edX Online

About the program

  • Complete in 12-16 months:

    If you have extensive professional experience in a foreign country, you may be eligible to pursue an accelerated one-year track.

  • Study abroad:

    You can take advantage of optional travel opportunities, including internships, semesters abroad, summer courses, and practicum experiences.

  • 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:

    Once you graduate, you'll become part of a powerful community of nearly 25,000 global professionals.

Concentrations

The executive Master of International Service (MIS) program prepares experienced professionals with the analytical skills and leadership abilities to direct high-level strategic initiatives. 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. The MIS program is designed for professionals who have a bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of experience in international affairs.

Scholarships are available to qualified applicants admitted to and enrolled in the upcoming cohort.

To apply to the program, you will need to submit an online application and include the following:

  • Current résumé or CV 

  • Statement of purpose

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions where the applicant received more than 15 credits

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • $55 application fee (waivers available)

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Immersions

Learners in the online MIS 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.