You are here: Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of International Service Graduate Advising International Relations Online New Student Checklist
Welcome to the School of International Service! As you prepare to begin your graduate program, here is a checklist to guide you through the essential steps. Please feel free to contact your Student Success Coach or Academic Advisor with any questions.Ìý
Spring 2025 Deadlines
All deadlines are as soon as possible unless noted below.
- Course Registration
- November 4
- Confirm Course Schedule
- December 16
- Pay Semester Bill
- January 6
- Program Bootcamp
- March 10
Refer to your welcome email and who will work with you to ensure you feel prepared starting the program.Ìý
Schedule an to discuss future course planning, progress toward graduation, and more personalized insights on program courses and educational experiences.ÌýÌý
- Scroll to the bottom of this page for first semester course recommendations.
- Check course offerings.
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Reference the .Ìý
- after registration opens (Date above). Registration remains open until the semester begins.
- Waitlists: Check your Â鶹ÊÓƵ email daily for waitlist notifications. Please send a test email to your university email address to verify access.
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Once set up, send a test email to verify access to your university email.
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Confirm with your Admissions Counselor that all official transcripts are on file (unopened and sent directly from your academic institution(s) to Â鶹ÊÓƵ).Ìý
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Send official transcripts electronically to applicationservices@ironline.american.edu.Ìý
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Request missing official transcripts within 3 days of receiving your SSC’s welcome email.Ìý
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Official transcripts must be received by the start of the semester.Ìý
Learn more about graduation requirements.ÌýÌý
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Log into Canvas and self-enroll in the .Ìý
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Complete week one Canvas coursework before your first live class.Ìý
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Attend the Mandatory New student orientation (Virtual)
Date: January 9th
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM (ET)
Registration:
- Access your for program details and Â鶹ÊÓƵ resources.
- Explore the SIS Online & Executive Canvas Hub for new student resources, advising, and program information.Ìý
Connect with us through our SIS Online & Executive Programs social media channels:Ìý
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- Graduate Student Council EmailÌý
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Change to: Access to Canvas is typically 1-2 weeks prior to semester start.Ìý
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Ensure Canvas course enrollments match your Eagle Service schedule.Ìý
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Email your academic advisor and student success coach if your Eagle Service & Canvas courses do not match.Ìý
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Use Eagle Finance to pay your semester bill.ÌýÌý
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Refer to Student Accounts for payment instructions.Ìý
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Contact financial aid/your award office if you have questions.Ìý
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Access SIS Online Career Resources –job search steps recommended each semester of your degree, resume samples, and moreÌý
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Attend drop-in advising starting in or before your first semesterÌý
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Activate your account with to register for career eventsÌý
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°ä´Ç²Ô³Ù²¹³¦³Ù siscareer@american.edu for more information.ÌýÌýÌý
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Complete the program Bootcamp by the deadline listed above.
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An invitation to this Canvas course, which covers critical skills for your graduate program, will be sent by the program office.Ìý
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Register for an upcomingÌý, as applicable.Ìý
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For more information, please check the Economics Placement ExamÌýpage.
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Discuss during your first academic advising appointment.Ìý
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Register for the , as applicable.Ìý
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Check the Language Proficiency page on the IR Online Advising website for offered languages and registration details.Ìý
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Click on registration link above to find upcoming exam dates.
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Discuss during your first academic advising appointment.Ìý
First Semester Registration Recommendations
Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
In general, we recommend students begin with Core or Methods Courses for their first semester (See your academic advising worksheet).
Common Pairings if taking 6 credits:
- SISG-760: Global International Relations: History, Theory, Practice
- SISG-763: Quantitative MethodsÌý
OR:
- SISG-761: Intercultural Communication
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SISG-773: Introduction to Economics ORÌýSISG-764 International Economics* *Placement test required
OR:
- SISG-762: Global Governance
- SISG-760: Global International Relations: History, Theory, Practice
Note: We recommend students do not take Quantitative Methods & Economics in the same semester.
*Less course offerings are available in the summer term.Ìý
Master of International Service Online (MIS)
Feel free to meet with your academic advisor to discuss.Ìý
Recommendations (See your academic advising worksheet):
- Starting with Core courses, if possible.
- Taking economics and methods in different semesters. Ìý
Note: Several courses are only offered in certain semesters so it is important to look and plan ahead to ensure your course choices are offered when you need to take them.
Fall Semester:
- Proseminar - SIS-686
- Cross-Cultural Leadership & Management (with in person immersion at Â鶹ÊÓƵs campus) - SIS-775 *This has a special registration process through the program office.
Spring Semester:
- Proseminar - SIS-686
- Concentration or Economics
Summer Semester:
- Methods
- Concentration Course