Master of Arts in Island Studies, Specialization in International Relations (Island Studies) and Island Public Policy (Course-Based) University of Prince Edward Island, Canada

The Master of Arts in Island Studies (MAIS) at the University of Prince Edward Island is a unique, interdisciplinary, and policy-driven graduate program that critiques islands on their own terms. We welcome students from around the world with diverse disciplinary backgrounds and diverse degrees, or with professional workplace experience in the public, private, or resource sectors.

Our program offers a challenging opportunity for students with:

• A special interest in researching islands: their societies, economies, histories, cultures, governments, geographies, and environments
• An interest in public policy and administration
• Career aspirations within local, regional, national, and international governmental and non-governmental organizations
• Career aspirations in the private and resource sectors
• A desire for the challenge of graduate education

Specialization: International Relations (Island Studies) and Island Public Policy

The MA Island Studies program at UPEI has an established strength in policy and international relations aspects of island studies. Islands, including small island states and subnational island jurisdictions, are often at the forefront of domestic, marine and international policy discussions, ranging from resource development, environmental regulation and strategic and territorial claims. Island studies teaching and research is proving to be significant and original in relation to diplomacy and coalition-building. Non-sovereign islands especially are using the spaces in domestic and international politics to bring about change. Graduates from this focus area will be able to provide leadership in addressing the complex issues facing modern governments and policy-making organizations. Students will gain the skills and knowledge to start or advance a career within local, provincial/state, federal and international governments or non-profit agencies that interact with government. Private companies that have extensive interactions with island governments will also benefit from the graduates’ skills and understanding of island policy issues.