SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS -- Application Process Overview

Application Deadlines

Sept 15 -- International Students, Spring term
Oct 1 -- Domestic Students, Spring term
Jan 1 -- PhD candidates, Fall admission only
Jan 15 -- All non-PhD. students, Fall admission

Find out about SIS

Request Information: To request information about the School of International Service, fill out the form on the AU Web site. We will then send you an SIS Graduate Programs Catalog to help you learn more about our unique program. You will also receive an application.

Meet with a SIS Graduate Admissions Representative: The SIS Office of Graduate Admissions is always happy to meet with prospective students and to answer any questions about SIS. You may schedule an appointment online where you will see our appointment calendar for the next two weeks. Appointments can also be made by calling 202-885-1646 or e-mailing sisgrad@american.edu. We are also able to schedule campus tours, class visits, and meetings with current students and faculty members for you.

Join Us "On the Road:" Please feel free to join us as we travel to various cities for APSIA and college fairs nationwide in the Fall. Consult our recruiting schedule.

SIS Events and Open Houses: You are always welcome to attend any of the various SIS events or open houses that happen throughout the year. Visit our calendar for a list of current events.

Faculty and Staff: Faculty and Staff: We encourage you to contact any faculty member or the representative of any of our many specialized programs directly for more information to help you in the admissions process. About the SIS Faculty | Graduate Programs

Apply

Application Materials: The online application is found at the graduate student portal. You can obtain the complete application brochure and recommendation forms online.

Application Package: You should submit all required items: application, $50 fee, statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation in signed and sealed envelopes, and official transcripts together in one package if possible/applicable. Your GRE and/or TOEFL scores should be sent to us directly from ETS.

Mailing Address: There are several different Graduate Admissions offices at AU, so be sure to submit your materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions at the School of International Service, with the complete zip code: 20016-8071. The address is:

Office of Graduate Admissions
School of International Service
The American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016-8071

Deadlines: Please adhere to all deadlines in order to be considered for merit-base aid: January 1 for PhD, January 15 for Fall Masters, September 15 for international Spring MA and October 1 for domestic Spring MA. We need to have received your materials by the deadline, so please allow for mail processing.

Check Application Status

If you have submitted an online application:

Log in to your Prospective Student Portal Account. Your log-in information is the same as the e-mail and password with which you gained access to your online application.
Under "Personalized Links," click on "Check My Application Status." Please note that the "Check My Application Status" link does not appear until after your application has been processed, which will be at least three business days from the time of submission.
Under "Check My Application Status," you will see "Application Documents Still Needed" and "Application Documents Received." Due to the high volume of mail received by our office during this period, please allow 7 to 10 business days to process your application materials after they are received. Submitting all of your supplementary documents together in one envelope will greatly speed up the processing of your application.

If you have submitted a paper application:

Please go here to create a Prospective Student Portal Account. Then follow steps two and three listed above to check your status online.

Questions: You can contact our office at 202-885-1646 or e-mail sisgrad@american.edu with questions about your application status. During some points in the admissions cycle, the volume of calls and e-mail's we receive is quite heavy, so please allow at least 48 hours for a response.

Wait for a Decision

Timing: Decisions will be mailed in late March or early April for Fall admissions and mid-November for Spring MA admissions. We cannot disclose decision information over the phone.

Accept

Reply Form: Please return the reply form enclosed with your admission letter, or reply via e-mail to us by the deadline indicated on your admissions letter.

Seat Deposit: With your reply form, you will also need to submit a $400 non-refundable deposit via check or money order made payable to American University. This will be deposited to your student account.

Graduate Day: Please join us for our SIS Graduate Day for admitted students in mid-April in Washington or in several locations around the country.

Prepare for SIS

Course Registration and Academic Planning: After we receive your reply form and deposit, you will receive an e-mail to assist you with course registration information, which is handled through our Graduate Academic Advising Office. To view the current AU schedule of classes, including course availability and textbook information, visit the Web site for the Office of the Registrar. The AU official academic calendar is also available on that site.

SIS Listserv: Be sure to register for the SIS Listserv, an excellent way to obtain informed about SIS events, job and internship opportunities, and housing availability. More information about the listserv.

My.American.Edu Account: This portal for AU students is an essential link to the AU community, and includes personalized links and information regarding your student account, financial aid information, course registration, transcripts, health insurance, technology information, and Blackboard sites. To create your account, all you need is your AU identification number, listed in your letter of admission and on your reply form. Go to my.american.edu. In the bottom right hand corner, click the link to "Create a New Account." When prompted, enter your personal information and you will be given a my.american.edu username, an AU e-mail address, and a password.

Orientation: The innovative and comprehensive SIS PORTAL program is held the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday prior to the start of fall classes. Please put this on your calendar. You will receive an e-mail with more information in mid-July.