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Leading through service

What does the world need most? Security experts who know that understanding conflict is a step on the path to peace. Environmentalists fluent where biodiversity meets policy. Communicators who acknowledge the need to be diplomats and diplomats who grasp the necessity to be effective communicators. Economists interested in the consequences of trade. Leaders who believe that violence is neither necessary nor inevitable. Scholars who connect knowledge with practice. Practitioners across disciplines who understand that service isn’t a moment – it’s a mindset.

At the School of International Service, we believe that the world needs leaders ready to serve.

Service is the foundation on which our school is built, and represents the best of what we aspire to be. Through the transformational research and teaching of our renowned faculty, SIS prepares our students for global careers in government, non-profits, and business.

We are a top 10 school of international affairs, strategically based in Washington, DC. Since our founding in 1957, we have answered President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s call to prepare students of international affairs to “wage peace.” Over the intervening years, SIS has grown in stature and influence and is now a destination for students seeking to think critically, build understanding, and wage peace in our world.

Do Global Differently

Find out how a graduate degree from SIS can start your career of global impact.

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Diversity & Inclusion

SIS prepares a more diverse next generation of leaders in a field that is well-equipped to see differences as a pathway to greater creativity and capacity.

How we embody this

The SIS graduate school advantage

16 students, average graduate class size

More than 90 percent

of graduate-level classes offered after 5:30 p.m., on weekends, or online

Discover Your Future with AU

Six months after graduation,
AU
in
in

% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both

Top Employers
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A community within the nation's capital

SIS students build their networks and join 25,000 alumni worldwide

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Marley Crutcher, part of our top-notch academic advising team

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Our Washington, DC, location places us at the center of action and influence for policymakers.

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SIS consistently attracts top scholars and practitioners, like Ambassador Susan Rice, who help prepare our students to lead through service.

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SIS offers numerous opportunities for study abroad.
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SIS professors prepare you for global service.
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The terrace outside the SIS building is a popular place to study or meet friends during nice weather.
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Frequently Asked Questions

When you should apply depends on what program interests you, what semester you want to start taking classes, and whether you are a domestic or international student.

Admissions Deadlines

Fall Semester

PhD
December 15
Master's (MA and MS degrees)
January 15
Priority application deadline for first-round admission and SIS scholarship consideration. Applications are accepted through the spring/summer. Visit the Apply page to start or continue work on an application for the upcoming semester.
JD/MA
April 1
Graduate Certificate
June 1
BA/MA
February 15
Master of International Service (MIS)
March 15

Spring Semester

Master's (MA and MS degrees)
October 1
Priority application deadline for first-round admission and SIS scholarship consideration. Applications are accepted through the fall. Visit the Apply page to start or continue work on an application for the upcoming semester.
JD/MA
October 15
Graduate Certificate
November 1
Master of International Service (MIS)
October 1
BA/MA
October 1

Summer Semester

BA/MA
March 1

Required application materials

 

Tuition is assessed on a per-credit basis. During academic year 2024-2025, the cost is $2,000 per credit hour for full-time and part-time students enrolled in standard master's programs. Other student fees are required. Graduate tuition is subject to increase on an annual basis.

More about cost of attendance

Yes! Visit our Events and Visits page to view and register for all upcoming Information Sessions, Application Workshops, Open Houses, special topic webinars, partner events, and more.

Please check back regularly as additional special events are added frequently throughout the year.

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