University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

This programme combines disciplinary approaches from history, political science, anthropology, literature and economics to provide sustained study of particular world regions (for example Latin America, Africa, East Asia, Europe or the Middle East). You will follow a blend of core and elective courses designed to build regional expertise, methodological competence and language ability.

• Core modules: Introduction to Area Studies; Research Methods in the Social Sciences and Humanities; Comparative Regional Politics; Cultural History of Selected Regions; Interdisciplinary Seminar.
• Regional pathways: Sequence of courses focused on a chosen region covering history, politics, society and contemporary issues (e.g. modern Latin American history, contemporary China, Middle East politics, African social movements, European integration).
• Language study: Progressive study in a relevant foreign language (beginner to advanced options depending on prior experience), which may include Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, French or others offered by the university.
• Electives: Supporting courses from neighbouring departments such as global development, migration studies, international relations, media and cultural studies, or economics to tailor the degree to career aims.
• Capstone and experiential learning: Senior capstone project or thesis that involves original research on a regional topic; opportunities for internships, community-based projects or study abroad integrations when available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a recognised high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions decisions typically consider academic transcripts, a personal statement that outlines intellectual interests and reasons for studying Area Studies, and secondary-school recommendations. Standardised tests may be optional depending on current university policy; applicants should check the current guidance on test submission.

International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or prior study in English; alternative proofs of proficiency (such as completion of an English-medium programme) are often accepted. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or community experience are considered through the university's pathways for non-traditional students.

Career prospects

Graduates with an Area Studies degree gain skills in language, critical analysis, research and cross-cultural communication that are valued across public, private and non-profit sectors. Common career directions include:

• Public service and diplomacy: roles in government agencies, consulates or international organisations working on regional policy or development.
• International development and NGOs: programme coordination, research or advocacy focused on specific regions.
• Education and research: secondary or tertiary teaching roles, curriculum development, or progression to MA/PhD research in regional studies or related disciplines.
• Private sector and business: market and country analysis, international relations for firms with regional operations, consulting.
• Media, publishing and cultural organisations: journalism, translation, cultural programming and public history related to specific regions.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

UMass Boston offers an urban campus with close links to Boston’s extensive public, cultural and international institutions, providing strong internship and research opportunities for Area Studies students. The university emphasises interdisciplinary teaching and serving a diverse student community, which supports study of global regions in multicultural contexts.

Students benefit from faculty with regional expertise and involvement in policy and community research, as well as access to specialised centres and libraries that support primary-source and archival work. The programme’s flexible structure allows students to combine language training, fieldwork and professional experience to prepare for a wide range of regional careers.