SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

MA, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
U.S. FOREIGN POLICY

MA Links

Degree Requirements (39 credits)

Major Field (18 credit hours)

  • SIS-689 Seminar in Foreign Policy Analysis (3)
    • - or -
  • SIS-581 Schools of Thought in Contemporary US Foreign Policy (3)
    • - and -
  • One of the following:
    • ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3)
    • SIS-615 Fundamentals of U.S. Foreign Economic Policy (3)
    • An approved course in economic policy (3)
    - and -
  • SIS-682 United States Foreign Policy (3)
    • - and -
  • 9 credit hours from the following:
    • SIS-581 Schools of Thought in Contemporary U.S. Foreign Policy (3) (if not used to fulfill requirement above)
    • SIS-583 United States in World Affairs (3)
    • SIS-588 International Security and Arms Control (3)
    • SIS-619 Special Studies in International Politics (3) (topic approved by advisor)
    • SIS-683 Congress and U.S. Foreign Policy (3)
    • SIS-684 National Security Policy (3)
    • SIS-685 United States-Russian/Eurasian Security Relations (3)
    • SIS-689 Seminar in Policy Analysis (3) (if not used to fulfill requirement above)
      - or -

      Approved SIS courses relating directly to US foreign policy, country- or region-specific topics, international economic policy or issues such as law, illicit drugs, intelligence, and arms control.

Related Field (9 credit hours)

  • Three courses selected from among the core or principal courses offered by one of the major field groups in SIS: Comparative and Regional Studies (CRS), International Politics (IP), International Development (ID), International Communication (IC), International Economic Relations (IER), or International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Global Environmental Politics (GEP).
    • - or -
  • Three courses making up an individually-tailored related field constructed in consultation with the student's faculty advisor or the SIS Graduate Office.

Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)

  • SIS-600 Quantitative Analysis in International Affairs (3)
  • One methodology course appropriate to the student's research interests (3)

Research and Writing Requirement (6 credit hours)

  • SIS-797 Master's Thesis Supervision (6)
    • - or -
  • Substantial research paper requirement *
    • - or -
  • Research practicum **

* One 3 credit hour internship or cooperative education field experience and one 3 credit hour substantial research paper OR two substantial research papers.
** 6 credit hour supervised by major field faculty advisors (by permission and specific arrangement)

Note: The thesis or substantial research paper must relate clearly to the field of U.S. Foreign Policy.

Foreign Language Proficiency

Certification of written proficiency in a modern foreign language related to regional concentration.

Comprehensive Examination

For specific information about courses, please consult the University Catalog, Bulletin, or your academic advisor.

4400 Massachusetts Ave NW · Washington DC 20016-8071 · Tel: 202-885-1600 · Fax: 202-885-2494    © 2006 American University. All Rights Reserved