Most popular programs
Trending now
Influence decisions across borders with the online Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) from American Universityâs School of International Service (SIS).
Scholarships
Students who enroll in the upcoming cohort are eligible to receive a scholarship up to $15k
Top-10
Top-10 ranked School of International Relations by Foreign Policy MagazineFootnote 1
No GRE required
To apply to the program
{"version":"1.0.1","id":298,"featureFlags":{"formType":"STANDARD"},"embedFormData":{},"grouping":"au-mir","degreeOffering":"au-mir","credentialType":"DEGREE","programsOfStudy":"5deaba1d-eb84-44e8-aea2-c8b0b474963f, 5deaba1d-151f-4f39-8efa-3996a75ce28a, 5deaba20-8ea7-4cbb-95d6-4a52cccfc4e0","inferredFields":{"country":true},"experimentalTrialAttributes":{},"formAttributesConfig":{},"fields":[{"hidden":false,"name":"work_experience","label":"How many years of professional work experience do you have?","required":true,"type":3,"value":{"options":[{"label":"Less than 1 year","value":"Less than 1 year"},{"label":"1 to 3 years","value":"1 to 3 years"},{"label":"4 to 6 years","value":"4 to 6 years"},{"label":"7 to 8 years","value":"7 to 8 years"},{"label":"9 or more years","value":"9 or more years"}],"defaultOption":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"first_name","label":"First Name","required":true,"type":0,"value":{"text":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"email","label":"Email","required":true,"type":0,"value":{"text":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"last_name","label":"Last Name","required":true,"type":0,"value":{"text":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"lead_share_opt_in","label":"US Marketing Consent 🇺🇸","required":true,"type":11,"value":{"format":"checkbox","disclaimer":"_______","optInValue":"","checkboxText":"","defaultRadio":"none","defaultChecked":true,"smsHiddenConsent":false},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1,"conditionallyRendered":true},{"hidden":false,"name":"lead_share_opt_in","label":"GDPR Marketing Consent 🇪🇺","required":true,"type":8,"value":{"disclaimer":"This personal data is collected and processed by [--link:https://2u.com/ target:blank]2U, Inc.[link--], International Relations Online's technology partner.","retailOptIn":{"sms":"","text":"Yes, I want to receive additional information about International Relations Online. Please contact me via:","email":"Email","phone":"Phone"},"leadShareOptIn":{"sms":"","text":"","email":"","phone":"","leadShareValue":""}},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1,"conditionallyRendered":true},{"hidden":false,"name":"degree","label":" Which program most interests you?","required":true,"type":3,"value":{"options":[{"label":"Master of Arts in International Relations ","value":"MAIR"},{"label":"Master of International Service","value":"MIS"},{"label":"Undecided","value":"Undecided"}],"defaultOption":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"level_of_education","label":"What is your highest level of education completed?","required":true,"type":3,"value":{"options":[{"label":"High School","value":"High School"},{"label":"Associate's","value":"Associates"},{"label":"Bachelor's in progress","value":"Bachelors in progress"},{"label":"Bachelor's","value":"Bachelors"},{"label":"Master's in progress","value":"Masters in progress"},{"label":"Master's","value":"Masters"},{"label":"Doctorate","value":"Doctorate"}],"defaultOption":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"military_affiliation","label":"Are you military affiliated?","required":true,"type":3,"value":{"options":[{"label":"No","value":"No"},{"label":"Veteran","value":"Veteran"},{"label":"Active Duty","value":"Active Duty"},{"label":"Reserve","value":"Reserve"},{"label":"Spouse","value":"Spouse"},{"label":"Dependent","value":"Dependent"}],"defaultOption":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":true,"name":"country","label":"Country of Residence","required":false,"type":6,"value":{},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"country_of_citizenship","label":"Country of Citizenship","required":true,"type":6,"value":{},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"state","label":"State","required":true,"type":5,"value":{},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"zip_code","label":"Postal Code","required":true,"type":0,"value":{"text":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"phone","label":"Phone","required":true,"type":0,"value":{"text":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1,"conditionallyRendered":true},{"hidden":false,"name":"stated_gpa_range","label":"What was your undergraduate GPA?","required":true,"type":3,"value":{"options":[{"label":"4.00 or above","value":"4.00 or above"},{"label":"3.99 - 3.50","value":"3.99 - 3.50"},{"label":"3.49 - 3.00","value":"3.49 - 3.00"},{"label":"2.99 - 2.50","value":"2.50 - 2.99"},{"label":"2.49 or below","value":"2.49 or below"}],"defaultOption":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"sms_opt_in","label":"I would like an admissions counselor to contact me via text message.","required":true,"type":2,"value":{"options":[{"label":"Yes","value":"true"},{"label":"No","value":"false"}],"defaultOption":""},"helpText":"2U may send me automated SMS/phone calls about the International Relations Online program and admissions info; participation is voluntary. Reply STOP to opt out of SMS.","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":false,"name":"prospect_education_journey","label":"When are you considering starting your program?","required":true,"type":3,"value":{"options":[{"label":"Next available cohort","value":"Next available cohort"},{"label":"3 to 6 months","value":"3 to 6 months"},{"label":"6 to 12 months","value":"6 to 12 months"},{"label":"Unsure","value":"Unsure"}],"defaultOption":""},"helpText":"","mountPoint":1},{"hidden":true,"name":"no_klondike_gdpr_setting","required":true,"type":15,"label":"","value":{"text":"geo"}},{"hidden":false,"name":"","type":7,"value":{"text":"Your personal data will be used as described in our [--link:https://ironline.american.edu/legal/privacy-policy/ target:blank ]privacy policy[link--]. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time. "},"mountPoint":2}],"screens":[{"allFields":[6,0,17],"conditional":{},"out":{"1":["$next",[{"data":"$valid"}]]}},{"allFields":[16,7,14,8],"conditional":{},"out":{"2":["$next",[{"data":"$valid"}]]}},{"allFields":[1,3,2],"conditional":{},"out":{"3":["$next",[{"data":"$valid"}]]}},{"allFields":[11,12,9,10,13,15,4,5,18],"conditional":{"4":[1,"",[{"data":"state.no_klondike_gdpr_setting"},{"data":"never"},{"op":0},{"data":"state.no_klondike_gdpr_setting"},{"data":"geo"},{"op":0},{"data":"state.no_klondike_carmen_sandiego_region"},{"data":"eu"},{"op":1},{"op":7},{"op":8}]],"5":[1,"",[{"data":"state.no_klondike_gdpr_setting"},{"data":"always"},{"op":0},{"data":"state.no_klondike_gdpr_setting"},{"data":"geo"},{"op":0},{"data":"state.no_klondike_carmen_sandiego_region"},{"data":"eu"},{"op":0},{"op":7},{"op":8}]],"13":[3,"",[{"data":"state.no_klondike_gdpr_setting"},{"data":"always"},{"op":0},{"data":"state.no_klondike_gdpr_setting"},{"data":"geo"},{"op":0},{"data":"state.no_klondike_carmen_sandiego_region"},{"data":"eu"},{"op":0},{"op":7},{"op":8}]]},"out":{"-1":["$next",[{"data":"$valid"}]]}}],"published":"2024-10-30T18:44:13.898Z"}Finish the MAIR’s required 36–39 credit hours in two years, while taking classes part time.
Complete a client-based practicum project or substantial research paper in a capstone designed to jumpstart your career or future education.
Become part of a powerful community of nearly 25,000 global professionals.
Based in Washington, D.C., American University’s School of International Service (SIS) sits at the nexus of national security, foreign policy, and American political life. Its renowned faculty — political scientists, historians, economists, sociologists — publish transformational research and empower learners to become global leaders and advocates for peace. SIS is a full member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA).
Tuition range$80,568 - $87,282Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials.
Technology and services powered by 2U, Inc., the parent company of edX.
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:
Uncover ways to prevent, mitigate, and manage conflicts globally as you investigate the dynamics of war, peace, and security.
Discover how politics, economics, sustainability, and healthcare impact development in communities and nations across the globe.
Examine the causes of international conflict, and apply strategic negotiation tactics that can help resolve global disputes.
Explore the historical, political, and economic underpinnings of strategic policy formulation and execution.
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)
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.