Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Studying at Berkeley

Questions about the Institute of International Studies

The Institute is an "Organized Research Unit," not a Department, and therefore does not enroll students or grant degrees at the graduate or undergraduate level. See below for a list of questions and possible resources for your application to UC Berkeley.

The Institute assists Berkeley faculty and students in their research on comparative and international studies; it contributes to public understanding of international affairs; and its helps policymakers develop solutions to international problems. The Institute pursues these goals in a variety of ways: by arranging lectures, seminars, and colloquia for faculty, students, and the public; by publishing papers on international affairs; by supporting Berkeley faculty and students in their efforts to raise extramural funds for their research; and by providing funds for graduate student research through a series of annual competitions.

What departments at Berkeley offer an international focus?

A great many of UC Berkeley's colleges, schools, and departments focus on international issues within their disciplines. Some of these include:

• International and Area Studies Teaching Programs (undergraduate and graduate)
• Haas School of Business
• Graduate School of Education
• Graduate School of Journalism
• Division of Humanities (including art and art history, languages, and many other departments)
• Departments in the Division of Social Sciences:
  • Anthropology
  • Demography
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Women's Studies
• College of Natural Resources
  • Agricultural and Resource Economics
  • Environmental Science, Policy and Management
• School of Public Health
• School of Public Policy

What is the Institute of International Studies?

Established in l955, the Institute of International Studies is a research organization of the University of California at Berkeley. It is the only campus research unit that focuses entirely on global issues rather than region- or country-specific issues. See our current research topics for detailed information on all our research programs.

How is the Institute structured?

The Institute has a faculty director. The current director is Steven Weber , Professor of Political Science. The executive director is Harry Kreisler.

Where is the Institute located?

The Institute is located at 215 Moses Hall. Moses Hall is directly southwest of Sather Tower ("The Campanile").

How can I get on your mailing list?

E-mail us at iis at globetrotter.berkeley.edu.

How can I reach UC Berkeley's International Relations Department?

UC Berkeley does not have an international relations department; most people studying international relations do so in the Department of Political Science.

What courses does the Institute offer?

The Institute is a research unit and as such has no courses, which are offered only by teaching departments. Most teaching departments, especially in the social sciences, include coursework with an international focus. International and Area Studies also offers many such courses. See the Berkeley catalogue for more information on courses.

How do I apply to graduate school to study international issues?

Visit the Graduate Division website at http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/ for information on enrollment, fees, etc.

Does the Institute have its own faculty?

No. Faculty members who conduct research through the Institute are associated with academic departments. In the main, Institute faculty come from the social sciences. To a lesser extent, humanities professors and scientists participate in Institute projects.

How can I enroll as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley?

Visit the Office of Undergraduate Admission web site for information: http://admissions.berkeley.edu/

If you are an international student, you should also download the PDF document "Information for International Applicants" at http://admissions.berkeley.edu/pdf/international.pdf [~155k pdf]

How can I work on one of your research projects?

In almost all cases, research at the Institute is done by University of California faculty and their graduate students.

How can I obtain financial aid?

For graduate study, try the Grad Division page on financial support: http://students.berkeley.edu/fao/graduate/default.htm,

For undergraduate aid, see the financial aid information web page: http://students.berkeley.edu/fao/.

How should I prepare for a career in international studies?

First, talk to counselors in the various departments. Conventional wisdom suggests that undergraduates should take languages and study the politics, cultures, and economies of different countries. Courses in global affairs are also recommended.