Soka University Expands to Monterey with New Graduate Institute

The newly branded Monterey Institute of International Studies at Soka University of America will maintain a robust portfolio of graduate degrees, ranging from nonproliferation and terrorism studies to specialized translation and interpretation. By absorbing these programs, Soka aims to leverage the academic legacy of the Monterey site while aligning the curriculum with its own mission of promoting peace and human rights. University President Ed Feasel noted that the programs are a natural extension of Soka’s educational values, promising to preserve the academic rigor that defined the institute’s previous tenure.

The expansion creates a dual-campus model, linking the Aliso Viejo undergraduate hub with the graduate-focused Monterey location. Middlebury President Ian Baucom expressed confidence in the handover, citing the shared commitment between the two institutions to prepare students for complex global challenges. Prospective students can now pursue both in-person degrees in Monterey and various online offerings, including a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and an MPA in Sustainability, as the university begins its transition toward full operational capacity.