School of International Service
Encyclopedia
The School of International Service (SIS) is American University
's school of advanced international study in the areas of international politics, international communication, development, international economic relations, peace and conflict resolution, global environmental politics, and U.S. foreign policy.
SIS is the largest school of international relations in the United States, enrolling 3,000 students from over 150 countries. Home to some of the most respected researchers and educators in the field of international relations, the school makes extensive use of the valuable academic and governmental resources offered by the university's location in Washington, D.C. Students are offered a myriad of opportunities by the thousands of public and international organizations located in Washington, D.C., and around the world.
SIS is consistently ranked in conjunction with American University's School of Public Affairs
as the top ten such programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report
s college and university rankings
.
SIS is a member of The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
during the height of the Cold War
. President Eisenhower's initiative called together thirteen University presidents, including AU's Hurst Anderson
, encouraging them to create human-focused international affairs programs dedicated to preparing practitioners for foreign policy beyond the U.S.–Soviet
rivalry.
SIS was created with the following mission in mind: to establish a school predicated on service to the global community. In 1957, ground was broken by Eisenhower and in 1958 SIS admitted its first full-time class, thus replacing AU's Department of International Relations. The first matriculating class of SIS consisted of 85 students representing 36 countries.
In 1967, SIS added its International Communications program—the first such program offered by an American university
. Constantly adapting to the demands of the changing international system, in 1981 SIS inaugurated the Ibn Khaldun
Chair
of Islamic Studies
to address concerns that American universities lacked an appropriate venue for exploring the greater Muslim-Western understanding.
In the 1990s, SIS established dual degree programs with Ritsumeikan University
in Kyoto, Japan and Korea University
in Seoul, Korea in recognition of the importance of education that embraces varied cultures. In 1991, SIS added the Center for the Global South to raise awareness and devise solutions for the problems affecting the most impoverished regions of the world. This was followed in 1995 by the addition of the Mohammed Said Farsi Chair in Islamic Peace, and in 2000 with a joint program on National Resources and Sustainable Development with the United Nations University for Peace
.
New degree options implemented in 2010 include the Global Scholars Program, a concentrated three-year B.A. program, an M.A. program in Social Enterprise, and, through a partnership with the U.S. Peace Corps
, a Master's International degree, which combines a Peace Corps assignment with SIS academic work.
In 2004, plans were initiated for the building of a new, 70000 square feet (6,503.2 m²), academic building on the quad of AU's campus, and the building was completed in spring 2010. It is a LEED
Gold-certified building, featuring 3230 square feet (300.1 m²) of photovoltaic solar panels, low-flow faucets to reduce water consumption, and the first building in Washington, D.C. to feature three solar water heating
systems. Designed by architect William McDonough
, the new building supposedly reflects the School of International Service's alleged commitment to advancing ecological stewardship, preserving transparency and human dignity, and working for social justice.
The Journal of International Service is American University's graduate journal of international affairs.
The Eagle is AU's official student-run newspaper.
Intercultural Management Quarterly is published by the Intercultural Management Institute, which provides customized training for effective communication, negotiation and leadership across cultures.
s:
SIS also offers several combined degrees:
The School also has programs with Ritsumeikan University
, Korea University
, and Sookmyung University. Information on dual-degree, semester, or summer/intersession study abroad programs are available.
program at SIS prepares students for careers as teachers and scholars at universities and research institutes in the private and public sectors.
The curriculum offers preparation in the foundational fields of transnational study: Comparative and Regional Studies, International Relations and Social Theory. Once students acquire a firm foundation, they have considerable opportunities for pursuing further study with depth and focus. SIS offers programs in Comparative and Regional Studies, International Communication, International Development, International Economic Policy, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, International Politics, Global Environmental Policy and United States Foreign Policy.
After completion of the program, graduate will have both the skills and the certification to meet the demands of executive level service in the dynamic private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
As a Master of International Service candidate, one will join other mid-career professionals in a unique two course sequence, the Proseminar in International Affairs I & II.
Proseminar I provides an overview of new developments in international affairs; it connects theory and practice at the executive level in international affairs. Proseminar II focuses on professional strategies for coping with change and professional skills enhancement.
The Proseminars host key public and private sector executives to exchange ideas with students on their areas of responsibility.
One can construct a uniquely-tailored program of study from among the school's eight disciplines:
Comparative and Regional Studies
Global Environmental Politics
International Communication
International Development
International Economic Relations
International Politics and Foreign Policy
International Peace and Conflict Resolution
U.S. Foreign Policy
American University
American University is a private, Methodist, liberal arts, and research university in Washington, D.C. The university was chartered by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892 as "The American University", which was approved by President Benjamin Harrison on February 24, 1893...
's school of advanced international study in the areas of international politics, international communication, development, international economic relations, peace and conflict resolution, global environmental politics, and U.S. foreign policy.
SIS is the largest school of international relations in the United States, enrolling 3,000 students from over 150 countries. Home to some of the most respected researchers and educators in the field of international relations, the school makes extensive use of the valuable academic and governmental resources offered by the university's location in Washington, D.C. Students are offered a myriad of opportunities by the thousands of public and international organizations located in Washington, D.C., and around the world.
SIS is consistently ranked in conjunction with American University's School of Public Affairs
American University School of Public Affairs
The American University School of Public Affairs houses three academic departments - Public Administration & Policy, Government, Justice, Law, & Society - as well as the , a research unit jointly sponsored with the School of International Service....
as the top ten such programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is an American news magazine published from Washington, D.C. Along with Time and Newsweek it was for many years a leading news weekly, focusing more than its counterparts on political, economic, health and education stories...
s college and university rankings
College and university rankings
College and university rankings are lists of institutions in higher education, ordered by combinations of factors. In addition to entire institutions, specific programs, departments, and schools are ranked...
.
SIS is a member of The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
-About APSIA:The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs is a non-profit educational organization composed of graduate level schools of international affairs. Starting as a network of American graduate schools in the mid-1970s, APSIA was incorporated in 1989 and has since then...
.
History
The founding of SIS was urged by PresidentPresident of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army...
during the height of the Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
. President Eisenhower's initiative called together thirteen University presidents, including AU's Hurst Anderson
Hurst Robins Anderson
Hurst Robins Anderson was president of American University from 1952 until 1968, during which he oversaw one of the institution's most important periods of growth and development. He was previously a faculty member of Allegheny College and president of Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota...
, encouraging them to create human-focused international affairs programs dedicated to preparing practitioners for foreign policy beyond the U.S.–Soviet
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
rivalry.
SIS was created with the following mission in mind: to establish a school predicated on service to the global community. In 1957, ground was broken by Eisenhower and in 1958 SIS admitted its first full-time class, thus replacing AU's Department of International Relations. The first matriculating class of SIS consisted of 85 students representing 36 countries.
In 1967, SIS added its International Communications program—the first such program offered by an American university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
. Constantly adapting to the demands of the changing international system, in 1981 SIS inaugurated the Ibn Khaldun
Ibn Khaldun
Ibn Khaldūn or Ibn Khaldoun was an Arab Tunisian historiographer and historian who is often viewed as one of the forerunners of modern historiography, sociology and economics...
Chair
Chair (official)
The chairman is the highest officer of an organized group such as a board, committee, or deliberative assembly. The person holding the office is typically elected or appointed by the members of the group. The chairman presides over meetings of the assembled group and conducts its business in an...
of Islamic Studies
Islamic studies
In a Muslim context, Islamic studies can be an umbrella term for all virtually all of academia, both originally researched and as defined by the Islamization of knowledge...
to address concerns that American universities lacked an appropriate venue for exploring the greater Muslim-Western understanding.
In the 1990s, SIS established dual degree programs with Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University has a growing reputation as one of the main private universities of Japan. It is part of a group of prestigious private universities in the Kansai area, called "Kan -Kan -Dou -Ritsu "...
in Kyoto, Japan and Korea University
Korea University
Korea University is a prestigious nonsectarian, private research university located primarily in Seoul, South Korea, and one of the SKY universities, a historical acronym used in South Korea to refer to Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. Founded by Lee Yong-ik in...
in Seoul, Korea in recognition of the importance of education that embraces varied cultures. In 1991, SIS added the Center for the Global South to raise awareness and devise solutions for the problems affecting the most impoverished regions of the world. This was followed in 1995 by the addition of the Mohammed Said Farsi Chair in Islamic Peace, and in 2000 with a joint program on National Resources and Sustainable Development with the United Nations University for Peace
University for Peace
The University for Peace was established in Costa Rica in 1980 "to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence."At present, the UPEACE Costa...
.
New degree options implemented in 2010 include the Global Scholars Program, a concentrated three-year B.A. program, an M.A. program in Social Enterprise, and, through a partnership with the U.S. Peace Corps
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps is an American volunteer program run by the United States Government, as well as a government agency of the same name. The mission of the Peace Corps includes three goals: providing technical assistance, helping people outside the United States to understand US culture, and helping...
, a Master's International degree, which combines a Peace Corps assignment with SIS academic work.
In 2004, plans were initiated for the building of a new, 70000 square feet (6,503.2 m²), academic building on the quad of AU's campus, and the building was completed in spring 2010. It is a LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods....
Gold-certified building, featuring 3230 square feet (300.1 m²) of photovoltaic solar panels, low-flow faucets to reduce water consumption, and the first building in Washington, D.C. to feature three solar water heating
Solar water heating
Solar water heating or solar hot water systems comprise several innovations and many mature renewable energy technologies that have been well established for many years...
systems. Designed by architect William McDonough
William McDonough
William Andrews McDonough is an American architect, founding principal of , co-founder of with German chemist Michael Braungart as well as co-author of also with Braungart...
, the new building supposedly reflects the School of International Service's alleged commitment to advancing ecological stewardship, preserving transparency and human dignity, and working for social justice.
SIS Publications
The Diplomatic Pouch highlights upcoming events, undergraduate and graduate news, and SIS alumni activities.The Journal of International Service is American University's graduate journal of international affairs.
The Eagle is AU's official student-run newspaper.
Intercultural Management Quarterly is published by the Intercultural Management Institute, which provides customized training for effective communication, negotiation and leadership across cultures.
Graduate Admission
Admission to SIS is highly competitive. Applications can be submitted online, and require the completed application, a current resume, a statement of purpose, the application fee, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.Master's degrees
The School of International Service offers the following master's degreeMaster's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
s:
- Master of ArtsMaster of Arts (postgraduate)A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
in International Affairs (with a concentration in Comparative and Regional Studies, International Economic Relations, International Politics, or U.S. Foreign Policy) - Master of Arts in International Communication
- Master of Arts in International Development
- Master of ScienceMaster of ScienceA Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
in Development Management - Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution*Master of Arts in Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs
- Master of Arts in Global Environmental Politics
- Master of Arts in International Media (in conjunction with the School of CommunicationAmerican University School of CommunicationThe School of Communication at American University is highly regarded for its faculty, facilities, and high professional standards by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications...
)
SIS also offers several combined degrees:
- Combined Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of ArtsA Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
/Master of Arts (BA/MA) (for current American University undergraduate students only) - Juris DoctorJuris DoctorJuris Doctor is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law.The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree Juris Doctor (see etymology and...
/Master of Arts in International Affairs (with a concentration in International Affairs) (with American's Washington College of LawWashington College of LawAmerican University Washington College of Law is the law school of American University. It is located on Massachusetts Avenue in the Spring Valley neighborhood of northwest Washington. WCL is ranked 50th among law schools by US News and World Report...
) (JD/MA) - Master of Arts in International Affairs/Master of Business Administration Master of Business AdministrationThe Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
(MA/MBA) - Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution/Master of Arts in TeachingMaster of Arts in TeachingThe Master of Arts in Teaching degree is generally a pre-service degree that usually requires a minimum of 30 semester hours beyond the Bachelor's degree. While the program often requires education classes in order to meet state licensure requirements, it emphasizes advanced course work in a...
(MA/MAT) - Master of Arts International Peace and Conflict Resolution/Master of Theological StudiesMaster of Theological StudiesA Master of Theological Studies is a general academic degree that gives students an introduction to advanced theological studies. The M.T.S usually requires two years of program study to complete. The Latin equivalent for M.T.S...
(MA/MTS) - Dual Master of Arts in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (with the University for PeaceUniversity for PeaceThe University for Peace was established in Costa Rica in 1980 "to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence."At present, the UPEACE Costa...
)
The School also has programs with Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University has a growing reputation as one of the main private universities of Japan. It is part of a group of prestigious private universities in the Kansai area, called "Kan -Kan -Dou -Ritsu "...
, Korea University
Korea University
Korea University is a prestigious nonsectarian, private research university located primarily in Seoul, South Korea, and one of the SKY universities, a historical acronym used in South Korea to refer to Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. Founded by Lee Yong-ik in...
, and Sookmyung University. Information on dual-degree, semester, or summer/intersession study abroad programs are available.
Ph.D program
The Ph.DDoctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
program at SIS prepares students for careers as teachers and scholars at universities and research institutes in the private and public sectors.
The curriculum offers preparation in the foundational fields of transnational study: Comparative and Regional Studies, International Relations and Social Theory. Once students acquire a firm foundation, they have considerable opportunities for pursuing further study with depth and focus. SIS offers programs in Comparative and Regional Studies, International Communication, International Development, International Economic Policy, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, International Politics, Global Environmental Policy and United States Foreign Policy.
Executive Masters Degree
Through this program, experienced international affairs professionals are able to broaden their knowledge, enhance their intellectual development, expand their professional effectiveness, and strengthen their international leadership skills and knowledge.After completion of the program, graduate will have both the skills and the certification to meet the demands of executive level service in the dynamic private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
As a Master of International Service candidate, one will join other mid-career professionals in a unique two course sequence, the Proseminar in International Affairs I & II.
Proseminar I provides an overview of new developments in international affairs; it connects theory and practice at the executive level in international affairs. Proseminar II focuses on professional strategies for coping with change and professional skills enhancement.
The Proseminars host key public and private sector executives to exchange ideas with students on their areas of responsibility.
One can construct a uniquely-tailored program of study from among the school's eight disciplines:
Comparative and Regional Studies
Global Environmental Politics
International Communication
International Development
International Economic Relations
International Politics and Foreign Policy
International Peace and Conflict Resolution
U.S. Foreign Policy
Graduate certificates
SIS Graduate Certificate Programs:- Comparative and Regional Studies
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- European Studies
- Global Environmental Policy
- Global Information Technology
- International Communication
- International Development
- International Economic Relations
- International Peace and Conflict Resolution
- International Politics
- Peacebuilding
- The Americas
- U.S. Foreign Policy
Research and Learning Centers
- Africa Council
- ASEAN Studies Center
- AU Human Rights Council
- Center for Asian Studies
- Center for Black Sea and Caspian Sea Studies
- Center for Latin American and Latino Studies
- Center for North American Studies
- Center for Global Peace
- Center for Research on Collaboratories and Technology Enhanced Learning Communities (COTELCO)
- Center on Non-Traditional Threats and Corruption (CONTAC)
- Intercultural Management Institute
- Peacebuilding and Development Institute
- Public International Law and Policy Program