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Apr 20, 2024
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American University Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
International Affairs (MA): United States Foreign Policy and National Security
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 Return to: Academic Programs
Offered by School of International Service . The US Foreign Policy and National Security program presents a rigorous course of study that provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in government, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, or academia. The program combines core competencies in foreign policy with programmatic flexibility, including student-selected concentrations.
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Admission to the Program
Applicants must hold an earned bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by one of the six United States regional accreditation agencies or a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution with a similar level of accreditation or recognition by its home country. Assessment of a foreign degree will be based upon the characteristics of the national system of education, the type of institution attended, its accreditation, and the level of studies completed.
Competitive candidates may demonstrate their potential to excel in diverse ways, including a strong academic record, demonstrated success in relevant coursework and/or professional experience, the presentation of a compelling motivation and objective for graduate work, or a combination of some of these factors. The priority application deadline for fall admission is January 15; for spring admission October 1 (September 15 for international students). Admitted students may defer matriculation for no longer than two semesters provided that a written request for deferment is submitted to and approved by the SIS Graduate Admissions Office. A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional. Applicants who have completed the exam are welcome to submit their scores as part of their application. Non-native English speakers are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless they hold a degree from a U.S.-accredited institution before enrollment at SIS. The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT) or 600 on the paper-based test (PBT). The minimum IELTS score is 7.0. LSAT scores will be accepted in place of the GRE for JD/MA applicants. Fall applicants should plan to take the appropriate test no later than December to ensure full consideration of the application by the January deadline. All applicants must submit two letters of reference evaluating undergraduate academic performance and suitability for graduate study in international affairs, at least one of which should be from an academic source. A resume should be included in the application. Applicants must submit transcripts from all institutions attended. Cultural factors are considered in evaluating transcripts and examination results. Requests for the transfer of a maximum of 6 graduate credit hours from other accredited institutions to be applied to a master’s degree must be completed in the student’s first semester in the graduate program at American University. A minimum grade of B in each course is required for transfer. Transfer courses must have been completed within five years of admission and must fulfill stated requirements of the degree program. Degree Requirements
- 39-42 credit hours of approved graduate work
- Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA required to remain in good academic standing and to earn the degree
- Capstone Experience: Demonstration of critical thinking, research and writing skills through completion of one of the following:
- Practicum: 3 credit hours with grade of B or better
- Substantial Research Paper: 3 credit hours with grade of B or better
- Thesis: 6 credit hours of thesis credit and submission of the thesis
- Evidence of professional experience in the field: Relevant internship or work experience must be certified
- Proficiency in a modern foreign language: Research competence in English and another language relevant to the student’s career objectives must be certified
Core (18-21 credit hours)
Economics
Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or approved course in economic policy: Diplomatic History
Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or approved course in diplomatic history: U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security
Complete 6 credit hours from the following, or approved courses on U.S. foreign policy toward a region, or other courses approved by program director: Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)
Methods I
Complete 3 credit hours from the following: Methods II
- 3 credit hours in methodology or professional skills coursework appropriate to the student’s research and career interests
Concentration (9 credit hours)
- 9 credit hours of approved graduate work constituting an academically-sound functional area (e.g., diplomacy, energy/environment, national security, etc.) or regional field of study
Capstone (3 credit hours)
Complete one of the following: Note: The thesis or substantial research paper must clearly relate to the field of U.S. foreign policy. Substantial Research Paper
Complete 3 credit hours from one of the following, with grade of B or better: Elective (3 credit hours)
- 3 credit hours selected from skills workshops, internship for credit, master’s thesis requirement, or other elective courses
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