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The next step for experienced professionals

Real-world experience matters. Let yours be the foundation of your education in international affairs. A true executive program, the Master of International Service (MIS) is designed for those with at least seven years of experience to earn a tailored and condensed master’s degree from a top 10-school of international affairs. The MIS program, offered both on campus and online, brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds for meaningful discussions and lessons. Each student pursues a customized concentration in a field of their choice, including international development, international negotiation, and foreign and security policy.

Complement your career with an education that’s directly applicable to your field of work. There’s no better time to take the next step on your professional path.

The Master of International Service program, offered both on campus and online, requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. Applicants must have at least seven years of professional work experience to apply.

The program includes courses in leadership, research, economics, and a choice of capstone project: an experience-based practicum, a substantial research paper, or a simulation in the practice of international relations. Students also will create their own concentration to build on what they already know and to learn what they need to know in order to advance their careers.

Students will complete two required courses, designed exclusively for MIS students: Proseminar I and Executive Leadership. Proseminar I establishes a foundation for advanced study and understanding of international relations and builds a bridge between theory and practice in today's world. The Executive Leadership is a hybrid online/on-campus class that provides students an opportunity to gain insight on their leadership strengths, challenges that may be impeding their effectiveness, and ways of creating leadership impact.

Applicants who have gained professional experience internationally may apply for advanced standing to reduce the total credits required from 30 to 24.

Explore degree flexibility options

View more degree and admission requirements

The MIS program is maintained by a strong faculty with many scholar-practitioners among them. Students will have access to more than 120 full time faculty at SIS from across the social sciences, including anthropology, economics, geography, law, political science, and sociology. Our faculty research and publish on a variety of geographic and intellectual areas; many have extensive experience in the public and private sectors in the United States and internationally.

Meet the MIS faculty

Combining Theory and Practice

Angela Tierney, SIS/MIS ‘22

Business Development Director, WCC International

I gain an enhanced perspective from working and studying in the same field.

Part of my professional capacity involves communications with colleagues from various countries. One of my current courses through the MIS program is Intercultural Communication. Given the relevancy to my work, I make a point to explore and connect how the theory can be translated into practice as it directly relates to my work now, how I’ve experienced it in the past, and how I envision utilizing it in the future. Learn more about my experience in the MIS program.

75 percent of classes offered after 5 p.m. to accommodate working professionals

Classes typically meet 2.5 hours once per week

Students that meet advanced requirements can reduce their required MIS credits from 30 to only 24 credits

Frequently Asked Questions

When you should apply to the program depends on what semester you want to start taking classes in and whether you are a domestic or international student.

Application deadlines for the On-campus Master of International Service are as follows:

  • Fall semester (international applicants): July 1
  • Fall semester (domestic applicants): July 31
  • Spring semester (all applicants): November 1

Application deadlines for the Online Master of International Service are as follows:

  • To start classes September 2020: Apply by July 6, 2020
    Priority deadline: June 8, 2020
  • To start classes January 2021: Apply by October 12, 2020
    Priority deadline: November 23, 2020
  • To start classes May 2021: Apply by February 8, 2021
    Priority deadline: March 22, 2021

View required application materials

Missed a deadline but still interested in applying? Email the SIS Graduate Admissions office.

Wherever you aspire to be! The Master of International Service program is unique in the flexibility it affords professionals with at least seven years of professional experience to earn an executive-focused graduate degree from one of the top-10 international affairs schools in the world.

Graduates have gone into careers at the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Amnesty International in addition to other nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses.

Looking for more information or help? SIS has a dedicated career development center to assist current students and alumni.

Applicants may choose to complete the Master of International Service program as a full-time or part-time, depending on their scheduling needs. Full-time students can finish the program in as little as one year with advanced standing status or transfer credits. Part-time students typically complete the program in two years.

No, the GRE is not required to apply for the Master of International Service program.

Still have questions? Send us an email with program-specific questions at mis@american.edu