Apply to the Monterey Institute

Starting in fall 2027, the Monterey Institute of International Studies at Soka University of America will continue select graduate programs that train professionals to advance understanding, promote peace, and drive change in pursuit of a more just world.

Learn more about our programs and the application process below.

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Programs

New students can enroll in the following master’s degree programs starting fall 2027:

In person (Monterey, CA)

  • MA in International Policy and Development (IPD, 3 semesters)
  • MA in Global Governance and Policy (GGP, 3 semesters)
  • MA in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies (NPTS, 4 semesters | Accelerated and Advanced-Entry available | STEM-designated)
  • MA in Threat Intelligence (Threat, 3 semesters | STEM-designated)
  • MA in Translation and Localization Management (TLM, 4 semesters | Accelerated and Advanced-Entry available | STEM-designated)
  • MA in Chinese Translation and Interpretation (CH-TI, 4 semesters | Accelerated and Advanced-Entry available)
  • MA in Spanish Interpretation (SP-I, 2 semesters)
  • MA in Interpretation for Diplomats and Executives (IDE, 4-6 semesters | All languages | Requires employer funding)

Online

  • MS in Cybersecurity (Cyber, 2 years)
  • MA in Localization Project Management (LPM, 20 months)
  • MPA in Sustainability (MPA-S, 20 months)

Accreditation

Soka University of America will seek approval for all programs at the Monterey Institute of International Studies at Soka University of America under its accreditation with the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Degrees will be conferred by the Monterey Institute of International Studies at Soka University of America.

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Location

Our in-person programs continue to operate on our downtown campus in Monterey, California — minutes from the ocean and just south of the global innovation hubs in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The Monterey area is one of the most multicultural and multilingual regions in North America. Students gain hands-on, real-world skills paired with experiential learning opportunities worldwide.

Our online master’s programs offer flexible, asynchronous learning designed for working professionals, with real opportunities to engage with faculty and classmates.

Whether online or in person, you’ll study with a collaborative community working together to address some of today’s most pressing local and global challenges.

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International Students

International students represent more than 40% of our student body. We support emerging leaders from around the world as they navigate the transition to graduate study in the U.S. 

  • Visa support: We provide institutional support for F-1 and J-1 student visas. Apply by our international deadlines (see below) to allow enough time for visa processing. 
  • Financing your education: International applicants are eligible for scholarships and institutional aid.

Application Information

Fall 2027: open to all programs 

  • Application opens: October 1, 2026 (get notified when the application is live
  • Priority scholarship deadline: November 1, 2026 
  • Round one deadline: March 1, 2027
  • Final international in-person deadline: May 1, 2027 
  • Final US (and online) deadline: June 15, 2027

Spring 2028: open to IPD, GGP, NPTS, Threat, TLM Advanced-Entry, and all online programs 

  • Application opens: June 16, 2027
  • Priority scholarship deadline: August 1, 2027 
  • Additional deadlines will be announced

  • Online application, including: 
    • Career essay 
    • Scholarship essay (optional) 
    • Résumé or CV 
    • $65 application fee 
  • Undergraduate transcript(s) showing completion of a bachelor’s degree by the graduate program start date
  • One letter of recommendation (two preferred) 
  • Interview in person or online (if needed) 
  • GRE or GMAT scores (optional) 
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge scores (required if English is not your first language) 
  • Second language proficiency 
    • Chinese TI and Spanish I: Native or near-native fluency (required) 
    • IDE: more than six months of in-country professional experience using each of your languages of study. 
    • NPTS: equivalent of one year of college-level language study prior to enrollment (required) 
    • Other In-Person programs: optional 
    • Online Programs: not applicable 
  • Accelerated / Advanced-Entry: requirements vary by program but include relevant master’s-level education and/or professional experience.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Your graduate program is an important investment in your career.

Tuition

(Academic Year 2027-2028)
  • In Person (full-time): $22,500/semester 
  • Online: $850/credit

Scholarships

Over 95 percent of admitted students receive scholarship support. 

  • Available to both U.S. and international students. 
  • We offer a wide range of merit-based, need-based, and partner scholarships. 
  • The sooner you apply, the more likely you will receive our largest awards.

Financial Aid

Our Office of Student Financial Services assists with federal, institutional, and private loan programs, federal work-study, and U.S. military/veteran benefits.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Your graduate program is an important investment in your career.

Tuition (Academic Year 2027-2028)

  • In Person (full-time): $22,500/semester
  • Online: $850/credit 

Scholarships
Over 95 percent of admitted students receive scholarship support.

  • Available to both U.S. and international students.
  • We offer a wide range of merit-based, need-based, and partner scholarships.
  • The sooner you apply, the more likely you will receive our largest awards.

Financial Aid
Our Office of Student Financial Services assists with federal, institutional, and private loan programs, federal work-study, and U.S. military/veteran benefits.

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Partner Organizations and Schools

The Monterey Institute has a long history of partnering with public service organizations, international exchange programs, and universities — offering alumni and members guaranteed scholarships, application fee waivers, and accelerated degree pathways.

We support peacebuilders, public servants, and global scholars. If you represent a partner institution (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, TAPIF, and JET), we will contact you directly to renew agreements for fall 2027 and beyond. If you have immediate questions, please email us at miis@soka.edu.

Contact Us

Have questions about our programs or the admissions process? Our enrollment team is here to help.