The Graduate School of International Studies offers two post-graduate degree programs: the M.A. and Ph.D. courses in International Studies. Both programs are academically rigorous yet highly inter-disciplinary, and therefore suitable for students with a variety of academic backgrounds and aspirations.

The M.A. program in International Studies consists of course work and a dissertation. The course work includes foundation courses in International Studies and a host of elective classes that are loosely classified into three interdisciplinary areas: Japan and Asian Studies, Peace Studies, and International Community Studies. Students can concentrate on one of these fields but also can choose classes from different areas in accordance with their interests.

M.A. students work closely with their advisor and conduct research that culminates in an end-of-the-program dissertation. The GSIS has approximately 35 faculty members, each with a specific academic discipline but also with a wide range of regional and interdisciplinary interests. Not only can students seek expert advice from their supervisor, but they can also tap into knowledge and expertise of other professors.

The Ph.D. program in International Studies is targeted at students who pursue research and professional careers that require expert knowledge in more than one academic fields. Although its primary emphasis is independent academic research, the program offers a variety of specialized classes to help students deepen their knowledge outside their main fields and collaborate with professors and other graduate students.