Dual-Degree Programs at American University 

JD/MA (with the Washington College of Law)  
This exciting program provides students interested in international law with a political, historical, and economic background germane to their international practice. By completing the dual-degree, students acquire a depth of knowledge about facets of international law that candidates for either degree alone can rarely, if ever, achieve. The program takes an average of 3.5 years of study. Learn more.

Application Process: JD/MA students pursue the requirements for the International Politics program in SIS, as this program offers the closest integration with the JD curriculum. SIS requires the LSAT in lieu of the GRE for JD/MA applicants. Application procedures differ based upon WCL status (see below). If you have additional questions, please see the JD/MA section of our FAQ.

For Prospective WCL Students
If you have not yet begun law school, or are in the process of applying to WCL, you only need to submit an application to WCL in order to be considered for this program. On your WCL application, indicate your interest in the JD/MA program, and WCL will forward a copy of your application to SIS. Admissions decisions are made independently, and offers of admission stand independently of each other. The deposit fee for SIS is waived for students who have also been admitted into WCL and have confirmed their spot in the class. There is no additional application fee for the JD/MA program.

Most JD/MA students do not begin SIS coursework until Year 2, so current students may still apply to the JD/MA program. Students submit the application form found on WCL's website to give their consent for their application to be released to SIS. We accept applications for both Fall and Spring semester admission. Please submit your application by the following deadlines:

• Fall Admission: submit application by March 1
• Spring Admission: submit application by November 1

In addition, current WCL students are asked to provide SIS with a current copy of their WCL transcript to reflect any completed or in-progress coursework. A screenshot from your online student account will suffice for application review purposes. Please send this transcript to sisgrad@american.edu. There is no additional application fee for the JD/MA program. SIS waives the admissions deposit fee for current WCL students offered admission to the JD/MA program.

LLM/MIS (with the Washington College of Law)  
This unique program offers students and mid-career professionals the ability to complete both an LLM and MIS degree on a two year accelerated track. Designated for those interested in careers in law and international relations, this degree provides students with both the knowledge and resources to succeed in today’s global environment. Learn more.

Application process: Students apply independently to both programs, and follow the traditional application requirements. Applicants may request that application materials be forwarded to the other admissions office by writing a formal email to sisgrad@american.edu. SIS waives the admissions deposit fee for students who have already paid an admissions deposit fee to WCL.

MAT/MA (with the College of Arts and Sciences)  
SIS and the School of Education in the College of Arts and Sciences offer students the opportunity receive an MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and an MA in Teaching in Secondary Education as well as preparation to earn their teacher's certification in three years of study. Learn more.

Application process: Students apply independently to both programs, and follow the traditional application requirements. Applicants may request that application materials be forwarded to the other admissions office by writing a formal email to sisgrad@american.edu.

MBA/MA (with the Kogod School of Business)  
SIS and the Kogod School of Business jointly offer a program for students to earn a master's degree in international affairs combined with a master's degree in business administration. The program is specifically designed not only to fill the need for global market professionals but also to take advantage of classroom experiences that contribute to both degree fields. Learn more.
Note: Can be combined with any SIS degree except Social Enterprise.

Application process: Students apply independently to both programs, and follow the traditional application requirements. Applicants may request that application materials be forwarded to the other admissions office by writing a formal email to sisgrad@american.edu. SIS waives the admissions deposit fee for students who have already paid an admissions deposit fee to the Kogod School of Business and current MBA students.

MTS/MA (with Wesley Theological Seminary)  
SIS and Wesley Theological Seminary offer a dual master's degree in which graduates receive both the Master of Theological Studies from Wesley and either the MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution or the MA in International Development from SIS. Learn more.

Application process: Students apply independently to both programs, and follow the traditional application requirements. Applicants may request that application materials be forwarded to the other admissions office by writing a formal email to sisgrad@american.edu.

Dual-Degree Programs (International) 

AU/Korea University (Korea)  
The Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) at Korea University (KU) offers one of the leading international relations programs in Korea and Asia. Its curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary studies as part of the school’s commitment to multi-cultural awareness and promoting international interaction. KU, through the GSIS, has joined AU and SIS to offer a Dual Master’s Degree Program (DMDP) through which students can take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered at both schools. Study with the top experts in your field and gain a new perspective on international relations from the Korean Peninsula. Learn more.

AU/Ritsumeikan University (Japan)  
The Graduate School of International Relations (GSIR) at Ritsumeikan University (RU) has partnered with SIS to offer an innovative Dual Masters Degree Program (DMDP) for students who want to take an interdisciplinary and multicultural approach to their research and education. This DMDP, started over fifteen years ago, is the first of its kind between a Japanese and an American university. DMDP students gain cross-cultural competency while earning two Master’s degrees in international relations. Learn more.

AU/Sookmyung Women's University (Korea)  
With the motto, “Gentle Power to Change the World,” the Graduate School of Professional Studies (GSPS) at Sookmyung Women’s University (SMU) has joined SIS to offer a Dual Degree program aimed at cultivating leadership skills in international affairs. Although Sookmyung Women’s University was the first women’s university in Korea, the Dual Degree Program is open to both men and women from AU. Gain leadership skills and understand the Korean perspective on international service. Learn more.

AU/University for Peace (Costa Rica)  
The MA in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development is a dual-degree program in which students study at and receive degrees from both AU and the United Nations-mandated University for Peace in San Jose, Costa Rica. This two-year program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for managing eco-development issues in a global context and provides them with opportunities to establish ties that bridge the North-South divide. Learn more.

General Requirements

Applications to SIS consist of the following elements (click for more details). Please see the program descriptions to the left for specific requirements for applying to your program of interest. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found in our online FAQ.

• Online Application
• Transcripts
• Resume/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Test Scores (if applicable)
  

Master's Degrees at a Glance

• Comparative and International Disability Policy
  
• Comparative and Regional Studies
  
• Development Management
  
• Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs
  
• Global Environmental Policy
  
• International Communication
  
• International Development
  
• International Economic Relations
  
• International Media
• International Peace and Conflict Resolution
• International Politics
• Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
• Social Enterprise
• United States Foreign Policy
  

Visit SIS in Washington, DC

Come to the nation's capital to visit American University and the School of International Service. In addition to meeting with an admissions specialist, we offer a variety of events on campus including Open Houses and classroom visits. Learn more and RSVP here.