SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

EXECUTIVE MASTER'S DEGREE

Based upon our discussions with corporate and government leaders from around the world, American University developed the Master of International Service program.

Through this program, experienced international affairs professionals are able to broaden their knowledge, enhance their intellectual development, expand their professional effectiveness, and strengthen their international leadership skills and knowledge.

After completion of the program, graduate will have both the skills and the certification to meet the demands of executive level service in the dynamic private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

As a Master of International Service candidate, you will join other mid-career professionals in a unique two course sequence, the Proseminar in International Affairs I & II.

Proseminar I provides an overview of new developments in international affairs; it connects theory and practice at the executive level in international affairs. Proseminar II focuses on professional strategies for coping with change and professional skills enhancement.

The Proseminars host key public and private sector executives to exchange ideas with students on their areas of responsibility.

Construct a uniquely-tailored program of study from among the school's eight disciplines:

• Comparative and Regional Studies
• Global Environmental Politics
• International Communication
• International Development
• International Economic Relations
• International Politics and Foreign Policy
• International Peace and Conflict Resolution
• U.S. Foreign Policy

Degree Requirements (30 credit hours)

• 18 credit hours (6 courses) in residence to be selected in conjunction with an SIS faculty advisor.
• 6 credit hours, SIS-686 Proseminar in International Affairs I and SIS-687 Proseminar in International Affairs II, in residence.
• 6 credit hours of independent study approved by the SIS Dean's Office.

Complete at least thirty (30) credit hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 including at least 24 credit hours in residence.

Students with significant prior professional experience in international affairs may apply to the SIS Dean's Office to have the total program reduced by up to 6 credit hours, which will be applied to the independent study requirement. Such application must make reference to areas in which the student has acquired professional competence. Students seeking to use the significant professional experience clause are limited to a total of 6 credit hours, including any transfer credit.

Professional seminars in international affairs: Enroll in SIS 686 (3 credit hours) Proseminar in International Affairs I and SIS 687 (3 credit hours) Proseminar in International Affairs II as part of the 24 credit hour in-residence requirement.

Proseminar I provides an overview of new developments in international affairs; it connects theory to practice at the executive level in international affairs. Proseminar II focuses on professional strategies for coping with change and professional skills enhancement. It also provides a base for the programs distinctive Capstone Project, the action research project. This project grants an opportunity to link new knowledge to actual professional or policy challenges.

Demonstrate Competence in a Tool of Research: This requirement is normally completed in conjunction with Proseminar I.

Pass an Integrative Comprehensive Exam: This requirement is normally completed in conjunction with the action research project conducted in Proseminar II.

Special Opportunities

This selective degree program is open to top-performing mid-career professionals from both the government and business world.

• Complete the Master of International Service and earn specialized mid-career international relations training in as little as 10 months of full time study or 15 months of part-time study.
• Schedule classes to fit your schedule. Both day and evening classes are available to meet your needs.
• Combine theory with practice. Our faculty's work on international issues and with national and international organizations is helping to define the practice of international relations in today's global environment.

Internship/Career Opportunities

• Build on your professional experience. Students with significant work experience can gain academic credit for prior work in international affairs
• Work with faculty to design an individualized course of study which meets your specific professional development goals.