Answers to the questions we normally receive are provided below. If your question is not addressed here, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-1646 or send an e-mail to sisgrad@american.edu.

To request the SIS graduate program brochure, click here.

Application/Admissions

What are the requirements for admission?
The application form, $50 application fee, statement of purpose, resume, two letters of recommendation (three for PhD), all official transcripts (undergraduate and graduate), and official GRE scores (for all students instructed in English and for all PhD candidates). International applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold any higher education degree from a U.S.-accredited college or institution are also required to submit results of the TOEFL or the IELTS. All required materials must be submitted before your file is reviewed.

What does the review committee look at for acceptance and scholarships?
The admissions committee considers all elements of a candidate's application when making admission decisions. No one aspect of an application is more important than another.

Where can I find the application online? Where can I find the recommendation forms online?
The online application is located here. The recommendation forms and the complete application brochure can be downloaded from the forms page.

What do the 24 hours of social science course work entail?
Applicants to SIS should have completed at least 24 hours of coursework relevant to international studies. These may include courses on economics, political science, history, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy.

Do I need to be proficient in a foreign language prior to applying to SIS?
Second language ability is not required for admission to SIS, though it can certainly improve an applicant's profile. Proficiency in a modern foreign language is required for graduation from most SIS programs. SIS does not offer academic credit towards degree completion for language courses.

Do you offer formal admissions interviews?
We do not require admissions interviews as such, but we are happy to set up an informal information session for you with our admission officers.

Can I submit a writing sample with my application?
You can submit a brief writing sample with your application, although it is not required for admission. The review committee will look primarily at your statement of purpose, your GREs, and your letters of recommendation to gain a sense of your writing and analytical ability.

What are the application procedures for your dual degree programs?
For the MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution/Master of Theological Studies program, please apply separately to both Wesley Theological Seminary and the School of International Service.

For the MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution/Master of Arts in Teaching or the MA in Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs, you can apply to either SIS or the College of Arts and Sciences directly and indicate your interest in the dual degree program. You will be considered and notified separately for each program.

For the JD/MA program, please submit your application to the Washington College of Law (WCL) directly and indicate in the appropriate area that you are interested in JD/MA consideration. WCL will then forward your application to the School of International Service. You will be considered and notified separately for each program. Please note that you must take the LSAT exam in order to be considered for WCL admission. GRE is not required for your file to be considered for SIS. Please also note that all JD/MA applicants will be considered for MA in International Affairs with a concentration in International Politics for their program in SIS.

For the MA/MBA, you can apply to either SIS or the Kogod School of Business directly and indicate your interest in the dual degree program. You will be considered and notified separately for each program. If you are applying to Kogod, you must take the GMAT. Indicate on your online application that you are applying for the dual program. Once your file is complete, it will be forwarded to SIS for review. If you are applying to SIS first, you may take the GRE or GMAT exam. Your file will be forwarded to Kogod once it is complete. Work experience may be required for admission to the MBA program. Please check with Kogod individually.

What if I am admitted to SIS but not Kogod School of Business (KSB), Washington College of Law (WCL), or College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)?
The admission decisions of each school are independent. Should you apply to a dual degree program and only be admitted to SIS, our offer of admission still stands and you are eligible to proceed as a student in SIS. Note that admission decisions to one program have no bearing on or leverage with another.

When is the best time to apply for the BA/MA program?
After you have completed 90 credits of your SIS undergraduate program, you are eligible to apply for the BA/MA program. Do consider the value of having taken a significant number of upper-level SIS classes prior to your application. We strongly recommend that you apply during the second semester of your junior year so that you can take full advantage of the program.

How many years of experience do I need to apply to the MIS (mid-career executive) program? Does my experience have to be in the international affairs field?
Most MIS candidates have between seven and nine years of professional experience to be eligible for the program. This experience does not necessarily have to be in the field of international affairs.

Can I apply to two master's degree programs in SIS simultaneously?
Students may not apply for more than one program at any given time.

Are admissions decisions ever reconsidered by the Admissions Committee?
All admission decisions are final. Should you have any questions about how to improve your file for future admissions consideration, please contact the Director of Admissions within one month of the date of your decision letter.

How do I check my application status?
If you have submitted an online application:

1. Log in to your Prospective Student Portal Account. Your log-in information is the same as the e-mail and password with which you accessed your online application.
2. 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 72 hours or three business days from the time of submission.
3. 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 in together 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.

- Follow steps 2 and 3 listed above to check your status online.

If you have any other questions regarding your application, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-1646 or send e-mail to sisgrad@american.edu.

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Resume/Statement of purpose

What should my statement of purpose include?
Your statement of purpose should clearly state your reason for undertaking graduate studies in your chosen field, what you expect from the program, and how you can contribute to the program. It should include your research interests and your academic and career objectives. As the statement is an opportunity for the committee to know you, discussions of your relevant qualifications and experiences will be highly helpful. The statement should also demonstrate your composition skills and analytical ability.

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Letters of Recommendation

Who should write my recommendation letters? Do the letters of recommendation have to be from academic sources? What if I have been out of school for a number of years?
For the MA program, we require that at least one of your two letters of recommendation be from a faculty member who knows your work well. We do suggest, however, that both of your letters are from academic sources. We prefer to obtain information from recommenders who can evaluate your past academic performance and your potential for future academic challenges. Though letters from former or current employers are certainly welcome, we assume that your resume speaks for itself in terms of your professional skills and potential. Even if you have been out of school for some time, we still suggest that you obtain at least one academic letter of recommendation. For the MIS (mid-career executive) program, letters from professional sources are appropriate.

Can I submit more than the required number of recommendation letters?
If you would like to submit an additional letter, we will certainly add it to your file.

Can my recommenders submit their letters electronically?
We do not have an online process for submitting letters of recommendation. If recommenders are unable to submit recommendations by mail, it is possible for them to submit the recommendations from a professional e-mail address (e.g. @american.edu, @peacecorps.gov) to sisgrad@american.edu. However, applicants should draft an e-mail, to our attention at the Office of Graduate Admissions, stating that they waive their right to view the letters. This should be done in one e-mail that includes the names and contact information of the recommenders who will be submitting recommendations via e-mail.

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GPA, Transcripts

What is your requirement for GPA?
We consider all components of an application when making admission decisions. We do not have a GPA requirement, though our average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.5.

How are my transcripts/academic records considered official?
Official transcripts are required for an application to be considered complete. Official transcripts/records are issued directly from the Registrar's Office at your undergraduate and graduate institution. They are sealed and stamped on the back with the school's official stamp. Official international transcripts/academic records are the ones issued directly by the respective records office in the original language. They need to bare official seal(s) of the school. In the case of non-English transcripts, certified or notarized translations will also need to be submitted. All transcripts must show courses taken, grades received, and the title and date of any degrees conferred.

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Test Scores

Under what circumstances do I need to take the TOEFL or the IELTS test?
You are required to submit TOEFL or IETLS scores if your native language (not the official language of your country) is not English AND if you do not hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S.-accredited college or institution.

What are the institution codes for the GRE and TOEFL?
The institution codes are 5558 for the GRE and 8177 for the TOEFL. There is no department code or enter 0000.

What are your GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS requirements?
The combined average GRE score for admitted students is 610 for Verbal, 640 for Quantitative, and 5.1 for Analytical. There is no minimal requirement for the GRE exam. The minimal TOEFL score for international students is 600 for the paper-based test, 250 for the computer-based test, and 100 for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum requirement for the IELTS is 7.0.

Can I take the GRE again to try and improve my scores?
We encourage candidates to take the GRE exam again to try to receive the best scores possible. We will consider the best scores you receive for each section of the exam.

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Deadlines/Admission Decision

If I do not want to be considered for merit-based financial aid, can I submit my application after the posted deadline?
We do have “rolling admissions,” which means you can submit your application after the fall deadline if you do not want to be considered for merit-based aid. However, we encourage prospective students to apply as early as possible to ensure consideration for the semester to which they applied. A late application, should it be complete before the admissions cycle closes, and it runs the risk of being postponed to review for the next cycle.

When will I hear from the admissions committee?
If your file was complete by the deadline, you should hear from us in early to mid-April. Otherwise, you will hear from us on a rolling basis.

Do you have a spring admissions cycle?
We do have a small spring admissions cycle for the MA program. The deadline for consideration for merit-based aid is October 1, and September 15 for international students. This is a hard deadline; any applications received after those dates will be considered for fall admission. There is no spring admissions cycle for the PhD program or the dual master’s program in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development with the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

Is the spring admissions cycle competition easier?
No. For the spring admissions cycle, the number of applicants decreases and so does the number of students admitted. The acceptance rate, therefore, remains the same.

Can I defer my admission once admitted to your school? Will I be able to keep my merit-based financial aid?
You can defer up to one year from your semester of admission with approval from the admissions office and upon receipt of your seat deposit. To request a deferral, send an e-mail or letter to the Office of Graduate Admissions indicating the reason for your deferral request and the semester to which you want to defer. Any merit award granted for your original semester of admission cannot be carried over to your deferred semester. You will be reconsidered for merit aid for the next admission cycle, although the award is not guaranteed. JD/MA and BA/MA applicants cannot defer.

If I have been denied admission to SIS, can I reapply?
Students denied admission to SIS must wait one academic year from the date of their original application to reapply. Such candidates are encouraged to contact the Graduate Admissions Office for advice on strengthening their applications. BA/MA candidates may reapply the following semester as traditional MA students, and therefore must take the GRE examination.

If I have been admitted to SIS previously and wish to reapply, how do I do so?
Please contact the SIS Office of Graduate Admissions for guidelines.

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Finances, Financial Aid

Under what circumstances is the application fee waived?
The $50 application fee is only waived to AU alumni and current AU students. McNair Scholars and IIPP and PPIA fellows are also eligible for fee waivers and should clearly indicate their participation in such a program on their applications.

What forms of payment are acceptable for my application fee?
If students apply online, the application fee can be paid by a major credit card. If a student applies using the paper application, personal checks or international money orders made out to “American University” are the only acceptable methods of payment. Do not, under any circumstances, send cash.

What is the cost of graduate tuition?
For SIS students, tuition is assessed on a per-credit basis. For academic year 2009-2010, the cost per credit is $1237 per credit hour for full-time and part-time students enrolled in standard master's programs. Other student fees are required. Graduate tuition is subject to increase on an annual basis.

What is the difference between need-based financial aid and merit-based financial aid? How is each awarded?
Merit-based financial aid is awarded upon notification of admission through the School of International Service and can be a combination of tuition remission, stipend, and/or research assistantship awards. It is a need-blind process and is awarded based on the same factors that influence the admissions process. Need-based aid is administered through the University's central Office of Financial Aid (202-885-6103). At the graduate level, it generally takes the form of a federal low-interest loan package with a work-study option. All eligible and interested students should fill out the FAFSA form upon application to SIS to begin the need-based financial aid process; there is no need to wait until you have an admissions decision from SIS.

What percentage of incoming students receive merit-based financial aid? Is there a possibility that I could receive merit aid as a continuing student?
SIS merit awards are highly competitive; about 10-15% of incoming students receive merit-based aid from SIS. A few continuing students receive merit awards for the second year of their academic program, but the bulk of aid is awarded to incoming students.

What types of scholarships, grants, fellowship and financial aid are available for graduate students?

• Merit-based financial aid is available to students with outstanding academic achievement. These awards are highly competitive and only 10-15% of SIS students receive them every year. There is no separate application for merit-based aid. Students who apply to the SIS graduate programs will be considered for all awards if all required components of their applications are received by the SIS Graduate Admissions Office by the deadline stated on the application. Students are automatically considered for merit awards if they have indicated on their application that they would like to be.
• The types of merit-based financial aid SIS students usually receive are:
  1. SIS Graduate Assistantship Award: This award usually includes 18 credits of tuition remission per academic year (9 credits per semester), a monthly stipend (during regular semesters), and the opportunity to work with an SIS faculty member.
  2. SIS Dean’s Award: This award usually gives 15 credits of tuition remission per academic year. This award does not carry a stipend but does give students the opportunity to work with an SIS faculty member.
  3. Hall of Nations Award: This award is only given to incoming international students who do not have U.S. permanent residency or citizenship status. This award typically includes 18 credits of tuition remission per academic year, a monthly stipend (during regular semesters), and the opportunity to work with an SIS faculty member.
  4. Special Opportunity Awards: This award is open to domestic minority students only and usually offers 18 credits of tuition remission per academic year, a monthly stipend (during regular semesters), and the opportunity to work with an SIS faculty member.

Is funding available for international students?
International students are eligible for a variety of AU- and SIS-sponsored financial aid, including the Hall of Nations Scholarship mentioned above and the Massey Foundation Awards. International students are also encouraged to search for additional sources of external funding. More Information on Financial Aid for International Students.

What are the acceptable forms of financial documents that international students have to submit?
As the second page of the PIIRF form suggests, these documents include, but are not limited to:

• Official bank statement, stamped or signed by a bank official (no more than three months old),
• Account summary or summary of liquid assets (no more than 3 months old),
• I-134 affidavit of support, submitted by sponsor and accompanied by financial verification,
• Scholarship letter from sponsoring organization outlining dates, amount, and terms of sponsorship, and
• American University scholarship or graduate merit award letter (if you receive an award)

Pay stubs or tax return forms are not acceptable. For more information, please contact the International Student and Scholar Services at 202-885-3350.

These documents must be dated within the past three months. For example, if you submit your application on September 15th, these documents must be dated between June 15th and September 15th.

How do I obtain immigration documents from AU?

Please visit the Office of Campus Life's International Student and Scholar Services page.

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Programs, Academics

How many credits are required to graduate from SIS?
It depends on the program. The total number of credits required by standard MA programs varies from 39 to 42.

I completed graduate courses at another university before applying to American University. Can I transfer these credits and will they fulfill degree requirements?

• Students are eligible to transfer in credits during their first semester at AU. At that point the student should discuss with his/her academic advisor the applicability and feasibility of credit transfer, including whether a course[s] could substitute for core requirements. Students can transfer in no more than 6 credits of graduate coursework to any SIS graduate degree program.
• Students must have received a B or better in any credits they seek to transfer and must submit an official transcript in a sealed envelope to his/her academic advisor who will submit the necessary transfer paperwork. The grades from transfer courses will not be factored into the student’s AU cumulative grade point average. All transferred courses must have been completed within seven years prior to starting at American University.
• In the case of international transcripts, an articulation may be required to determine the credit amount, grade, and if it is equivalent to a course offered at American University.

Once I have applied into one academic program in SIS, can I change my field?
As admission decisions are specific to each program, students cannot change their programs during the admission process. Once admitted to a program/field, a student must stay in that program for one semester, at which point he or she can request a field transfer. Field transfer applications are handled through the Graduate Advising Office.

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BA/MA Program

Why do the BA/MA Program?
The BA/MA program is a distinctive opportunity reserved for top BA students currently in SIS to pursue advanced studies and complete both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree consecutively. There are several benefits to the program. First, students applying to the BA/MA in any SIS field are not charged an application fee, and do not need to take the GRE or submit GRE scores. Admitted students are not required to pay a deposit, and are able to share up to 12 credits between the two programs, effectively reducing the time required in the graduate program by more than one semester. Additionally, students may be able to take MA-only courses (known as reserved credits) while still a BA student and pay for them at the undergraduate tuition rate, further reducing the amount of work required to complete the MA.

I’m interested in the BA/MA Program. What should I do?

1. Make sure you meet the requirements
   Students interested in applying for the BA/MA program MUST have at least a 3.5 GPA to receive consideration. You should apply through the BA/MA admission cycle in the summer between your junior and senior year. If you don’t meet either of these criteria, you are still welcome to apply to an SIS graduate program, but would need to go through the normal application process.
2. Plan ahead
   Review the degree requirements for the MA program in which you’re interested (you can view these requirements online at the SIS Web site, or in the University Catalog, or you can pick up a program worksheet in the SIS Graduate Advising Office in SIS 12). If you’re not sure which program you’d like to pursue, contact the SIS Graduate Admissions Office (Clark 101, X1646, sisgrad@american.edu) to schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor to discuss your options.  Your undergraduate advisor may also be able to make some suggestions based on your policy and regional specializations.
   
   Also, be sure to look into taking upper-level courses (300-, 400-, and/or 500-level) before applying, as your performance in those classes will usually impact your admission. They are also great opportunities to work with faculty who will be able to furnish you with stronger letters of recommendation. Speak with your undergraduate advisor about taking higher-level courses that fulfill your degree requirements.

When do I apply? How do I apply?
You should apply in the summer before your senior year (or the summer the year before you graduate if you’re finishing in a fall semester). BA/MA applications are due June 15, and admissions decisions are sent in early August. This will give you at least one semester to work with a graduate advisor and determine what courses you can share between your two degrees.

To apply, you’ll need to submit a completed Application for Graduate Admission to the Graduate Admissions Office (be sure to check the BA/MA box) along with your other application materials (two letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from an SIS faculty member, a personal statement, and any other supporting documentation as specified in the Application.) BA/MA applicants do not need to take the GRE or pay the application fee (you may submit your GRE scores if you wish, but it is not required).

I’ve applied to the BA/MA program. Can I take 600-level courses?
You can take 500-level courses, but 600-level courses are reserved for current graduate students. If you are admitted to the MA, you’ll be able to take 600-level courses. PLEASE NOTE: you will not be able to take an internship for graduate credit until you complete the BA.

I’ve been admitted to the program. What do I do next?
First, you’ll need to confirm with the Graduate Admissions Office that you accept the offer of admission. You do not need to pay a deposit, but you do need to submit your confirmation in writing. Once you’ve done that, you will need to set up an appointment with both your graduate and undergraduate academic advisors (you’ll be meeting with both at the same time during this first meeting) by contacting either of the advising offices. Your advisors will go over the programs with you and discuss what courses you can double-count, and if you can reserve any credits.  You’ll also be completing a BA/MA Transition worksheet with your advisors to plan out your senior year.

How many courses can I bring in from my BA?
You can double-count 12 credits into any of our graduate programs.
If you have space, (i.e. that you have registered for everything you will need for your BA but still have room to pursue additional study) you may also be able to reserve up to 6 additional credits. Reserved credits are 500- or 600-level courses taken while you’re in both programs but that are used ONLY towards your MA degree. You cannot reserve a course that in any way fulfills a requirement towards your BA. You should speak with your undergraduate advisor to see if you are eligible to reserve credits. If you are, you will need to submit a request to your undergraduate advisor to have those credits reserved before you complete your BA.
Reserved credits are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate and do not count towards your financial aid eligibility i.e. you must be registered for at least 12 credits per semester that can be applied to the BA and/or shared between the two degrees in order to maintain your financial aid eligibility.)  In other words, if you take 12 credits to apply towards your BA, you can reserve one course in the same semester without having to pay extra or forfeit your federal financial aid or any AU scholarships you may be receiving. The maximum number of credits anyone can bring in to an SIS Master’s program is 18.

While I’m a student in both programs, which advisor should I see?
Until you are admitted, you should continue to work exclusively with your undergraduate advisor. Once you are admitted, you should continue working with your undergraduate advisor AND start work with your graduate advisor-you’ll meet with both of them when you begin the BA/MA program. Once you complete your BA you’ll be working exclusively with your graduate advisor.

Can I defer my BA/MA admission?
BA/MA students are not permitted to defer their admission. Should you change your mind and opt not to pursue graduate study immediately after completing your BA, your BA/MA status is lost. To later enter a Masters program at SIS, you would need to apply as a regular graduate student, and you would not be eligible to double-count or reserve any credits.

Can I take a leave of absence from the MA program the semester after I graduate from the BA?
No. While you are eligible to take a leave of absence later in your graduate program, you must be enrolled in the first semester in which you will only be a graduate student to maintain your BA/MA status.

I’ve changed my mind about what program I want to do. What can I do?
It is extremely important to make sure you know which MA program you want to pursue, as you may have a hard time double-counting or reserving any credits if you decide to change programs. In the event you still want to change, you will need to spend your first MA-only semester in the program to which you are admitted. After that you can submit a Field Transfer Application to the field into which you would like to transfer. If your request is accepted, you would then switch and start working in the new program (and with the graduate advisor for that program), but there is no guarantee that credits earned as a BA/MA student will apply to your new program, and you’ll have very little flexibility in your course selection if you change programs.

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Jobs, Internship, Study Abroad Program

What are the career opportunities after graduating?
SIS students who have been active in pursuing internships and networks have excellent success in job placement upon graduation. SIS graduates go on to work in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.

Will SIS help me get an internship?
Absolutely. Washington, DC offers students a rich variety of opportunities to interact with professionals in a variety of career fields. Over 90% of our graduate students get at least one internship during the course of their time in SIS. There are several mechanisms for career/internship support in SIS. The AU Career Center is an excellent resource for advice, planning, job/internship openings, resume critiques, mock interviews, career fairs, and merit award assistance and advising. There are two dedicated Career Center staff members who work exclusively with SIS students. Additionally, both your academic and your faculty advisors will be valuable in assisting with internship and career ideas and opportunities. SIS's 13,000 alumni worldwide are also excellent resources. The Alumni Career Network comprises more than 2,000 alumni who have specifically volunteered to assist students in exploring the range of careers in international affairs.

What kind of study abroad opportunities do you offer?
Currently, SIS offers a graduate-level exchange program with the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) in Paris, France. We also offer a dual degree program in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development with the University for Peace in Costa Rica, a dual degree program with Ritsumeikan University in Japan, a dual degree program with University of Korea, and a dual degree program with Sookmyung Women's University in Seoul. We also have several summer study/intern abroad programs, including trips to the United Arab Emirates, Cuba, Malaysia, Ghana, Italy, Poland, and Japan.

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Other

Can I enroll for graduate level classes as a non-degree student?

• Non-degree students can register for as many courses as they would like before applying for admission.
• Non-degree students who apply and are admitted to a degree program can bring a maximum of 12 credits taken as an SIS non-degree student into their academic program.
• Successful completion of non-degree study does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.
• For more information, visit the SIS Non-Degree page: http://www.american.edu/sis/advising-grad/non-degree.htm

Can I get on-campus housing as a graduate student?
Currently American University does not provide housing for graduate students. Please refer questions to Housing and Dining Programs at 202-885-3370 or e-mail housinganddiningprograms@american.edu.

Can I set up an interview, phone conferences, tours, class observation or a meeting with a professor?
To make an appointment with an SIS admissions representative, please call 202-885-1646 or e-mail sisgrad@american.edu. The Graduate Admissions Office is happy to help you arrange a class observation, offer a campus tour, or put you in contact with a professor or current student.

I recently received my acceptance letter to an SIS Graduate Program at American University. When can I begin registering for courses?

• Students will be sent an e-mail explaining the registration process and suggested courses once they have paid their deposit. Advisors will authorize registration for deposit-paid students who then can register themselves by setting up an account at my.american.edu.
• New student registration begins May 1 for Fall 2009 courses. The exception is for students who attend Grad Day on April 13th and pay their deposit. They will be permitted to register that day.
• Students admitted for Fall 2009 can begin their studies in Summer 2009 if they wish. Interested students should discuss this with their academic advisor.

I have a few questions concerning registration and degree requirements. When can I meet with my academic advisor?

• Students will have an opportunity to meet with the academic advisor for their program fields once they have paid their deposit. This first meeting can take place via phone, in person, or at Grad Day on April 14th.
• Students who have not paid their deposit but wish to know more about specific requirements are invited to e-mail the graduate admissions office (sisgrad@american.edu) with their questions and an academic advisor will make an effort to respond within 48 hours to specific questions.

Can I waive the economics requirement if I completed economics courses while I was an undergraduate student?

• Students in International Development, Development Management, or International Economic Relations may waive ECON-603, Intro to Economic Theory (thus reducing their program from 42 down to 39 credits) if they have completed courses in macroeconomics and microeconomics. Processes may vary by field.

• In other program fields (where applicable and subject to degree requirements) students may be able to substitute a more advanced course for ECON-603. Students cannot waive the economics requirement as these fields do not allow a reduction in the total number of credits required for the degree.

I completed an undergraduate degree in a foreign language. Will my foreign language requirement be waived? What if I received a minor in a foreign language?

• You would be able to use an undergraduate (or graduate) major to satisfy the language requirement provided that you completed the degree within 3 years of enrolling in SIS. An undergraduate minor or other similar coursework will not satisfy the requirement.
• The SIS Language Proficiency website (http://www.american.edu/sis/advising-grad/toolofresearch.htm) details how students meet the language proficiency requirements.
• Students are strongly encouraged to take the Tool of Research proficiency exam as a diagnostic tool to gauge their language abilities. Passing the Tool of Research exam fulfills the language requirement. Students can take the free Tool of Research proficiency exam at AU through the Language Resource Center. It is offered five times per year (in January, March, May, September, and November) and a student can attempt the test a maximum of three times . The exam exclusively tests reading comprehension (SIS expects that an MA student will be able to conduct research in that language by using books, newspapers, journal articles, and the like). To obtain more information (or to register for the language exam), visit the The Language Resource Center website.

What do I do if a course I would like to register for is closed?

• Check the Schedule of Classes (http://www.american.edu/american/registrar/schedule_menu.cfm) regularly—course enrollments fluctuate during the registration and Add/Drop periods. If a space in a course becomes available, you can then enroll yourself in the course.
• The Automated Waitlist Process will allow students to place their names on a waitlist for closed sections in which they are eligible to enroll. When a space becomes available, an email is sent to the first student on the waitlist and they will have twenty-four hours to register for the course.
• The waitlist is convenient and easy to use. Students follow the normal registration process on the web via their my.american.edu account. There is a field on the Course Registration screen called “Waitlist”. The default for this field is NO. Students who wish to have their names added to the waitlist for closed sections should update this field to YES. Students will then receive confirmation that the course is closed and that they have been added to the waitlist. Your class schedule will confirm the status of these sections as “Waitlist.” For more information go to this page.
  
• Students should keep in mind that most required courses are offered every semester.

I am interested in registering for a course at another university within the Consortium. How do I register for this course?

• Students are normally limited to two Consortium courses per degree, generally not taken in the first semester. Students may only take these courses if an equivalent course is not offered at AU. Exceptions may be made for specific situations.
• Students in the Global Environmental Policy or the Natural Resources and Sustainable Development program are limited to one course per student and degree. Students in the JD/MA program are not permitted to enroll in consortium courses except under exceptional circumstances.
• It is expected that students will complete all core requirements at AU.
• Internships, independent studies and other kinds of independent projects cannot be completed through the consortium.
• Most DC-area colleges and universities (with the exception of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins [SAIS]) are members of the Consortium. For a complete list, visit http://www.consortium.org
• For more information on Consortium registration, including how to register, visit the consortium registration page.

I may have an opportunity to intern at the State Department this Fall. When can I register and earn internship credits?

• Students can pursue internships for academic credit after completing one semester at AU.
• Internships registered for academic credit must be related to the student’s academic program and be at least 85% substantive.
• Students can earn credit for international internships.
• Students can earn credit for paid internships.
• Internships cannot be registered or applied retroactively (i.e. a student cannot register a summer internship during the fall semester).
• For more information visit the internship registration page.

I am interested in studying abroad during the summer semester. What programs are available and how do I register for Summer SIS Programs?

• For more information on SIS Summer Programs visit the Summer Programs Web site:
• For more information, including applications and program costs, e-mail: sissum@american.edu.
• Students can participate in a Summer SIS Program before the start of the academic year.

What is the policy for being a part-time student? Do I have to maintain a full-time status throughout my graduate program?

• Students can register as a part-time or full-time. Full-time study at the graduate level equates to being registered for at least 9 credits
• AU bills graduate students by the credit hour. (JD/MA billing is an exception. While still law students at WCL, students are billed a flat full-time tuition fee that allows students to take up to 17 credits total, whether all Law courses or a combination of Law and SIS courses.)
• Students only pay for what they have registered for in that semester, plus university and SIS fees as applicable.
• Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits each semester in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.
• International students on F-1 and J-1 visas and students on SIS merit awards must register full-time for 9 credits each Fall and Spring semester.
• Students must be registered for at least 1 credit during each Fall and Spring semester until they complete their degree programs.

How can I get a teaching assistantship?

• All assistantships are given to merit award recipients and (if space permits) to select students who have been awarded graduate work study as part of a need-based financial aid package.
• There is no separate or outside process for consideration and students meeting neither of those criteria stated above are not eligible to pursue assistantships in SIS.
• Interested students should file a FAFSA indicating that they wish to be considered for graduate work study.

I just completed my Master’s degree and would like to continue on to a doctoral program at American University. What do I need to know before considering the SIS PhD program?

• Applicants that apply for both the PhD and MA programs will be reviewed separately for PhD and MA admission.
• Students cannot transfer directly from MA to PhD. They must apply separately to the PhD program and be admitted. If admitted, already earned graduate credits will usually be recognized toward the PhD.
• For more information visit the PhD Web page.
• Individuals interested in the PhD program can contact the Director of Doctoral Studies, Professor Stephen Silvia, at ssilvia@american.edu or the Graduate Admissions office at sisgrad@american.edu.

I started a graduate program in SIS a few years ago, but never finished it. I would like to return and complete my degree. What is the process for re-applying to SIS graduate program?

• Students should contact Graduate Advising at 202-885-1690 or sisgradadvising@american.edu.