required prior to the start of the program.

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Master of Arts in International Affairs

Through this two-year, research-focused degree, you will have the flexibility to personalize your curriculum and focus on the contemporary issues in international affairs of the greatest importance to you and your career interests. 

What Your Schedule Will Look Like

You will spend one year at the Nanjing and Bologna campuses, and may choose to begin your studies at either location.

Overview

Develop high-level professional Chinese-language skills by reading academic articles, debating issues in class, writing research papers, and living in a bilingual community. Complete six courses total, five of which must be in Mandarin.

Sample Courses

  • Chinese History Since 1949  (taught in Chinese)
  • Contemporary International Politics  (taught in Chinese)
  • Comparative Economies: US and China (taught in English)
  • Ethnic Minorities in Chinese Society (taught in Chinese)
  • International Economics (taught in Chinese)
  • International Humanitarian Law (taught in English)
  • Social Issues of China’s Modernization (taught in Chinese)
  • Film, Culture and Society in Contemporary China (taught in Chinese)

Duration

September–June

Fall Term

Whether you are interested in building your expertise in economics, on a particular region of the world, or on a specific international affairs issue, you can tailor your studies and select courses from the approximately 35 options taught at SAIS Europe each semester. If you are writing a Long Thesis, you will participate in the research method course.

Sample Courses

  • Risk in International Politics and Economics
  • History and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
  • Democracy and its Discontent
  • Multiculturalism and the Human Rights of Women
  • Energy and Climate Change
  • Constitutional Development and Democratization

Duration

September – December

January Intersession

Gain hands-on experience in your field of study by participating in a study trip or a career trek to meet with company executives and alumni to further explore different career paths.

Spring Term

In the spring term of your first year (for two-year MAIA), continue to develop expertise in your areas of interest by selecting 4 courses. If you are in your second year (or a one-year cooperative program) during this semester you will complete your final academic courses. Long Thesis writers take two courses and focus on their thesis, while the others take two additional courses, one of which includes a Short Thesis.

Sample Courses

  • Topics in International Finance
  • Conflict Risk and Stability in Cyberspace
  • Scenarios for the Future of Europe
  • Rural Development, Gender and Social Inclusion
  • Twin Pillars of the Gulf
  • The Geopolitics of Organized Crime

Duration

January – May

In the News

A Closer Look at the Gaza Casualty Data

Good Authority (blog), December 14, 2023. With Marc Lynch.

The Ghosts of Lebanon

Foreign Affairs, November 14, 2023.

The Political Dynamics of Disasters

Arts & Sciences Magazine, November, 2023.

Italy’s new leader faces familiar problems, including fickle voters

In the Washington Post, Professor Gilbert writes about the results of the Italian general elections that occurred this past weekend. He explains that Giorgia Meloni's win has brought fear to the public because, although she claims to no longer be a fascist, her political party descends from neo-fascist ideals.

Far-right Nationalist Giorgia Meloni Elected as Italy's First Female Prime Minister

Mark Gilbert gives background information and analysis in an NBC news special report on the election of Giorgia Meloni.

From Elizabeth II to Charles III: A Triumph of British Ceremonial and Soft Power

David Ellwood discusses the significant contributions Queen Elizabeth II made during her reign, and what may occur now after her passing. In his article published to the CPD Blog, he also touches on King Charles, and his possible continuation of soft power.

Is EU Enlargement to Ukraine and Moldova Credible?

The Loop, July 21, 2022

Build Your Network

Alumni of the HNC and SAIS Europe are renowned for their Chinese-language proficiency and their multidisciplinary approach to understanding international affairs.

Johns Hopkins SAIS students talking

At the HNC and SAIS Europe, students experience international relations first-hand studying, debating, and traveling with classmates.

Students walking in porticoes

Students have many opportunities to learn outside the classroom and expand their network, whether it's through a study trip, career trek, or alumni get-together.

photo of Maxwell

Expanding My Network

"Once I learned about Johns Hopkins SAIS, it was clear to me that this was the place to be if I wanted to learn more about our changing global political landscape and contribute to managing those changes."

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photo of Brandy

Gaining Expertise in US-China Relations in a Close-Knit Community

"My favorite part about studying at The Hopkins-Nanjing Center was the community, which made learning so much more rewarding."

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Beyond the Classroom

Both the HNC and SAIS Europe foster close-knit communities that extends beyond the classroom into everyday interactions on campus.

Study Treks

See policy in action by engaging in a study trip. Recent week-long research trips have taken students to study economic, social, and political issues in neighboring countries and regions.

Internships

The school’s global career counselors have a track record for connecting talented students with alumni and organizations to secure rewarding internship opportunities. Many students seek exciting, part-time internships in the final year of their studies.

Volunteer Opportunities in Nanjing

Serve the Nanjing community by volunteering as student teachers at local schools. Students have worked with students at primary and vocational schools to strengthen English skills and understanding of Western culture.

Bologna Institute for Policy Research (BIPR)

Contribute to BIPR - the research division of SAIS Europe. Its purpose is to promote problem-centered, interdisciplinary research in international policy by drawing upon the global network of the school's faculty, students, and scholars.

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