Bachelor of Arts International Studies
Make a World of Difference with a BA in International Studies
International studies isn’t a field for people who want to observe the world from the sidelines. It’s for those who intend to be in it—working, serving, and building something that makes a difference.
School of International Service graduates go on to serve in the Peace Corps, staff international organizations, shape foreign policy, and lead non-governmental organizations. For our graduates, there is no single career path. What unites them is a common commitment to work that matters.
At SIS, you'll gain the skills to make your mark and a community to support you along the way.
International Studies at a Glance
- Admissions Requirements
- View admissions requirements for first-year students, transfer students, veteran/military applicants, and international students
- Entrance Semester
- Fall and spring
- Degree Requirements
- View full degree requirements
- Application Deadline
- Varies based upon entrance semester
- How to Apply
- Submit the Online Application
Tailor Your Degree
No two students arrive with the same goals, which is why no two SIS degrees look the same. Our multidisciplinary International Studies degree offers six regional focuses and six thematic areas, giving you the flexibility to explore multiple disciplines or specialize in the field that drives you most.
Peace, Conflict, and Human Security
Investigate competing theories of peace, security, and conflict, and assess the choices and challenges involved in building a more stable world.
Global Justice and Human Rights
Wrestle with issues of justice and human rights, learning about an array of real-world examples and mastering pressing theoretical and ethical debates.
Foreign Policy and Global Security
Dive into the history, theory, and politics of U.S. foreign policy, from war and diplomacy to national and global security concerns.
Environment, Development, and Health
Understand the conditions required for human flourishing on a resource-constrained planet, global health, and equitable and sustainable development.
Global Economy
Analyze the political economy of globalization—who wins, who loses, and how international institutions and national governments respond.
Global and Comparative Governance
Examine how states, international institutions, civil society, and the private sector work together to solve the world's most pressing problems.
Exploring ties between water security and conflict
Naomi Tamura, SIS/BA ’18
SIS’s regional focuses and thematic areas allow you to hone in your interests.
I’m bridging my focus in peace and conflict resolution with my environmental interests by writing my thesis on water insecurity as it affects the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There’s an emerging conversation about how environmental issues affect things like peace. It’s an intersection that's in need of further exploration, and I see space for work to be done. SIS is unique in that it encourages the mixing and matching of different programs and thematic areas.
Learn by Doing
At SIS, experiential learning isn't an add-on—it's built into the core of your education. From internships and research projects to study abroad programs and service learning, every opportunity is designed to connect classroom theory to real-world practice. Whether you're looking to gain professional experience, deepen your academic work, or explore the world firsthand, there's an opportunity at SIS to do it.
SIS Experiential Learning
The Ballot Champion: Voters at AU Cofounder Earns National Honors for Nonpartisan Civic Leadership
SIS Students Present Research at National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Richmond
Bringing internship experience to Model G20
Nuha Hamid, SIS/BA ’18
I was excited for the new challenge of helping to organize Model G20.
I'm the Summit General Coordinator for AU’s Model G20 Summit, which provides students the opportunity to replicate a G20 Leader’s Summit. As an intern at the British Embassy, I've gained a greater appreciation for international cooperation and the amount of work that goes into sustaining diplomatic relations, both bilateral and multilateral. When designing simulations for Model G20, I’m now more aware of the intricacies involved in formulating a state’s policy prior to coming to the negotiating table.
Live in the Heart of It All
Here in Washington, DC, you won't just learn about international affairs—you'll see and shape the world's most important issues first-hand. American University's campus sits mere miles from the State Department, Capitol Hill, think tanks, nonprofits, and embassies from almost every country in the world. You'll have unique access to internships, research projects, conferences, and networking opportunities. To launch a global career, there's no better place to be.
Navigating toward a national security career
Bailey Wong, SIS & CAS/BA ’18
I want to have a lasting impact on US foreign policy.
I’m interested in national security decision-making, interactions between government agencies, and how economic interdependence can play a constraining force on violent conflict. I’ve gained a stronger sense of my career because of the faculty at SIS and the internships I’ve had in DC.
See the World While You Study It
American University has over 100 study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students. You'll have access to advisors who will help you choose and prepare for the programs that will best complement your education and career goals.
AU Study Abroad Programs
Study Abroad Programs
AU offers over 100 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries so you can experience first-hand the regions you'll be studying.
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Global Internships
Study abroad and intern in the same program, gaining both academic credit and hands-on professional experience.
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Joint Degree with Ritsumeikan University
This one-of-a-kind program allows students to earn a dual bachelor's degree from two universities in four years.
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Make Lifelong Connections
We pride ourselves on the supportive community our SIS students, staff, faculty, and alumni have built. With numerous and diverse student organizations and service opportunities, your classmates will quickly become your friends. With an average class size of 20 students, your professors will know your name and help you get where you want to be. Our academic and career advisors will help you tailor your classes and internships to match your aspirations. And our network of over 25,000 alumni around the world are ready to mentor you as you discover new passions, paths, and purpose.
SIS Career Mentoring Program
Join a Cohort Community
SIS's cohort communities provide you with an opportunity to join like-minded classmates in academically-challenging classes and research. Along with preparing you for a career in international service, communities introduce you to friends you'll have throughout your undergraduate experience and beyond.
Earth Scholars
Join our innovative, community-driven program, working alongside friends and DC-area nonprofits on environmental sustainability, social equity, and public health projects.
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Olson Scholars
Join a faculty mentor to build the analytical skills and scholarly rigor that give you a distinct edge in graduate programs, fellowships, and careers in research, policy, and international affairs.
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Said Peace Scholars
Immerse yourself in the study of conflict resolution and interfaith dialogue, connecting with organizations at the forefront of peacebuilding in Washington, DC, and beyond.
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Honors Program
Challenge yourself with exclusive Honors courses, colloquia, and a year-long independent scholarly research project, all while being supported by faculty mentors and a community of driven peers.
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Get Career Support Every Step of the Way
When we say we're with you every step of the way, we mean it. SIS offers career support to every student and alum for life. Whether you're looking for your first internship or have 20 years of experience on your resume, we'll help you plan your next steps for an extraordinary and meaningful career in international affairs. Plus, every undergraduate student at AU has access to $4,500 for an internship or research project starting their sophomore year, so you won't have to pass up an amazing opportunity just because it's unpaid.
SIS Office of Career Development
Opening doors to careers in international affairs
Kevin Norton, SIS/BA '21
My professors helped me realize that there is so much I can do with my degree.
I came to SIS wanting to go into the Foreign Service at the State Department because I thought that was a requirement for a career in foreign policy. But once I arrived here and started speaking to my professors, they opened so many doors and helped me realize that there are many other career paths in international affairs.
Discover Your Future with AU
- % Working for-profit
- % Working nonprofit
- % Working for government
- % Attending grad school
- % Working and attending grad school
Tuition and Financial Aid
Paying for college can be scary. American University offers several types of financial aid to make your educational, career, and personal ambitions achievable. The dedicated members of the Office of Financial Aid will work with you to make an AU education possible.
View AU Financial Aid Resources
Ready to Find Out If SIS Is Right for You?
We’d rather you make the right choice than a fast one. Use the form below to send us your questions—about classes, what our degree prepares you for, and anything else you want to know.