American University Launches Online International Relations Graduate Program

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - American University's School of International Service (SIS), the largest school of international relations in the United States, announced today it is offering a fully web-based Master of Arts in International Relations degree. International Relations Online is the first, top-tier, online, graduate program in International Relations. The first classes will begin in May 2013.

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"With International Relations Online, SIS and its faculty are educating and preparing top international relations students to apply their knowledge and make an impact in an increasingly interconnected and complex world," said James Goldgeier, Dean, School of International Service, American University.

International Relations Online is designed for students who would like to begin an international relations career as well as those already working in the field—from anywhere in the United States and around the world.

Students will participate in weekly class sessions in an innovative, live, virtual classroom where they will interact with renowned SIS faculty and a diverse group of peers to analyze and discuss course content. The degree program features highly produced, self-paced content accessible to students 24/7 from anywhere they have an Internet connection.

Like AU's on-campus program, International Relations Online features a curriculum that provides students with a strong grounding in the field of international relations and the professional skills to succeed in their careers. International Relations Online students will also gain specialized knowledge by selecting a focus of study in either Sustainable International Development or Global Security and Conflict Resolution.

International Relations Online students will meet the same academic requirements and selective admissions criteria as students attending AU's on-campus programs. Students will attend weekly online class sessions and complete a research project, or capstone, before the completion of the program. Students will also have the chance to meet classmates and faculty on campus and participate in AU's commencement.

International Relations Online, which will deliver a dynamic course of study through the convenience of an online platform, offers:

• An academically rigorous curriculum designed specifically for online delivery by the same SIS faculty who teach on campus.
• Interactive, live, online seminars delivered face-to-face in real time by SIS faculty.
• An interactive, online community, which uses social networking, groups and organizational tools which allow students to collaborate with classmates and professors 24 hours a day.
• Comprehensive, hands-on, academic and career advising services guide students from matriculation through commencement.
• Intimate classes generally with 15 students.
• A lifelong connection to American University's alumni network, including 15,000 SIS alumni who are leaders in their fields.

American University has partnered with the premier education-technology company 2U, Inc. to deliver International Relations Online. 2U, formerly 2tor, Inc., partners with leading graduate and undergraduate institutions to deliver rigorous, selective degree and for-credit programs online by providing the technology platform, instructional design, marketing and infrastructure support.

For more information about International Relations Online, please visit www.IRonline.american.edu or call 1-855-306-AUIR.

About American University and the School of International Service
Located in Washington, D.C., American University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the United States and around the world. AU's School of International Service is ranked consistently among the top ten schools of international relations. SIS prepares graduates for global service in government, nonprofits and business. On campus, more than 100 full-time SIS faculty teach more than 3,000 students, from undergraduates to PhD candidates, representing 150 countries.

About 2U, Inc. 2U, Inc., formerly known as 2tor, Inc., partners with top-tier universities to deliver rigorous, selective graduate degree and undergraduate for-credit programs online. Founded in 2008 by John Katzman and a team of education veterans, the company provides universities with the technologies, infrastructural support and capital they need to transform their on-campus programs into high-quality, web-based programs. 2U is one of the highest-funded education technology start-ups in the United States.

American University Contacts:
Camille Lepre or Paul Johnson
[email protected] or [email protected]
[phone]

2U Inc. Contact:
Donovan B. Fox, Communications Manager
[email protected]
[phone]

SOURCE: American University's School of International Service

http://www.american.edu/sis