Accelerated BA in International Studies
Designed for highly motivated students, the Global Scholars program lets you earn your BA in just three years through a carefully sequenced curriculum.
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4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United StatesWhere Curiosity Meets Purpose
Ranked in the top 10 for undergraduate international relations programs in the U.S., the School of International Service is where driven, globally-minded students come to do more than earn a degree. SIS gives you the academic foundation, real-world experience, and professional network to build a career that makes a difference. Whatever path you're on, SIS will help you pursue it with purpose.
Learn by Doing
At SIS, real-world experience isn't an add-on—it's built into your education. From community-based research to internships with leading organizations, you'll graduate with the hands-on experience employers are looking for.
Make Lifelong Connections
With an average class size of 20 students, your professors will know your name and your goals. Add a vibrant campus community, countless student organizations, and a network of 25,000 alumni around the world, and you'll find your people at SIS.
Gain a Career Partner
SIS's career support doesn't end at graduation. Our dedicated advisors are with you every step of the way—from your first internship search to your next career move, whether you're a first-year student or an alumnus 30 years out.
Explore SIS Undergraduate Programs
The School of International Service offers a range of undergraduate degrees, certificates, and programs designed to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go. Whether you're looking for a traditional four-year degree, an accelerated path to graduation, a specialized certificate, or a community that connects you with like-minded peers, there's an option at SIS built for your ambitions.
BA in International Studies
SIS's BA in International Studies gives you the multidisciplinary foundation to think critically about the world's most pressing challenges and graduate as a true expert in your field. With six regional focuses and six thematic areas, you'll have the flexibility to explore multiple disciplines or specialize in the field that drives you most.
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Tailor Your Degree
Choose from six thematic areas and six regional focuses to build a degree around what you care about—whether that's global economics, human rights, or the politics of a specific region.
Study Where It Happens
Bring current events into the classroom with professors and coursework shaped by DC's global affairs community.
Live and Learn Abroad
Study in one of over 100 programs around the world, from a summer in Spain to a semester in China, and bring that experience back into your coursework and career.
Specialized Degree Paths
Joint BA with Ritsumeikan University
Earn a joint degree simultaneously from AU and Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, with the only program of its kind between a U.S. and Japanese university.
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Bachelor's/Master's Combined Degree
The BA/MA program allows SIS undergraduates to begin a master's degree while completing their bachelor's, saving both time and money.
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Add to Your Degree
Cohort Communities
Dive into environmental justice, research, or peace building alongside a community of friends and mentors with SIS's cohort communities.
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Undergraduate Certificates
SIS undergraduate certificates allow you to build focused expertise while earning a credential that demonstrates your specialization to future employers and graduate programs.
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Minor in International Studies
Open to all AU students, the minor in International Studies builds your understanding of international affairs and is an ideal complement to any major.
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Inspired to Serve
Albert Fujii, SIS/BA ’19
Service is the thread that connects all the different schools [at AU].
When I think through where I want to be 10 years from now, I always want to have a sense of adventure, always want to be curious, and always have service at the heart of whatever I’m doing. I think that’s something AU looks for in students and helps them cultivate while they’re on campus and beyond.