The Masters in International and Regional Studies (MIRS) provides students with the comparative perspective and analytical tools necessary to both understand and address issues and challenges that traverse the globe. MIRS combines an interdisciplinary curriculum, deep regional/thematic expertise, rigorous methodological training, and international experiences to enable students to situate these issues and challenges in their cultural, historical, geographical, political, and socioeconomic contexts and to approach them in diverse ways. MIRS is designed to prepare students for global career opportunities, whether in academia, private, or public sectors. MIRS builds on the strengths of the International Institute's interdisciplinary centers and programs. Our centers and programs rank among the nation's finest in their respective fields of study, five have been designated as U.S. Department of Education National Resource Centers. Students have the unique option of pursuing either a regional or thematic track with multiple specializations anchored in one of our centers or programs.<br><br>The Masters in International and Regional Studies (MIRS) South Asian studies specialization is designed for students with an interest in gaining a deeper understanding of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Students with academic or professional interests receive broad area and language training at the graduate levelideal for students with in-country experience who want to channel their experience into a more formal direction, acquire further language competence, and interact with other specialists in an interdisciplinary environment.