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Economics Placement Exam
In order to waive SISG-773 Introduction to Economic Theory, students must take and pass the SIS Online Economics Placement Exam. Exams are normally held twice per semester. Student should plan to take the exam prior to the semester in which the waiver is required to register for any of the following courses:
- SISG-764 International Economics
- SISG-768 Foundations of Economic Development
Exam Details
Exam Details
- The Online Economics Placement Exam is offered live and is proctored, such that students must be on webcam during the length of the exam.
- The exam consists of 35Ìýmultiple-choice questions that cover both the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
- Students have up to 90 minutes to complete the exam.
- Students may only take the exam once as an SIS graduate student.
- The passing score is a minimum of 74% (26/35).
- For an overview of the topics covered in the exam, clickÌýÌý(log in with your username@american.edu and password to view)Ìý
Note: For students admitted for Fall 2016 or earlier, some MA programs may allow students to waive SISG-773 based on other criteria. Students should check with their Academic Advisor if they have questions about whether they must take the Economics Placement Exam.
2024 Exam Dates
- October 6 - 11
- November 10 - 15
2025 Exam Dates
- Februrary 1 - 7
- March 15 - 21
- June 7 - 13
- July 12 - 18
- October 11 - 17
- November 6 - 12
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Approved Methods Courses
Every student completing an IROnline degree has a required Methods component. Options vary based on your program.
Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
All students in the MAIR programÌýare required to take 6 credit hours of Methods coursework.
- SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis
- SISG-765 Planning, Forecasting and Decision-making
- SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation.
Note: Students pursuing the International Development or International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution concentration tracks are recommended to take SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DM&E), and students pursuing the Global Security or U.S. Foreign Policy concentration tracks are recommended to take SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis or SISG-765 Planning, Forecasting, and Decision-making.
It is also recommended that students complete SISG-763 before pursuing their second-level methods requirement.
Master of International Service Online (MIS)
All students in the MIS Online program are required to complete 3 credit hours of Methods coursework, and can take any one of the following courses in order to fulfill this requirement:
- SIS-750 Political Risk Analysis
- SISG-763 Quantitative Methods: Research Design & AnalysisÌýÌý
- SISG-765 Planning, Forecasting, and Decision-making
- SIS-750 Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PDM&E)
Language Proficiency
To satisfy the tool of research requirement (also known by most SIS programs as the language requirement), students must be able to conduct research in a language other than English. "Research," for the purposes of this degree requirement, means reading comprehension. Students for whom English is not their native language may be certified on the basis of their native language and English (the language of instruction for their graduate degree). All English language speakers will be required to certify proficiency in a language other than English.
Only Master of Arts in International RelationsÌýstudents have a language requirement.
How to meet the language requirement
The Tool of Research (TOR) Language Requirement assesses for intermediate proficiency in reading comprehension. This is demonstrated by being able to read and understand an article written in a non-English language, only using a dictionary to look up specialized terminology. *This applies to the MAIR program only.*
Many students complete the language requirement by passing the TOR exam, offered online 2x per semester using video proctoring software. The TOR is offered in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Swahili, and Arabic..
2024 Exam Dates
- October 6 - 11
- November 10 - 15
2025 Exam Dates
- Februrary 1 - 7
- March 15 - 21
- June 7 - 13
- July 12 - 18
- October 11 - 17
- November 8 - 14
Need More Information?
Log into Â鶹ÊÓƵ Canvas.
Then click here:
To access:
• Exam details & materials allowed
• Alternative Ways to fulfill this Requirement
• What to do if your language isn’t tested by TOR
• Study Resources
Questions? Reach out to your academic advisor.
Academic Accommodations: If you have a learning disability that may adversely impact your ability to acquire foreign language competency, you must register with and provide documentation from Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Academic Support Center. In such cases, the school will determine an alternative tool of research for you. If you have formal academic accommodations that would apply to the test, please provide them to ironlineadvising @american.edu when you register for the online exam.
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Substantial Research Papers & Independent Study
Substantial Research PapersÌýand independent studies require additional registration processes and are not registered through Eagle Service.
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How to Register your Substantial Research Paper or Independent Study
Registration Steps
Complete all steps of the registration process described below no later than the last day of the Add/Drop period for the semester of registration. The initial faculty advisorÌýmeeting must take place no later than 1 month prior to the last day of the Add/Drop period.Ìý
For Spring 2025, the deadlines are:
- November 15, 2024 - ÌýMeet with Professor Stanaitis
- December 15, 2024 – Proposal Due
The proposal deadline must be met to be eligible for Spring 2025 SRP Registration.
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For specific dates, please consult the Academic Calendar.Ìý
Once all steps are completed, and your faculty and academic advisors have electronically approved your registration request, the registration will be processed within 3-5 business days and the credits added to your schedule.
- Meet with Faculty Advisor and develop the required project proposal. The required proposals for each type of project are:
- Independent Study (SIS-690): A syllabus (1-2 pages) for the proposed independent study that identifies: 1) the learning objectives for the study, 2) the reading, research, or other projects to be completed during the semester, and 3) how the independent study will be evaluated, including any relevant deadlines.
- Substantial Research Paper (SIS-795): A brief research proposal (2-3 pages). A typical proposal will: 1) identify a research question(s), 2) describe the method(s) that will be used to answer the question, and 3) explain the importance or relevance of the project to current policy or academic debates.
- (SIS-795 Only)ÌýFind a content expert. The content expert professor is critical for the student’s ability to successfully complete the SRP.Ìý
- Once your faculty advisor approves your proposal, complete the electronic Independent Study Registration Form.ÌýYou will need to log in with your Â鶹ÊÓƵ credentials to access the form.
- In the online form, enter the following pieces of information:
- Term:ÌýEnter the semester and year in which you are going to be conducting your independent research.
- Subject:ÌýSIS
- Number:ÌýEnter the "number" associated with the project you are registering. The corresponding numbers for each type of project are:
- 690: Independent Study
- 795: Substantial Research Paper
- Type: Select "A-F" from the dropdown menu. All projects must be graded A-F
- Number of Credits:ÌýSelect the number of credits associated with your project from the dropdown menu.ÌýPlease consult your academic advisor if you are unsure about the number of credits you should register for.
- Substantial research papers are 3 credits
- Independent studies are 1-3 credits
- Title: Enter your project's title. For SRPs, this is the topic/title of your paper and should not be "SRP" or "Substantial Research Paper." There is a 30 character limit.Ìý
- Description: Brief project description
- Will this independent study be in COMM?: No
- Will this independent study fulfill the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Core Capstone Requirement? (Undergraduates only): No
- Faculty Advisor: Enter the name of the faculty member who will serve as your primaryÌýproject supervisor. This is not your Content Expert.Ìý
- Academic Advisor: Academic advisor in the IR Online Advising Office (not a faculty member or student success coach)
- Attach the approved project proposal addendums (from Step 1) to the Independent Study Registration Form.
- SignÌýtheÌýformÌýand press "Submit."
- Please note: After submitting your Independent Study Registration Form, you will be redirected to a blank screen. You will receive a confirmation email from the Office of the Registrar.
- If your project will involve any international travel, complete the Graduate Global Program (GGP) Application and Trip Information form. Note: the Trip Information form must be reviewed by your academic advisor.
By submitting the registration material for an independent study or substantial research paper, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the following policies:
- Human Subject Research: If any portion of your research involves human subjects as defined by Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects, you must receive prior approval by the IRB or its designee before conducting the research project. To determine whether your research requires IRB approval and to learn more about the approval process, please visit the IRB website or consult your faculty supervisor.
- Academic Integrity: Standards for academic conduct are established by the University's Academic Integrity Code. By registering for an independent study or substantial research paper, you acknowledge that you are aware of the Academic Integrity Code and a student's rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. This includes understanding and recognizing plagiarism. Please see your faculty supervisor if you have any questions about the academic violations described in the Code in general or as they relate to particular requirements for your project.
Last updated 28 Sept 2023.
Immersion
Immersions are meant to provide students with a variety of learning experiences that build on the program's curriculum. Immersion is strongly recommended for all IR Online students.
Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
Immersion Experience:
Our MAIR Imemersion program offers a chance to connect with seasoned professionals, faculty, and alumni. Learn from their insights, explore the intricacies of international relations, and network with like-minded peers. This 0-credit curriculum features:
Employer Panels: Engage in discussions with IR practitioners and learn about real-world applications of your studies.
Leadership Development: Enhance your skills in communication, teamowrk, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making.
Site Visits: Explore prominent DC institutions, including federal agencies, NGOs, think tanks, and international organizations.
Career Services: Take advantage of workshops, simulations, and networking opportunities to prepare for your career.
Alumni Mentorship: Benefit from the guidance and experience of MAIR alumni.
Program Reception: Connect with fellow students and professionals at off-campus social and networking events.
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Upcoming Immersion:
Dates: March 12 - 14, 2025
Location: Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Washington, D.C. Campus
Participation: Optional but highly recommended.
Registration: Registration opens in mid-January and closes in early February via an online registration request form (not through Eagle Service).
Fees: A program fee covers meals and logistics. Accommodations not included, but lodging options will be provided.
Skills Institute: After the Immersion, consider enrolling in an optional 1-credit Skills Institute to further deepen your expertise. Spring 2025 course information will be anounced soon!
Master of International Service Online (MIS)
Immersion Experience:
Our MIS program includes a required 3-credit SISG-775 Cross-Cultural Leadership and Management course that combines online coursework with an immersive weekend in Washington, D.C.
Throughout the 15-week semester, you will engage in online coursework like any other course, but with a unique twist: one weekend, you'll step onto our campus in D.C. for an intensive in-person session that brings your learning to life. During this immersive weekend, you will participate in in-person lectures, connect with peers, and network with esteemed faculty, staff, alumni, and professionals from renowned international relations organizations based in the nation's capital.
Given that this course is offered only once a year in the fall term, we strongly encourage all MIS students to prioritze registering for the Fall 2025 term if they have not already taken it.
Upcoming Immersion:
- Date: mid-September 2025
- Location: Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Washington, D.C. campus
- Participation: Required
- Registration: Registration opens in the summer semester and closes in mid-August via an online registration request form (not through Eagle Service).
- Fees: A program fee covers meals and logistics, in addition to the cost of tuition. Accommodations not included, but lodging ooptions will be provided.