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    University of California-Santa Barbara

    Master of Arts in Global Studies

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Santa Barbara, USMAIn-person2 years
    $79,038.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    34%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    12
    Cohort
    students
    60
    Credits

    Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara is a 60-credit, 2-year, in-person MA program based in Santa Barbara, US. Tuition is $79,038.

    About the program

    Two-year terminal program combining interdisciplinary coursework in global studies areas like political economy, culture, and governance with research methods training, followed by field research or internship abroad and completion of an M.A. thesis analyzing a global problem.

    Focus: both

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 15, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL internet-Based Test (iBT) total score of 4.0 (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026) or 80 (for exams taken before January 21, 2026); some departments require a higher score
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS Overall Band score of 7

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $19,704.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara is $79,038 across 60 required credits.
    Is Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara online or in-person?
    Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara take to complete?
    Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara is structured around 2 years and 60 credits.
    How competitive is Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara?
    Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara reports an acceptance rate of approximately 34%.
    How large is the Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara cohort?
    Master of Arts in Global Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara typically enrolls around 12 students per cohort.