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Complement Your Degree with a Minor in International Studies

You don't have to be an SIS major to bring a global perspective to your work. The minor in International Studies is open to all AU students and offers an understanding of the international system, major actors, and issues that shape all fields and industries. In just 18 credit hours, you'll develop the skills and substantive knowledge to engage with the world's most pressing challenges, no matter what field you're heading into.

International Studies Minor at a Glance

Admissions Requirements
Open to all AU students in good academic standing
Entrance Semester
Any semester
Minor Requirements
View full minor requirements 
(See below if you entered AU before 2026)
Application Deadline
No deadline
How to Apply
Submit Minor Declaration Form ↗

SIS students listen to a lecture and take notes in a classroom.

What You'll Study

The minor begins with Introduction to International Studies, which grounds you in the key concepts, theories and issues in the field. From there, you'll choose two survey courses from topics like global security, human rights, and foreign policy. With nine elective upper-level credits, you can concentrate on deepening your knowledge in one thematic area or gain breadth by taking courses that examine different subjects.
View Full Minor Requirements

SIS students study and talk to each other on the Spanish steps in the SIS building.

Who Can Declare a Minor

The minor in International Studies is open to all AU undergraduate students, regardless of school or major. Whether you're studying business, communication, environmental science, or anything else, the minor is designed to complement your primary degree with a grounded understanding of international affairs. To earn the minor, you must maintain good academic standing and complete 18 credit hours with grades of C or better, including at least 12 credit hours unique to the minor and a minimum of 9 credit hours at or above the 300-level.

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How to Declare a Minor

Ready to make it official? Complete the minor declaration form to declare your minor. We recommend declaring early so you can work with your academic advisor to plan your remaining coursework and ensure you're on track to complete all requirements before graduation.
Submit Minor Declaration Form ↗

Requirements for Students Admitted Before 2026

If you were admitted to American University before 2026, you must complete the 21 credit hours for the minor in International Studies that were in required when you were admitted. Please refer to the 2025-2026 AU Catalog for the full list of requirements.