Dual-Degree Programs

The School of International Service’s operates dual degree programs with several Asian universities. These programs allow students to earn degrees simultaneously from two universities. Each cohort will begin studies at American University’s School of International Service and complete the second year of study at their host institution.

Undergraduate

Since 1990, Ritsumeikan and American University have directed their efforts to develop a unique partnership based on a shared understanding of U.S.-Japan relations and the global roles of the two countries.

Undergraduates from both American University and Ritsumeikan University can apply to the Dual Undergraduate Degree Program (DUDP). DUDP students spend a total of two years each at Ritsumeikan University and American University. At graduation, students receive diplomas from both schools, uniquely preparing them for an international career.

Graduate

In March 1992, American University and Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, began the first ever Dual Master’s Degree Program involving a Japanese and an American university. This program selects a limited number of students with both English and Japanese proficiency to complete a 42-45 credit hour dual master’s degree program. While at Ritsumeikan, students will study in the Graduate School of International Relations and are encouraged to participate in an internship program.

Beginning in 2004, American University’s School of International Service and Sookmyung Women’s University’s  Graduate School of International Studies in Seoul, Korea, offer a Dual Master’s Degree Program. Students enroll in regular course work at Sookmyung Women’s University’s Graduate School of International Studies in their second year. Students are allowed to remain in Korea for three months at the conclusion of their course work to finish their internships. Classes are available in English and Korean. This program is open to female and male AU students.

American University and Korea University in Seoul, Korea, began the Dual Master’s Degree Program in the fall of 1997. Students complete their second year of study at Korea University’s Graduate School of International Relations. Classes are available in English and Korean.

Short-Term Programs

The AU Abroad Program offers undergraduate students many possibilities to study in Asia.  Students of virtually any discipline can find a program that fits their needs and interests in the Asia region, with content including Japanese or Chinese language, economics, regional politics, biology, communication and the arts.  Locations include Korea, Taiwan, China and Japan.  Internship opportunities are also possible on some programs.

The Study in Kyoto Program (SKP) is held on the campus of Ritsumeikan University in Japan’s beautiful ancient capital. The program blends an intensive study of Japanese language and traditional Japanese arts with an opportunity to pursue independent research in Japanese studies. Students may take courses taught in English along with Japanese students.

Asia Pacific University (APU) has a multi-cultural and dual-language (English and Japanese) education system in a wholly international environment. The campus is located in the city of Beppu on the island of Kyushu, famous for its hot springs. It is not necessary for international exchange students to have any pre-existing knowledge of Japanese in order to study at APU.

Sookmyung Women’s University (SWU), located in Seoul, Korea, was founded in 1906 as the first national education institution for women. Colleges include Liberal Arts, Science, Life Science, Political Science and Law, Economics and Commerce, Music, Pharmacy, and Fine Arts. Every semester there are classes offered in English as well as courses in Korean as a Foreign Language.

AU's Nuclear Studies Institute (Department of History/SIS) offers a summer program consisting of two classes at American University plus a third class—a study abroad trip to Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Kyoto.