Office of International Programs, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016-8071 MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE (MIS) INTERNATIONAL STUDIES TRACK GUIDE FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-2016 UNIVERSITY OF WARICK–PAIS DOUBLE MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAM UNIVERSITY LOCATION/SIS DESCRIPTION American University (AU) is a private institution situated in a residential neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The University is well known for academic programs in international service, public policy and public affairs, international law and human rights. The AU student body is largely interested in global perspectives and political activism. In fact, the majority of AU students participate in study abroad, internships, and community service. AU is proud that many of our alumni serve in the Peace Corps upon graduation. The School of International Service (SIS) is a top ten school for international relations and enrolls a diverse student body of approximately 2,000 undergraduate and 900 graduate students from throughout the United States and more than 150 countries. Our location allows students to take advantage of the vast wealth of professional, intellectual, educational, and cultural resources available in the nation’s capital. The city offers unique opportunities to study, conduct research, and actively engage in the ongoing work of international relations. SIS is a vibrant forum for debates and events, and frequently hosts government, NGO, and industry leaders to talk and meet with students. NOMINATION PROCESS All students must be nominated by their home institution before applying directly to the School of International Service. Instructions for nominating students: Step 1: Identify in your message the name(s) of the student(s) you are nominating. Step 2: Attach a verified copy of the student’s official transcript. Step 3: Please forward this information to sisabroad@american.edu . APPLICATION PROCESS Instructions for students: Step 1: Complete the online application. https://app.applyyourself.com/AYApplicantLogin/fl_ApplicantConnectLogin.asp?id=AU-SIS Step 2: Select the MIS program (University of Warwick will not be an option for this first app. cycle, but will be available for future students) Please note, you will need to provide the following for your application: Official English language exam results (if English is not your native language or if you do not yet have a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree completed in English) Official transcripts and certified English translations, if applicable, for EACH postsecondary institution attended; Two letters of recommendation; Resume/CV RESOURCES FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION CFIS Form http://www.american.edu/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=4060992 Graduate Cost http://www.american.edu/ocl/isss/upload/SIS-Graduate-Program-Cost-Guide-15Guide 16.pdf Financial http://www.american.edu/ocl/isss/Financial-Proof.cfm Proof Immunization http://www.american.edu/ocl/healthcenter/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pa Form geid=39852 COST GUIDE 2015-2016 All international students are required to demonstrate financial ability to pay for the living expenses for their year of study. Please use the below cost as a reference for completing the CFIS form. This is not a precise figure, but rather the amount for students to show they are capable of supporting themselves on the program. One year study: USD $33,748 -includes tuition costs ($21,974) and an estimate of all living expenses COURSE SELECTION Before applying, applicants should review courses available during their time of study at American University. Course http://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/schedule/ Schedule Course http://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/schedule/course-descriptions.cfm Descriptions Course Catalog http://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/university_catalog.cfm ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS TOEFL IELTS Graduate 100 7 Please refer to the following webpage for further details regarding the requirements and additional options to demonstrate English Language proficiency: http://www.american.edu/sis/admissions/requiredmaterials.cfm#Statement IMPORTANT DATES ACADEMIC CALENDAR Fall 2015: Spring 2016: APPLICATION DEADLINES: MIS Double Degree Fall 2015: Spring 2016: August 31, 2015 – December 14, 2015 January 6, 2016 – May 3, 2016 January 15, 2015 September 15, 2015 2 ELIGIBILITY Academic Credits: Students studying in the MIS International Studies Track are required to study full time for a minimum of 18 credits in residency at AU. Academic Performance: Applicants are reviewed based on their prior academic performance, with more weight being placed on coursework related to international relations. Student Status: In order for us to better evaluate a student’s qualification, our preference is for applicants to have already completed at least one semester of study in their home program. GRADING SYSTEM Grade A AB+ B B- Quality Points 4.00 3.67 3.33 3.00 2.67 Grade C+ C CD F Quality Points 2.33 2.00 1.67 1.00 0.00 ADDITIONAL STUDENT RESOURCES Housing: AU does not provide on-campus housing or meals for graduate students. The below website outlines multiple resources to assist students in their housing search: http://www.american.edu/ocl/housing/Off-Campus-Housing-Resources.cfm ON-CAMPUS DINING: Estimated meal expenses are based on a variety of on-campus "meal plan" options, which range in costs per semester. The University Dining Services will be closed during the Thanksgiving break, summer break, and spring break. Students should plan to make other dining arrangements during these times. Therefore, students should plan to budget additional costs during these periods for meal expenses. HEALTH INSURANCE: All full-time international students (except those holding an A, G, or H visa) are required to purchase health insurance. International students are automatically enrolled and billed for the university-sponsored insurance plan. Students may waive this fee if proof of a comparable plan is provided to the Health Center. Students on an F-1 visa must provide health insurance for their dependents as well. Please refer to the Student Health Center web site for current dependent costs at http://www.american.edu/ocl/healthcenter/About-Student-Health-Insurance-Plan Disabled Student Support: Students with disabilities can learn about services provided for them on campus or speak with a staff member from the Office of Disabilities Support Services by viewing the following website: http://www.american.edu/ocl/dss Campus Map: AU has two campuses in close proximity to the Tenleytown/ AU Metro Station. The SIS building is located on the main campus at 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW. For a more detailed view of the campus location, buildings and surrounding area, you can view the following PDF map: https://www.american.edu/aumaps/upload/campus_map.pdf 3 CONTACT DETAILS MELISSA CHAPMAN- Your main point of contact at SIS International Programs Manager School of International Service, 112K 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20016 Email: mchapman@american.edu Phone: +1 202 885 1606 STEPHEN ANGELSMITH MIS Admissions Email: angelsmi@american.edu Phone: +1 202 885 1652 MARY BARTON MIS Academic Advisor, SIS250D Email: mbarton@american.edu Phone: +1 202 885 1607 Master of International Service CLAUDIA HOFMANN MIS Director, SIS248 Email: hofmann@american.edu Phone: +1 202 885 6728 BRANDY PECH MIS Program Coordinator Email: mis@american.edu Phone: +1 202 885 6435 4