COURSE CURRICULUM

The course-based stream of the Master of Arts in Island Studies (MAIS) at UPEI offers a flexible, work-study model specializing in three focus areas: Island Tourism, Sustainable Island Communities, and International Relations (Island Studies) and Island Public Policy. This program combines in-person, hybrid, and online instruction, blending theory with practical experience to prepare students for careers addressing unique island challenges. The International Relations specialization explores policy, diplomacy, and governance issues faced by island states and territories, equipping graduates for roles in government, non-profits, and private sectors that interact with island governments. The Island Tourism focus prepares students for leadership in the rapidly growing tourism sector, offering skills in management, research, and marketing relevant to island destinations worldwide. The Sustainable Island Communities specialization addresses environmental, economic, and social sustainability, training students to become effective agents of community change and offering career opportunities in areas such as natural resource management, renewable energy, and environmental consulting. Students benefit from UPEI’s Institute of Island Studies and the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, gaining access to research and networking opportunities. The program is designed to prepare graduates for diverse roles in government, industry, and international organizations focused on island development, sustainability, and policy, fostering leadership in a field vital to island communities globally.