Admission to the Program

Applicants must hold an earned bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by one of the six United States regional accreditation agencies or a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree from an international institution with a similar level of accreditation or recognition by its home country. Assessment of a foreign degree will be based upon the characteristics of the national system of education, the type of institution attended, its accreditation, and the level of studies completed.

Competitive candidates may demonstrate their potential to excel in diverse ways, including a strong academic record, demonstrated success in relevant coursework and/or professional experience, the presentation of a compelling motivation and objective for graduate work, or a combination of some of these factors.

The application deadline for fall admission is January 15; for spring admission October 1 (September 15 for international students). Admitted students may defer matriculation for no longer than two semesters provided that a written request for deferment is submitted to and approved by the SIS Graduate Admissions Office.

A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional. Applicants who have completed the exam are welcome to submit their scores as part of their application. Non-native English speakers are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless they hold a degree from a U.S.-accredited institution before enrollment at SIS. The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT) or 600 on the paper-based test (PBT). The minimum IELTS score is 7.0. LSAT scores will be accepted in place of the GRE for JD/MA applicants. Fall applicants should plan to take the appropriate test no later than December to ensure full consideration of the application by the January deadline.

All applicants must submit two letters of reference evaluating undergraduate academic performance and suitability for graduate study in international affairs, at least one of which should be from an academic source. A resume should be included in the application. Applicants must submit transcripts from all institutions attended. Cultural factors are considered in evaluating transcripts and examination results.

Requests for the transfer of a maximum of 6 graduate credit hours from other accredited institutions to be applied to a master's degree must be completed in the student's first semester in the graduate program at American University. A minimum grade of B in each course is required for transfer. Transfer courses must have been completed within five years of admission and must fulfill stated requirements of the degree program.

Degree Requirements

• 36 credit hours of approved graduate work
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA required to remain in good academic standing and to earn the degree
• Capstone Experience: Demonstration of critical thinking, research and writing skills through completion of one of the following:
  • Practicum: 3 credit hours with grade of B or better
  • Substantial Research Paper: 3 credit hours with grade of B or better
  • Thesis: 6 credit hours of thesis credit and submission of the thesis
• Evidence of professional experience in the field: Relevant internship or work experience must be certified

Course Requirements

Foundations of Politics and Economics (6 credit hours)

Complete 6 credits hours from the following:

• SIS 616 International Economics 3
• SIS 707 History of Global Politics 3

Econometrics and Quantitative Research Methods (9 credit hours)

Complete one of the following tracks:

• Standard Track
  • ECON 623 Applied Econometrics I 3
  • ECON 624 Applied Econometrics II 3
  • SIS 600 Statistics, Research Design, and Research Methods for International Affairs 3
• Accelerated Track
  • ECON 623 Applied Econometrics I 3
  • ECON 624 Applied Econometrics II 3
  • [After] 3 credit hours from approved advanced quantitative methods coursework

Primary Specialization (12 credit hours)

Quantitative Economics and Politics

Complete 3 credit hours from the following:

• SIS 672 Frameworks of Comparative and Regional Studies 3
• SIS 708 Foundations of Global Security 3
• SIS 709 Foundations of Global Governance 3
• SIS 751 International Political Economy 3

Additional

9 credit hours from approved quantitative economics or data science coursework

Secondary Area of Focus (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from one of the following secondary areas of focus:

• Global Security
• Multilateral Diplomacy & Global Governance
• State, Society, and Politics
• International Economic Policy

Capstone (3 credit hours)

Complete one of the following:

Note: The thesis or substantial research paper must relate clearly to the field of international economic relations.

Practicum

Complete 3 credit hours from the following with grade of B or better:

• • SIS 793 Practicum in International Affairs 3
  • [Right] (topics)

Substantial Research Paper

Complete 3 credit hours from one of the following with grade of B or better:

• SIS 794 Substantial Research Paper with Coursework 3
• SIS 795 Master's Research Requirement 1

Thesis

• SIS 797 Master's Thesis Supervision1
• [Right] (6 credit hours required; may include 3 elective credit hours)

Elective (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or other approved courses:

• SIS 691 Internship in International Affairs 1
• SIS 692 International Internship 1
• SIS 696 Selected Topics: Non-Recurring 1
• [Right]: Essentials of Economics & Data Analytics
• SIS 730 Skills Institutes in International Affairs 1
• [Right] (topics)
• SIS 797 Master's Thesis Supervision 1