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Requirements, Registration & Forms

As you pursue your graduate degree at SIS, you will need to complete certain academic requirements. The information below is intended to help you navigate these requirements.

In order to access any form on this page, you will be prompted to log in to a Microsoft page using your AU credentials (email address and password). Please use username@american.edu not username@student.american.edu.

Economics Placement Exam

In order to waive ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory, students must take and pass the SIS Online Economics Placement Exam. Exams are normally offered at least twice per semester. Students seeking a waiver should take the exam prior to the semester in which they plan to register for any of the following courses:

  • SIS-616 International Economics
  • SIS-652 Introduction to Environmental Economics
  • SIS-731 Economic Development

Exam Details

  • The Online Economics Placement Exam is offered live and is proctored, such that students must be on webcam for the duration of the exam.
  • The exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions that cover the principles of both microeconomics and macroeconomics.
  • Students have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
  • Students may take the exam anytime during the exam period. 
  • Students may only take the exam once.
  • The minimum passing score is a minimum of 74%
  • For an overview of the topics covered in the exam, click here (log in with your username@american.edu and password to view) 

Note: Students should check with their Academic Advisor if they have questions about whether they must take the Economics Placement Exam.

Summer and Fall 2024 Exam Periods

  • Tuesday, May 14 - Saturday, May 18 (registration deadline: 12pm, Tuesday, May 7)
  • Tuesday, June 11 - Saturday, June 14 (registration deadline: 12pm, Tuesday, June 4)
  • Tuesday, August 6 - Saturday, August 10 (registration deadline: 12pm, Tuesday, July 30)
  • Tuesday, September 10 - Saturday, September 14 (registration deadline: 12pm, Tuesday, September 3)
  • Tuesday, October 8 - Saturday, October 12 (registration deadline: 11:59pm, Thursday, October 3)
  • Tuesday, November 12 - Saturday, November 16 (registration deadline: 12pm, Tuesday, 5)

REGISTER HERE

Approved Methods Courses

Students must select at least one course from their program's approved list of methodology courses. Students should reference their advising worksheet for more information about the methodology requirements for their degree. Please note that not all courses are available each semester. Students should check the Schedule of Classes for availability and any course prerequisites.

SIS Courses

  • SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in PCR
  • SIS-619 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Human Rights (Spring 2016 only)
  • SIS-620 Policy Analysis for GEP
  • SIS-628 Community Participatory Methods for Health Research or Community-Based Research Approaches for Social Change and Global Health Inequalities
  • SIS-634 Field Survey Research Methods
  • SIS-635 Field Research Methods
  • SIS-635 Mixed Methods for Community-Based Research
  • SIS-635 Program Planning for Global Health
  • SIS-653 Art and Science of Intelligence Analysis (Note: not all courses listed under SIS-653 are approved methods courses.)
  • SIS-653 Policy Analysis (Specific Policy Analysis topics will vary. Note: not all courses listed under SIS-653 are approved methods courses.)
  • SIS-695 Research Seminar in IC
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Big Data and Text Mining in International Affairs Research (formerly SIS-619)
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis
  • SIS-750 Ethnography in International Affairs
  • SIS-750 International Affairs Statistics and Methods II (pre-requisite of SIS-600)
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs (formerly Int'l Policy Analysis) 
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis (formerly SIS-619)
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (formerly SIS-635 Program Evaluation)
  • SIS-750 Program Evaluation
  • SIS-750 Qualitative Methods and Methodology (formerly SIS-680)
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service (new Spring 2020)
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory (new Spring 2020)
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs (new Fall 2020)

Courses Outside of SIS

  • ACCT-607 Financial Accounting
  • ANTH-652 Anthropological Research Design
  • CSC-610 Intro to Geographic Info Systems
  • ECON-505 Intro to Mathematical Economics
  • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
  • ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II
  • ITEC-643 Project Management
  • JLC-684 Intelligence Analysis
  • PUAD-606 Foundations of Policy Analysis
  • PUAD-617 Project Management
  • PUAD-685 Qualitative Methods
  • STAT-510 Intro to Survey Sampling
  • STAT-514 Statistical Methods
  • STAT-515 Regression
  • STAT-524 Data Analysis
  • STAT-530 Mathematical Statistics I
  • SOCY-580 Social Policy Analysis

SIS Courses

  • SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in PCR
  • SIS-620 Policy Analysis for GEP
  • SIS-635 Program Planning in Global Health
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service 
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs 
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis 
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation 
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory (new Spring 2020)

Courses Outside of SIS

  • ACCT-607 Financial Accounting
  • ECON-505 Intro to Mathematical Economics
  • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
  • ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II
  • ENVS-630 Environmental Modeling
  • ENVS-654 Geographic Information Systems
  • ENVS-655 Environmental Geographic Information Systems
  • ENVS-665 Environmental Risk Assessment
  • ENVS-685 Remote Sensing: Enviromental Measurement from Satellites and Drones 
  • PUAD-604 Public Program Evaluation
  • PUAD-606 Foundations of Policy Analysis
  • PUAD-617 Project Management
  • PUAD-633 Budgeting and Financial Management
  • SOCY-620 Qualitative Research Methods
  • SOCY-624 Intro to Qualitative Research
  • SOCY-634 Advanced Analysis of Social Research Data
  • STAT-510 Intro to Survey Sampling
  • STAT-515 Regression

Last updated: October 2, 2024

EPHR students choose two courses from this list to fulfill their methodology requirement.

  • SIS-600 International Affairs Statistics and Methods
  • SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in PCR
  • SIS-619 Human Rights Impact Analysis
  • SIS-620 Policy Analysis for GEP
  • SIS-635 Program Planning in Global Health
  • SIS-653 International Cyber Risk and Security Methods 
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis 
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation 
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory 
  • ITEC-643 Project Management 
  • JLC-684 Intelligence Analysis
  • PUAD-606 Foundations of Policy Analysis
  • PUAD-617 Project Management
  • PUAD-685 Qualitative Methods
  • SOCY-620 Social Research Methods
  • One Qualifying Paper and One Graduate Seminar in Philosophy
  • An approved methods course (see EPHR graduate advisor to discuss)

Last updated: 10/3/24

GEP students choose two courses from this list to fulfill their methodology requirement.

SIS Courses

  • SIS-600 Intenrational Affairs Statistics and Methods
  • SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in PCR
  • SIS-620 Policy Analysis for GEP
  • SIS-635 Program Planning in Global Health
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service 
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs 
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis 
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation 
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory (new Spring 2020)

Courses Outside of SIS

  • ACCT-607 Financial Accounting
  • ECON-505 Intro to Mathematical Economics
  • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
  • ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II
  • ENVS-630 Environmental Modeling
  • ENVS-654 Geographic Information Systems
  • ENVS-655 Environmental Geographic Information Systems
  • ENVS-665 Environmental Risk Assessment
  • ENVS-685 Remote Sensing: Enviromental Measurement from Satellites and Drones 
  • PUAD-604 Public Program Evaluation
  • PUAD-606 Foundations of Policy Analysis
  • PUAD-617 Project Management
  • PUAD-633 Budgeting and Financial Management
  • SOCY-620 Qualitative Research Methods
  • SOCY-624 Intro to Qualitative Research
  • SOCY-634 Advanced Analysis of Social Research Data
  • STAT-510 Intro to Survey Sampling
  • STAT-515 Regression

Last updated: October 2, 2024

SIS Courses

  • SIS-619 Human Rights Impact Analysis
  • SIS-619 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Human Rights
  • SIS-628 Community-Based Research Approaches for Social Change and Global Health Inequalities
  • SIS-635 Field Research Methods
  • SIS-635 Program Planning in Global Health
  • SIS-653 Art and Science of Intelligence Analysis (Note: not all courses listed under SIS-653 are approved methods courses.)
  • SIS-653 International Cyber Risk and Security Methods (formerly SIS-619 Cyber Policy Analysis, Data Analytics, and Methods)
  • SIS-653 Policy Analysis (Specific Policy Analysis topics will vary. Note: not all courses listed under SIS-653 are approved methods courses.)
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Big Data and Text Mining in International Affairs Research (formerly SIS-619)
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis 
  • SIS-750 International Affairs Statistics and Methods II (pre-requisite SIS-600)
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs (formerly Int'l Policy Analysis) 
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis (formerly SIS-619)
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (formerly SIS-635 Program Evaluation)
  • SIS-750 Program Evaluation
  • SIS-750 Qualitative Methods and Methodology (formerly SIS-680)
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service (new Spring 2020)
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory (new Spring 2020)
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs (new Fall 2020)

Courses Outside of SIS

  • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
  • CSC-610 Intro to Geographic Info Systems
  • JLC-696 Cyber Security Policy and Doctrine
  • PUAD-685 Qualitative Methods

SIS Courses

  • SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in PCR
  • SIS-653 International Cyber Risk and Security Methods 
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis 
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation 
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory 

Courses Outside of SIS

  • ACCT-607 Financial Accounting
  • EDU-610 Qualitative and Quantitative Research Strategies
  • EDU-642 Adult Learning and Training Design
  • EDU-713 Systems Thinking and Social Change pre-req EDU-642
  • PUAD-617 Project Management
  • SOCY-624 Intro to Qualitative Research Methods

Last updated: 10/3/24

SIS Courses

  • SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in PCR
  • SIS-620 Policy Analysis for GEP
  • SIS-635 Program Planning in Global Health
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service 
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs 
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis 
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation 
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory (new Spring 2020)

Courses Outside of SIS

  • ACCT-607 Financial Accounting
  • ECON-505 Intro to Mathematical Economics
  • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
  • ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II
  • ENVS-630 Environmental Modeling
  • ENVS-654 Geographic Information Systems
  • ENVS-655 Environmental Geographic Information Systems
  • ENVS-665 Environmental Risk Assessment
  • ENVS-685 Remote Sensing: Enviromental Measurement from Satellites and Drones 
  • PUAD-604 Public Program Evaluation
  • PUAD-606 Foundations of Policy Analysis
  • PUAD-617 Project Management
  • PUAD-633 Budgeting and Financial Management
  • SOCY-620 Qualitative Research Methods
  • SOCY-624 Intro to Qualitative Research
  • SOCY-634 Advanced Analysis of Social Research Data
  • STAT-510 Intro to Survey Sampling
  • STAT-515 Regression

Last updated: October 2, 2024

Option 1

  1. Choose one of the following
    • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
    • ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II
    • STAT-515 Regression
    • An approved methods course*
  2. And select a second option from the following
    • ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II
    • SIS-750 Qualitative Methods & Methodology (formerly SIS-680)
    • ACCT-607 Financial Accounting (for MA/MBA students)
    • An approved methods course*

Option 2

  1. Choose one of the following
    • SIS-600 International Affairs Stats/Methods
    • SIS-619 Advanced International Affairs Stats/Methods
    • PUAD-601 Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis I
    • STAT-514 Statistical Methods
    • An approved methods course*
  2. And select a second option from the following
    • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
    • PUAD-602 Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis II
    • STAT-515 Regression
    • ACCT-607 Financial Accounting (for MA/MBA students)
    • An approved methods courses*

*See the IER graduate advisor to discuss options

SIS Courses

  • SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in PCR
  • SIS-620 Policy Analysis for GEP
  • SIS-635 Program Planning in Global Health
  • SIS-653 Art and Science of Intelligence Analysis (Note: not all courses listed under SIS-653 are approved methods courses.)
  • SIS-653 International Cyber Risk and Security Methods (Note: not all courses listed under SIS-653 are approved methods courses.)
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Servic
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis 
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory

Courses Outside of SIS

  • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
  • ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II pre-req ECON-623
  • ENVS-575 Environmental Risk Assessment
  • JLS-680 Intro to Justice Research I
  • PSYC-650 Psychological Research
  • PUAD-604 Public Program Evaluation pre-req PUAD-602
  • PUAD-617 Project Management
  • PUAD-685 Qualitative Methods
  • PSYC-650 Psychological Research
  • STAT-610 Intro to Survey Sampling
  • STAT-614 Statistical Methods
  • STAT-615 Regression pre-req STAT-614
  • STAT-630 Mathematical Statistics I

Last updated 10/2/24

  • SIS-600 International Affairs Statistics and Methods
  • SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in PCR
  • SIS-619 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Human Rights
  • SIS-619 Advanced Analytical Techniques and Methods
  • SIS-619 Human Rights Impact Analysis
  • SIS-634 Field Survey Research Methods
  • SIS-635 Field Research Methods
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Big Data and Text Mining in International Affairs Research (formerly SIS-619)
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis 
  • SIS-750 International Affairs Statistics and Methods II (pre-req SIS-600)
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs (formerly Int'l Policy Analysis) 
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis (formerly SIS-619)
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (formerly SIS-635 Program Evaluation)
  • SIS-750 Program Evaluation
  • SIS-750 Qualitative Methods and Methodology(formerly SIS-680)
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service (new Spring 2020)
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory (new Spring 2020)
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs (new Fall 2020)

MIS students choose one course from this list to fulfill their methodology requirement.

SIS Courses

  • SIS-600 International Affairs Statistics and Methods
  • SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in PCR
  • SIS-635 Mixed Methods for Community-Based Research
  • SIS-635 Social Accountability
  • SIS-653 Art and Science of Intelligence Analysis
  • SIS-653 International Cyber Risk and Security Methods
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for Int’l Affairs
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation
  • SIS-750 Qualitative Methods and Methodology
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory

Courses Outside of SIS

  • ACCT-607 Financial Accounting
  • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
  • ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II
  • ENVS-654 Geographic Information Systems
  • FIN-610 Tools of Financial Markets
  • ITEC-643 Project Management
  • ITEC-670 Database and Big Data
  • JLC-684 Intelligence Analysis
  • PUAD-601 Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis I
  • PUAD-602 Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis II
  • PUAD-606 Foundations of Policy Analysis
  • PUAD-617 Project Management
  • PUAD-633 Budgeting and Financial Management
  • SOCY-620 Social Science Research Methods

SIS Courses

  • SIS-619 Human Rights Impact Analysis
  • SIS-635 Field Research Methods
  • SIS-653 Art and Science of Intelligence Analysis (Note: not all courses listed under SIS-653 are approved methods courses)
  • SIS-653 International Cyber Risk and Security Methods (formerly SIS-619 Cyber Policy Analysis, Data Analytics and Methods)
  • SIS-653 Policy Analysis (Summer 2016. Note: not all courses listed under SIS-653 are approved methods courses)
  • SIS-724 Big Data Analytics and Text Mining
  • SIS-750 Big Data and Text Mining in International Affairs Research (formerly SIS-619)
  • SIS-750 Data Analysis
  • SIS-750 International Affairs Statistics and Methods II (pre-requisite SIS-600)
  • SIS-750 Policy Analysis for International Affairs (formerly Int'l Policy Analysis) 
  • SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis (formerly SIS-619)
  • SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (formerly SIS-635 Program Evaluation)
  • SIS-750 Program Evaluation
  • SIS-750 Qualitative Methods and Methodology (formerly SIS-680)
  • SIS-750 Organizational Effectiveness for International Service (new Spring 2020)
  • SIS-750 Strategic Analysis: Game Theory (new Spring 2020)
  • SIS-750 Geographic Information Systems for International Affairs (new Fall 2020)

Courses Outside of SIS

  • ACCT-607 Financial Accounting
  • CSC-610 Intro to Geographic Info Systems
  • ECON-505 Intro to Mathematical Economics
  • ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I
  • GOVT-615 Qualitative Research Methods
  • JLC-696 Cyber Security Policy/Doctrine (Fall 2016. Note: not all courses listed under JLC-696 are approved methods courses)
  • PUAD-604 Public Program Evaluation
  • PUAD-617 Project Management
  • PUAD-685 Qualitative Methods
  • STAT-510 Intro to Survey Sampling
  • STAT-514 Statistical Methods
  • STAT-515 Regression
  • STAT-524 Data Analysis
  • STAT-530 Mathematical Statistics I

Last Updated: 3/18/2021 unless otherwise noted

Professional Experience & Internships

The School of International Service requires that MA students demonstrate relevant and substantive professional experience. Students may certify this experience in one of three ways:

  1. By completing a for-credit or non/0-credit internship while enrolled in MA program
  2. Through current or previous employment
  3. Through previous internship experience completed prior to starting the MA program

Instructions

Students fulfilling the professional experience requirement via option 1 must register a for-credit or non-credit internship during their MA program and students must meet all relevant registration deadlines (see University Academic Calendar). Internships must be registered in the semester in which they are being completed. For internship registration instructions and forms, please visit the Internship Registration page.

Students fulfilling the professional experience requirement via options 2 or 3 must fill out the MA Professional Experience Certification Form. Completed forms must be submitted to the SIS Graduate Advising office.

DOWNLOAD EXPERIENCE CERTIFICATION FORM

Last Updated: 17 January, 2017

Students fulfilling the professional experience requirement with an internship completed during their MA program (option 1 above) must register the internship either for-credit or non/0-credit at the beginning of the semester in which the internship occurs. Students must meet all relevant registration deadlines (see University Academic Calendar). Students are responsible for finding their own internships. For internship resources, please consult the SIS Office of Career Development.

Internship Registration Options

  • SIS-091: Non/0-credit internship (0 credits, Pass/Fail)
  • SIS­-691: For-credit internship (1-3 credits, A-F)

Non/0-credit internships are used solely to fulfill the professional experience requirement and require no academic work. Internships for academic credit can fulfill the professional experience requirement and also may be counted towards academic program requirements (e.g. elective). Internships for academic credit include registration in an asynchronous online internship course. SIS graduate students are not permitted to register more than 3 internship credits during their program. Tuition charged for for-credit internships is the same as the normal tuition rate. There is no cost for non/0-credit internships.

Internship Requirements

  • Internships must be at least 85% substantive in nature (e.g., research, report writing, etc.) in order to be eligible for registration. The percentage of clerical or administrative work cannot exceed 15%.
  • Internships must be relevant to a student's program of study. Students should use the Learning Outcomes section to identify specific professional skills and knowledge that they will gain through this position, and how it is relevant to their academic program and professional goals.
  • Internships must take place between the first and last day of the semester in which it is registered. A 3-credit internship for academic credit and all non/0-credit internships require at least 210 hours of service (for example a minimum of 15-16 hours/week over 15 weeks).
    • An internship that requires less than 210 hours of service can be registered for less than 3 credits, but it cannot be used to fulfill the professional experience requirement. Students seeking to register an internship for fewer than 3 credits should consult with their advisor.  
  • Internships can be paid or unpaid. Full-time employment cannot be registered as internship credit but may, if eligible, be used to fulfill the professional experience requirement. Internships within AU require additional review and approval. SIS graduate assistantships are not eligible to be registered as internships or to fulfill the professional experience requirement. Students should consult with their advisors for more information. 
  • Internships with any international travel component require Global Safety approval. For more information, click here.

Registration Process

  • Access the online Internship Registration form HERE
  • Complete all required spaces on the Internship Registration forms.
    • For course number, credits and grading options, see Internship Registration Options above. The SIS assigned faculty member for internships for SRPING is Stephanie Fischer.
    • Students should use the Learning Outcomes section to identify specific professional skills and knowledge that they will gain through this position, and how it is relevant to their academic program and professional goals.
    • In order to be eligible for registration, the percentage of clerical or administrative work cannot exceed 15%.
    • Make sure to attach the completed Site Supervisor approval form signed by your internship supervisor. The blank form is linked at the top of the electronic internship registration form.
  • Submit the completed registration form by the relevant deadline**:
    • The deadline to submit for-credit internship registrations for SPRING 2025 is Thursday, January 23. The deadline to submit non/0-credit internship registrations for SPRING is Friday, March 7**.
    • **International students (F-1 visas) must submit all internship registrations (for-credit and non/0-credit) by the end of the add/drop period for CPT consideration. Consult ISSS for additional information. 

International Students on F­-1 or J­-1 Visas

  • F-1 and J-1 students must receive authorization from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) before beginning an internship off campus. Contact ISSS to determine your immigration eligibility and see the ISSS website for the process for obtaining authorization.
  • F-1 students may register for no more than one online class (or 3 credits), including the SIS internship course, as part of their full-time enrollment requirement each semester. F-1 students in their final semester may not register for only an online course. This includes the SIS internship course. J-1 students may not take any online courses, including the SIS internship course.
  • F-1 students may not complete a second internship at the same location unless the second internship is academically different than the first internship.  

Last Updated October 25, 2024

Language Proficiency

In order to satisfy the Tool of Research language requirement, students must be able to conduct research in a language other than English. "Research," for the purposes of this degree requirement, is limited to intermediate reading comprehension. Students for whom English is not their native language may be certified on the basis of their native language and English.

Intermediate reading proficiency is the ability to read an article written in a non-English language with reasonable comprehension, using a dictionary only for specialized terminology.

For students whose first language is English, proficiency in another language may be demonstrated by:

  • Passing the free Tool of Research (TOR) examination in a language tested by the Center for Language Exploration, Acquisition, and Research (CLEAR) at American University. The TOR is offered in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swahili. Register for the next TOR exam.
  • Bachelor's degree in the language completed within 3 years of the date of matriculation.
  • Degree from a foreign university, in which the language of instruction is not English, completed within 3 years of the date of matriculation.

Alternatively, a student can be certified based on the following:

  • Presenting evidence of completion of a continuing education or graduate-level course in another language at the intermediate level with a grade of B or better (please consult with your academic advisor prior to pursuing this option). 
  • If AU's Center for Language Learning does not offer a TOR exam in a language, we will accept certification by an accredited instructor/tutor of the language (please consult with your academic advisor prior to pursuing this option).

Either of these means can be certified up to a year before the student matriculates.

Note: Students who anticipate having difficulties fulfilling the language requirement for any reason are encouraged to discuss their options with their academic advisor early in their academic program.  

Last updated 7 January 2019.

For more information on how to enroll in these courses, please contact your advisor.

Substantial Research Papers, Thesis, & Independent Study

Substantial Research Papers, theses and independent studies require additional registration processes and are not registered in Eagle Service. While the basic registration process for these projects is the same, you will be asked to provide supplemental materials specific to each type of registration to both your academic advisor and faculty advisor(s) for the project. Please review the important information below in advance of the semester for which you intend to register the project.

General SIS SRP and Thesis Guidelines (Note: some programs have additional program-specific SRP guidelines.)

Registration Steps

All steps of the registration process described below must be completed no later than the last day of the Add/Drop period for the semester of registration (For specific dates, please consult the AU Academic Calendar). Once all steps are completed, and your faculty and academic advisors have electronically approved your registration request, the registration will be processed within 3-5 business days and the credits added to your schedule.

  1. Prepare the required project proposal for your faculty advisor(s). The required proposals for each type of project are:
    • Independent Study (SIS-690 or SIS-890): A syllabus (1-2 pages) for the proposed independent study that identifies: 1) the learning objectives for the study, 2) the reading, research, or other projects to be completed during the semester, and 3) how the independent study will be evaluated, including any relevant deadlines.
    • Substantial Research Paper (SIS-794 or SIS-795): A brief research proposal (2-3 pages). A typical proposal will: 1) identify a research question(s), 2) describe the method(s) that will be used to answer the question, and 3) explain the importance or relevance of the project to current policy or academic debates.
    • Master's Thesis (SIS-797): A formal thesis proposal (15-20 pages) with a title page signed by both members of the thesis committee. Please discuss the contents and the format of a formal research proposal with your thesis committee. A template of the title page can be found at the AU Theses and Dissertations Style Guide.
  2. Complete the electronic Independent Study Registration Form. You will need to log in with your AU credentials to access the form.
  3. In the online form, enter the following pieces of information:
    • Term: Enter the semester and year in which you are going to be conducting your independent research.
    • Subject: Enter "SIS"
    • Number: Enter the "number" associated with the project you are registering. The corresponding numbers for each type of project are:
      • 690: MA Independent Study
      • 890: PhD Independent Study
      • 795: Substantial Research Paper
      • 794: Substantial Research Paper with Coursework
      • 797: Master's Thesis
    • Type: Select "A-F" from the dropdown menu. All projects must be graded A-F, except MA theses, which are graded SP/UP.
    • Number of Credits: Select the number of credits associated with your project from the dropdown menu. SRPs are 3 credits. Independent studies are 1-3 credits for MA students and 1-6 credits for PhD students. Masters' Theses are 3 credits (with an optional 3 additional credits in the second semester). Please consult your academic advisor if you are unsure about the number of credits you should register for.
    • Title: Enter your project's title.
    • Description: Enter a brief description of your project.
    • Faculty Advisor: Enter the name of the faculty member who will serve as your project supervisor.
    • Academic Advisor: Enter the name of your academic advisor in the SIS Graduate Advising Office (not a faculty member).
  4. Attach the approved project proposal addendums (from Step 1) to the Independent Study Registration Form.
  5. Sign the form and press "Submit."
    • Please note: After submitting your Independent Study Registration Form, you will be redirected to a blank screen. You will receive a confirmation email from the Office of the Registrar.
  6. If your project will involve any international travel, you must first receive approval from the AU Global Safety office. For more information, click here. 

By submitting the registration material for an independent study, SRP, or thesis, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the following AU policies:

  • Human Subject Research: If any portion of your research involves human subjects as defined by AU's Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects, you must receive prior approval by the IRB or its designee before conducting the research project. To determine whether your research requires IRB approval and to learn more about the approval process, please visit the IRB website or consult your faculty supervisor.
  • Academic Integrity: Standards for academic conduct are established by the University's Academic Integrity Code. By registering for an independent study, SRP, or thesis, you acknowledge that you are aware of the Academic Integrity Code and a student's rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. This includes understanding and recognizing plagiarism. Please see your faculty supervisor if you have any questions about the academic violations described in the Code in general or as they relate to particular requirements for your project.

Please contact your academic advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

Last updated 23 March, 2018.

Congratulations on completing your MA thesis! These guidelines will help you finalize your thesis and submit it to the university. Before beginning the submission process, be sure to review American University's thesis guidelines to make sure all aspects of your thesis conform to those rules.

What you need to submit:

Submission Steps

  1. Meet with each of your committee members to discuss the final copy of your thesis (typographical errors may still be corrected after this point). Once they have approved your thesis, all committee members must sign both copies of your title page. Your thesis chair should report any pending thesis grades at this time. Students should confirm grades are recorded on their unofficial transcript.
  2. Electronically submit your final thesis to the library by going to the Electronic Thesis Submission Site and clicking on "Submit my dissertation/thesis." The system will prompt you to create an account, provide complete materials about publishing, categorizing, and copyrighting your thesis before directing you to save and upload your thesis as a PDF. You should receive a confirmation email once you have successfully uploaded your thesis.
  3. Leave both signed copies of your title page with the Graduate Advising Office (SIS 250). We will arrange for the Dean's signature and contact you when your materials are ready. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for this process. The Graduate Advising Office will keep one signed copy of your title page for your file and will email you a PDF copy of the signed title page as receipt of your completion of the submission process.

Last updated 28 February, 2013

Consortium

AU students are eligible to take courses at other Consortium universities in DC through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Consortium Policies

  • Consortium registration is limited to courses that are not offered at AU.
  • Courses taken through the Consortium are treated as AU courses for registration, billing, financial aid, transcript, and GPA purposes.
  • All Consortium courses will appear on your AU transcript with the Consortium school code and course number (e.g. GWU-500).
  • Consortium registration is available during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
  • SIS limits graduate students to no more than two Consortium courses during their MA program.
  • Signing the Consortium Registration Form means that you have read, understood and have agreed to all of the university policies on the reverse of the form.

Registration Instructions

  1. Download and complete the Consortium Registration Form, below.
  2. Obtain permission in writing from the instructor for the Consortium course and attach it to the Consortium Registration Form. A printed email is acceptable.
  3. If the course is offered in another department (ECON, HIST, etc.) at the visited University, you must obtain the approval of the Department Chair/Dean of the equivalent department at AU, confirming that the course is not offered at AU. If the course is offered in International Affairs/Studies at the visited University, confirmation that the course is not offered at AU is verified by the SIS Graduate Advising Office. You may need program director approval if you are seeking to substitute a Consortium course for a required course in your MA program. Please check with your advisor with any questions about approvals.
  4. Submit the form, course syllabus, and attached permission(s) to the SIS Graduate Advising Office before the end of the Add/Drop period for both schools.
  5. Once approved, SIS Graduate Advising will forward your registration materials to the Registrar's office for processing. Please be aware that Consortium registrations are not processed until the week before the semester of registration begins and registration is not guaranteed.

Course Schedules by Participating Universities

Notes

Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of Johns Hopkins University is NOT part of the Consortium. 

Veteran's benefits can not be used for consortium classes. 

Consortium universities use different course numbering systems. Please ensure that your chosen course is graduate level.

Not all courses may be available for registration based on departmental restrictions or prerequisites. For example, many courses offered in the Security Studies program at Georgetown are limited to students in that program only.

Last updated 27 January, 2023

Consortium Registration Form

International Relations Online Registration

On-campus SIS graduate students may only request to enroll in an online course through the IR Online program if exceptional circumstances prevent the students from attending courses on campus during a given semester or they have a special graduation need. 

Note: Submitting a request does not guarantee enrollment in the requested course. You must log-in with your username@american.edu and AU password to view the below linked resources.

  1. Review the IR Online Registration Information.  
  2. Fill out the IR Online Course Request form by the following deadlines:
  • Spring 2025: November 21 -Priority Deadline; January 3 - Final Deadline

Spaces may be further limited after Priority Registration deadlines.