October 4, 2000

Contact: Elaine Warren, Edwards Campus, (913) 897-8411.

KU Edwards Campus to offer international studies program

LAWRENCE--A high level of interest from working professionals to improve their knowledge of international issues, along with increasing global investment and trade in the Kansas City area, has prompted the University of Kansas to offer a new program in international studies at the KU Edwards Campus. The program begins in spring 2001.

"Kansas City is becoming increasingly connected to the rest of the world. The international studies program will equip working professionals to operate in this new environment," says Deborah J. Gerner, international studies program director.

The Master of Arts in International Studies is a 37-credit hour thesis program, which offers a rigorous interdisciplinary study of international issues in politics, economics, history, culture and more.

"The program is ideal for teachers, military personnel, business professionals and other individuals who want to expand their understanding of the contemporary global arena," says Gerner. Two courses will be offered this spring: U.S. Foreign Policy, which will be taught by David Lambertson, former U.S. ambassador to Thailand and Globalization in History, given by Carl Strikuerda, associate dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

"We are pleased to be offering this new graduate program to the Kansas City community," says Bob Clark, vice chancellor of the KU Edwards Campus. "It addresses the need to prepare our work force to be competitive in the growing global economy.

With the addition of this degree, the Edwards Campus now offers 18 graduate programs. Over the past two years the Edwards Campus has added eight new programs to support work force development in the greater Kansas City area.

For more information about the international studies program, call Gerner at (913) 897-5652, ext. 3523, e-mail khuggett@ku.edu or visit the Edwards Campus Web site at http://kuec.ku.edu.

Tuition is affordably priced for both Kansas and Missouri residents. Call (913) 897-8400 to enroll for spring 2001 classes or to receive more information about the Edwards Campus.