edX Online

About the program

  • Complete in 24 months:

    Finish the MAIR's required 36–39 credit hours in two years, while taking classes part time.

  • Showcase your skills:

    Complete a client-based practicum project or substantial research paper in a capstone designed to jumpstart your career or future education.

  • 50% Tuition Scholarship for Federal Employees and Contractors:

    Guaranteed 50% tuition scholarship is available for current and transitioning federal employees and contractors who are accepted and enrolled in January 2026 and May 2026 cohorts.

  • Join the SIS alumni network:

    Become part of a powerful community of nearly 25,000 global professionals.

Concentrations

The Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) program prepares you to cultivate the economic, statistical, and critical thinking skills needed to analyze cross-cultural communications and foreign policy. You can choose from a range of international affairs concentrations:

  • International Development:

    Discover how politics, economics, sustainability, and healthcare impact development in communities and nations across the globe.

  • International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution:

    Examine the causes of international conflict, and apply strategic negotiation tactics that can help resolve global disputes.

  • Security and Foreign Policy:

    Explore the dynamics of peace, security, and war, and learn to prevent, manage, and mitigate conflicts in communities around the globe. Analyze the intersection of war, diplomacy, and governance to understand how states make decisions and respond to interconnected global threats.

Ready to advance your career?

Admissions

American University’s SIS seeks applicants who are committed to building a better world through policy, innovation, and service. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission. If you have not completed prior economics coursework, you will be required to take a 3-credit economic theory course from SIS. No GRE scores are required. To apply to the program, you will need to submit an online application and include the following:

  • Résumé or CV 

  • Statement of purpose

  • Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • $55 application fee (waivers available)

campus image

Immersions

Learners in the online MAIR program participate in an extended weekend immersion on the American University campus in Washington, D.C. You’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow professionals and faculty in person, and spend time in the nation’s capital — the hub of public policy.

During immersions, you’ll participate in seminars, networking events, and site visits at organizations that are central to government, foreign relations, politics, development, and national security. You’ll earn course credit while building hands-on skills in areas such as multinational negotiation and policy briefing.