Monterey Institute of International Studies

Various countries' flags line a second story balcony with a palm tree in the left of the frame.

Soka University of America to expand graduate programs in Monterey

SUA and Middlebury College have signed a letter of intent for SUA’s potential purchase of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) campus in Monterey, California, and the operation of selected M.A. programs. Both boards of trustees have authorized moving forward, and the two institutions will now enter a period of due diligence to finalize the details.

If completed, the agreement would establish a second SUA campus under the name Monterey Institute of International Studies at Soka University of America.

Read Middlebury’s announcement →

Programs

If completed, the agreement would include programs in nonproliferation and terrorism studies, threat intelligence, international policy and development/global governance, and translation and localization management. SUA will assess program needs over the coming weeks and share more details as they become available.

From President Feasel

We are pursuing the potential purchase because we believe SUA can carry these programs forward to advance our shared mission. SUA founder Daisaku Ikeda believed that education was humanity’s most powerful instrument for peace and global citizenship. MIIS shares a similar belief and ethos. Bringing these two institutions together honors and strengthens both of us.

— Ed Feasel, President, Soka University of America

Read President Feasel’s full letter to the SUA community →

Frequently asked questions

SUA is negotiating to acquire the MIIS campus in Monterey, Calif., and the right to operate selected M.A. programs. Both institutions have signed a letter of intent and are now in a due diligence period to finalize the details.

SUA plans to continue graduate programs in nonproliferation studies and threat intelligence; translation localization management; and international policy and development/global governance — with specific program details to be confirmed during due diligence. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

We are not disclosing the purchase price.

Middlebury remains committed to completing its teach-out through summer 2027, uninterrupted. Current students will complete their programs and receive Middlebury degrees as planned.

CNS will continue to operate under the Middlebury umbrella in multiple locations, including Monterey, Washington, D.C., Middlebury, Vt., and Vienna, Austria.

SUA expects to begin recruiting new students this summer, with timing dependent on staffing and program planning. Check back here for updates.

Middlebury remains committed to completing its teach-out through summer 2027, uninterrupted. The timing of the sale is expected to align with that schedule, ensuring continuity for students, faculty, and staff through the completion of all programs. The CNS building will continue to operate in Monterey beyond June 2027 under Middlebury.

Contact

Media inquiries: Martin Beck (mbeck@soka.edu) 
General questions: info@soka.edu