International Affairs (MA): Global Governance, Politics, and Security

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Offered by School of International Service, the Global Governance, Politics, and Security (GGPS) program gives students the professional skills and specialized training necessary to launch a career in global governance or global security. It takes a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the critical global issues of our time. Our mission is to produce students with an understanding of global history and political and economic systems and the methodological tools and the practical skills to make sense of data and turn rigorous analysis into meaningful policy innovation and practical action to advance global governance and security.

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 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.

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

36 credit hours of approved graduate work
Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA required to remain in good academic standing and to earn the degree
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
Capstone Experience: Completion of graduate work that clearly relates to the field of Global Governance, Politics, and Security via 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: 3-6 credit hours and submission of the thesis