Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies (University of Washington)

Founded in 1909, the School is named for the late Senator Henry M. Jackson, in recognition of his interest and support for the School and the field of international affairs. Situated in the Pacific Northwest, we offer unique access to a global hub of innovation, technology and public service research, internships and jobs. Our alumni work in a range of fields, including: the U.S. government; The White House; major corporations such as Microsoft, Starbucks and CNN; international agencies like The World Bank, United Nations, and the biggest foundation in the world, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; think tanks; universities, and diplomatic missions of foreign governments.

The Jackson School hosts 21 centers and programs; six of these are U.S. Department of Education-funded National Resource Centers dedicated to education and public service (see complete list on reverse). Through these Centers, we award Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships to students throughout the UW.

The Jackson School offers bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. Undergraduates choose from seven majors—Asian Studies, Canadian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, Comparative Religion, Jewish Studies, or International Studies—and 17 minors. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and focuses on area studies, international policy issues and skill-based learning. Classes are taught by UW faculty and practitioners from both public and private sectors. Study abroad is strongly encouraged.

A highlight of the International Studies major is Task Force, a capstone seminar which requires students to investigate a current global policy issue, write an analysis and make recommendations to external evaluators with expertise on the issue. Select undergraduate and graduate students also join our Global Research Groups, bringing actionable insights to private and public sector organizations for their strategic and operational objectives.

At the graduate level, we offer 10 programs that lead to a master’s degree. The International Studies program has the broadest focus and is often pursued concurrently with professional degree programs in business administration, marine affairs, forest resources, public affairs, law, or public health. Students with at least five years of professional experience may apply to a 10-month or two-year part-time M.A. in Applied International Studies.

The PhD in International Studies trains scholars and practitioners with deep knowledge of areas in the context of contemporary global themes, policy challenges and real-world problems. Our PhD allows for a three-year program of completion.

The Office of Career Services connects students to internships, an alumni-student mentor program and job opportunities throughout the year. Although not all alumni pursue international careers, many have a global aspect in their jobs, in public, private and nongovernmental sectors.