The School of International Service (SIS) is the largest school of international relations in the United States. Comprised of over 65 full-time faculty members spread over eight programs of study, SIS encourages applications from students with a wide variety of backgrounds. There is no typical SIS student except each is committed to an international career and public service, has international experience, knows a second language, and possesses a spirit of inquiry and involvement.

Applications are accepted for fall and spring terms, but applications to the PhD and dual master's degree in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development programs are accepted for the fall term only. Once a complete application is submitted, the SIS committee will review all components carefully and select applicants whose previous academic performance will ensure success in an intensive graduate program; qualitative as well as quantitative factors are considered.

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Open Houses

Graduate Admissions Open Houses
Oct 21, Nov 18, 6-8 PM, in the SIS Lounge

To RSVP, download this form.

If you have questions, please contact sisgrad@american.edu or 202-885-1646.

Graduate Fairs

SIS Admissions staff will be visiting graduate fairs all over the U.S. and the world this fall. Download the complete schedule.

Application Deadlines

PhD (Fall Admission Only)

• January 1

Master's Programs (Fall semester)

• January 15

Master's Programs (Spring semester)

• September 15 (international applicants)
• October 1 (domestic applicants)

Executive Master's Program (MIS) (Fall Semester)

• July 1 (international applicants)
• July 30 (domestic applicants)

BA/MA Program (Fall Admission Only)

• June 15

Please note that graduate merit awards are typically available in the fall semester. SIS cannot consider applicants for graduate merit awards after the above deadlines.