Dear Soka Community,
After completing our negotiations with Middlebury College, I am pleased to announce that Soka University of America will establish a second campus in Monterey, California, continuing select graduate programs previously offered by the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) under the new name Monterey Institute of International Studies at Soka University of America. We anticipate classes to begin in Fall 2027.
SUA is committed to fostering global citizens who contribute to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world; for over 70 years, MIIS has prepared professionals to address critical global issues, training diplomats, interpreters, business leaders, policy experts, and nonproliferation advocates. Continuing these graduate programs advances our shared purpose of promoting intercultural understanding and human rights through education.
This exciting development significantly expands the graduate degrees available to our students, offering programs that grapple with some of today’s most urgent challenges. The proximity of our campuses will also facilitate meaningful faculty collaboration, intellectual exchange, and shared programming that will enhance the educational experiences of students in both Aliso Viejo and Monterey.
The graduate programs continuing at Monterey include the following in-person and online offerings:
In-Person
- M.A. in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies
- M.A. in Threat Intelligence
- M.A. in International Policy and Development
- M.A. in Global Governance and Policy
- M.A. in Translation and Localization Management
- M.A. in Chinese Translation and Interpretation
- M.A. in Spanish Interpretation
- M.A. in Interpretation for Diplomats and Executives
Online
- M.S. in Cybersecurity
- M.A. in Localization Project Management
- M.P.A. in Sustainability
You can find additional information, including program details, at soka.edu/apply-monterey-institute.
I know much work lies ahead in integrating the Monterey campus operations and programs over the coming months so I would like to express my appreciation to all those involved in this effort.
I look forward to welcoming our colleagues in Monterey to the SUA community. Our university founder, Daisaku Ikeda, believed that education is vital to building peace, sustainability, and human well-being and development. The Monterey Institute of International Studies shares that vision, and I am confident that uniting our institutions will help shape generations of global citizens who make lasting contributions to humanity.
With gratitude and excitement,
Ed Feasel
President, Soka University of America
Note: A version of this message was delivered to the SUA community via email on August 19, 2026.
