Admission to the Program

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a cumulative  grade point average of at least a B+ (3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale) and  should have had at least 24 credit hours of social science course work  relevant to international studies. Students who do not meet these minimum  requirements, if otherwise admissible, may be assigned additional course  work in excess of degree requirements specified at the time of admission. 

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. 

Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)an institution where  English was not the language of instruction are required to submit results  of the aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). International  applicants whose degree was not conducted in English and/or whose native  language is not English are required to submit results of the Test of English  as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum TOEFL score for full consideration  is 600 (250 on the computer version). 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. Fall 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 are considered  after successful completion of 9 credit hours 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 seven years  of admission and must fulfill stated requirements of the degree program. 

Degree Requirements

   
• 39 credit hours of approved graduate course work with a cumulative grade  point average of 3.00, including a minimum of 12 credit hours in the major  field including one theory course and one 3 credit graduate-level economics  or international economic policy course appropriate to the field,  12   credit hours in a concentration/related field selected from offerings in  SIS or other teaching units of the university, 6 credit hours in social  science research methodology, and  6 credit hours of research. 
   
• Comprehensive examination in the major field 

To be eligible to take a comprehensive examination, students must have  maintained at least a 3.00 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) in all  graduate course work. The comprehensive examination requirement includes  research group meetings plus an oral research presentation in conjunction  with a thesis, substantial research paper, or practicum. 

   
• Demonstration of research and writing skills through completion of a master’s  thesis, substantial research paper requirement, or research practicum.  All courses taken to fulfill this requirement must be passed with a grade  of B or better. 

Thesis: 6 credit hours of thesis credit and submission of the thesis. 

Substantial research paper requirement: one 3 credit hour internship or  cooperative education field experience and one 3 credit hour substantial  research paper, or two substantial research papers  

Research practicum: 6 credit hours supervised by major field faculty advisors  (by permission and specific arrangement). 

   
• Proficiency in a modern foreign language: 

Research competence in English and another language relevant to the student’s  career objectives must be certified. 

Course Requirements

Major Field (12 credit hours)

   
• SIS-606 Culture and Peace and Conflict Resolution:
          Alternatives to Violence  (3) 
   
• SIS-607 Peace Paradigms (3) 
   
• SIS-609 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and
          Practice (3) 
   
• SIS-610 Theory of Conflict, Violence and War (3) 

Economics (3 credit hours)

   
• One of the following: 

ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3) 

SIS-673 Comparative Political Economy  (3) 

approved course in economics (3) 

Related Field (12 credit hours)

   
• Four courses approved by the IPCR faculty from one of the major field groups  in SIS: Comparative and Regional Studies (CRS), Global Environmental Policy  (GEP), International Communication (IC), International Development (ID),  International Economic Relations (IER), International Politics (IP), or  United States Foreign Policy (USFP). 

or 

Four courses approved by the student’s faculty advisor making up an optional  related field or an academically-sound concentration defined by a central  concept which allows the student to focus on a particular area of interest. 

Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)

   
• SIS-600 Quantitative Analysis in International Affairs (3) 
   
• SIS-612 Research Seminar in Peace and Conflict
          Resolution (3) 

or 

SIS-639 Selected Topics in International Conflict Resolution Skills (1-3)  (total of 3 credit hours) 

or other approved methodology course appropriate to the student’s research  interests (3) 

Research and Writing Requirement (6 credit hours)

   
• SIS-797 Master’s Thesis Supervision (6) 

or 

Substantial research paper requirement 

M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and
Master of Arts  in Teaching

Graduates receive an M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution  from the School of International Service and the M.A.T. in secondary education  from the School of Education. 

Admission to the Program

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a cumulative  grade point average of at least a B+ (3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale) and  should have had at least 24 credit hours of social science course work  relevant to international studies. Students who do not meet these minimum  requirements, if otherwise admissible, may be assigned additional course  work specified at the time of admission. 

Students must apply to both the School of International Service (SIS) and  the School of Education (SOE) in the College of Arts and Sciences. Admission  to either of the participating teaching units in no way implies admission  to the other unit. For more information on admissions requirements, contact  the SIS Admissions Office at 202-885-1646 or the SOE Teacher Education  Office at 202-885-3720. 

All applicants are required to submit results of the aptitude section of  the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). International applicants whose first  language is not English are required to submit results of the Test of English  as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum TOEFL score for full consideration  is 600 (250 on the computer version). All applicants must submit two letters  of reference evaluating undergraduate academic performance and suitability  for graduate study in international affairs and education. 

Students seeking secondary education certification must have completed  sufficient course work in an area traditionally taught in secondary schools.  It is anticipated that students who complete the M.A. in International  Peace and Conflict Resolution will have sufficient background to meet certification  requirements in social studies. However, students who meet requirements  for other subject areas will also be considered. Students will be notified  at the time of admission concerning additional course work required for  state certification. 

Degree Requirements

   
• 57 credit hours of approved graduate course work with a cumulative grade  point average of 3.00 

Students must complete the 9 credit hours in the education core courses,  12 credit hours in secondary education, 6 credit hours of student teaching,  and at least 12 of the 15 credit hours in peace and conflict resolution  to receive the M.A.T. 

Students must complete 15 credit hours in peace and conflict resolution,  3 credit hours in economics, 6 credit hours in methodology, 6 credit hours  in research and writing, and the 9 credit hours in the education core to  receive the M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. 

In addition to intensive course work and student teaching placements, students  are also required to participate in an educational internship program.  These field placements are carefully supervised and coordinated to meet  state certification requirements. 

   
• Comprehensive examination in international peace and
      conflict resolution  
   
• Comprehensive examination for M.A.T. 
   
• Proficiency in a modern foreign language: 

Research competence in English and another language relevant to the student’s  career objectives must be certified. 

Course Requirements

Education Core (9 credit hours)

   
• EDU-521 Foundations of Education (3) 
   
• EDU-541 Foundations of Special Education for
          Exceptional Children (3) 

or 

EDU-545 Overview of All Exceptionalities: The Arts in Special Education  (3) 

   
• EDU-620 Theories of Educational Psychology and
          Human Development (3) 

Secondary Education Track (12 credit hours)

   
• EDU-520 Reading, Writing, and Literature across the
          Curriculum (3) 
   
• EDU-522 Principles of Effective Methods and
          Instruction (3) 
   
• EDU-540 Methods and Materials in Secondary
      Education (3) (or other approved  methods course work) 
   
• EDU-662 Classroom Management (3) 

Student Teaching (6 credit hours)

   
• EDU-699 Student Teaching (6) 

Peace and Conflict Resolution (15 credit hours)

   
• SIS-605 Theory of Cooperative Global Politics (3) 
   
• SIS-606 Culture and Peace and Conflict Resolution:     Alternatives to Violence  (3) 
   
• SIS-607 Peace Paradigms (3) 
   
• SIS-609 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory
          and Practice (3) 
   
• SIS-610 Theory of Conflict, Violence and War (3) 

Economics (3 credit hours)

   
• ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3) 

 or other approved economics course (3) 

Methodology (6 credit hours)

   
• SIS-600 Quantitative Analysis in International Affairs (3) 
   
• SIS-612 Research Seminar in Peace and Conflict
          Resolution (3) 

or 

SIS-639 Selected Topics in International Conflict Resolution Skills (1-3)  (total of 3 credit hours) 

or other approved methods course work (3) 

Research and Writing Requirement (6 credit hours)

   
• SIS-691 Internship  (3) 
   
• SIS-795 Master’s Research Requirement (3) 

M.A. in International Peace and
Conflict Resolution
and Master of Theological  Studies

A dual master’s degree program is offered by the School of International  Service and Wesley Theological Seminary. Graduates receive both the M.A.  in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and the Master of Theological  Studies. 

Admission and Requirements

   
• Applications are submitted to both SIS and Wesley. Students must be admitted  separately to each program. 
   
• Students may count up to 12 credit hours from Wesley toward the M.A. in  International Peace and Conflict Resolution. With SIS faculty approval,  9 credit hours fulfill the related field requirement, and 3 credit hours  count toward the research requirement. 

Please refer to the Wesley Theological Seminary catalog for a description  of the degree requirements for the Master of Theological Studies, or call  the Admissions Office at 202-885-8659. 

Admission to the Program

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least a B+ (3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale) and should have had at least 24 credit hours of social science course work relevant to international studies. Students who do not meet these minimum requirements, if otherwise admissible, may be assigned additional course work in excess of degree requirements specified at the time of admission. 

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. 

All applicants except students whose degree was earned at an institution where English was not the language of instruction are required to submit results of the aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). International applicants whose degree was not conducted in English and/or whose native language is not English are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum TOEFL score for full consideration is 600 (250 on the computer version). 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. Fall 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 are considered after successful completion of 9 credit hours 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 seven years of admission and must fulfill stated requirements of the degree program. 

Degree Requirements

• 39 credit hours of approved graduate course work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00, including a minimum of 12 credit hours in the major field including one theory course and one 3 credit graduate-level economics or international economic policy course appropriate to the field, 12 credit hours in a concentration/related field selected from offerings in SIS or other teaching units of the university, 6 credit hours in social science research methodology, and 6 credit hours of research. 
• Comprehensive examination in the major field 

To be eligible to take a comprehensive examination, students must have maintained at least a 3.00 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) in all graduate course work. The comprehensive examination requirement includes research group meetings plus an oral research presentation in conjunction with a thesis, substantial research paper, or practicum. 

• Demonstration of research and writing skills through completion of a master’s thesis, substantial research paper requirement, or research practicum. All courses taken to fulfill this requirement must be passed with a grade of B or better. 

Thesis: 6 credit hours of thesis credit and submission of the thesis. 

Substantial research paper requirement: one 3 credit hour internship or cooperative education field experience and one 3 credit hour substantial research paper, or two substantial research papers  

Research practicum: 6 credit hours supervised by major field faculty advisors (by permission and specific arrangement). 

• Proficiency in a modern foreign language: 

Research competence in English and another language relevant to the student’s career objectives must be certified. 

Course Requirements

Major Field (12 credit hours)

• SIS-606 Culture and Peace and Conflict Resolution: Alternatives to Violence (3) 
• SIS-607 Peace Paradigms (3) 
• SIS-609 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice (3) 
• SIS-610 Theory of Conflict, Violence and War (3) 

Economics (3 credit hours)

• One of the following: 

ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3) 

SIS-673 Comparative Political Economy (3) 

approved course in economics (3) 

Related Field (12 credit hours)

• Four courses approved by the IPCR faculty from one of the major field groups in SIS: Comparative and Regional Studies (CRS), Global Environmental Policy (GEP), International Communication (IC), International Development (ID), International Economic Relations (IER), International Politics (IP), or United States Foreign Policy (USFP). 

or 

Four courses approved by the student’s faculty advisor making up an optional related field or an academically-sound concentration defined by a central concept which allows the student to focus on a particular area of interest. 

Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)

• SIS-600 Quantitative Analysis in International Affairs (3) 
• SIS-612 Research Seminar in Peace and Conflict Resolution (3) 

or 

SIS-639 Selected Topics in International Conflict Resolution Skills (1-3) (total of 3 credit hours) 

or other approved methodology course appropriate to the student’s research interests (3) 

Research and Writing Requirement (6 credit hours)

• SIS-797 Master’s Thesis Supervision (6) 

or 

Substantial research paper requirement