Offered by the School of International Service, the Global International Relations (BA), awarded jointly by American University and Ritsumeikan University (RU), Japan, reflects the cultural and geographic reach, as well as the expertise and strengths of both universities in offering the first truly global degree in international relations. Students gain a deep understanding of global and regional challenges, especially as they relate to East Asia and the United States. They are uniquely prepared to pursue careers that draw upon their ability to critically examine international relations from multiple theoretical, historical, cultural, national, and disciplinary perspectives and standpoints. Students fulfill degree requirements for both institutions and spend two full academic years at each university.

The joint BA prepares students for internationally-focused careers in government, non-profits, and the private sectors. The curriculum is firmly rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, inherently interdisciplinary, and aimed at helping students to think critically and clearly about the most pressing global challenges. It also affords an opportunity for students to find their truest vocations, to discover their passions, and to become active and engaged citizens in a complex global world that defies simple explanations or solutions.

Admission to the Program

The Global International Relations (BA) is restricted to students who have been accepted into the AU-RU Joint Degree Program (Sakura Scholars Program). Candidates for admission to the joint Global International Relations (BA) must present evidence of excellent personal and academic qualifications. The admission process is administered jointly between American University and Ritsumeikan University. To be considered for first-year admission, an applicant should have earned at least a B average in secondary school. All applicants (including US citizens) whose first language is not English are required to submit results of one of the approved tests of English proficiency (see AU Admissions). Other factors taken into account are leadership qualities, character, and personal interest. The Sakura Scholars Program is designed for incoming-first-year students, therefore current AU or RU students are not eligible to apply.

• 120 credit hours with minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 2)
• Completion of all requirements for a major (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 9)

AU Core Requirements

• Completion of AU Core foundation requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.2-8.6)
• Completion of AU Core Habits of Mind requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.7)
• Completion of AU Core integrative course requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.8-8.11)

For additional information, see AU Core Curriculum.

Major Requirements

• 124 total credit hours with a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA
  • 63-65 credits must be completed through American University and 59-61 credits must be completed through Ritsumeikan University
  • Students must be enrolled for 48 months
• 55 credit hours of coursework, unique to the Global International Relations (BA) (i.e., major coursework) with grades of C or better, including at least 18 credit hours at or above 300-level or 3000-level, plus at least 3 credit hours of Japanese coursework at or above JAPN-215 Japanese, Intermediate II  (5) at AU or Japanese II (Comprehensive) at RU. Students whose first language is Japanese or can demonstrate equivalent proficiency will be exempted from the requirement to take Japanese language courses
  • Up to 3 credit hours from an approved internship may be applied toward the major
• Credit by exam or transfer credit does not apply to the 124 total credits required for the degree. Some degree requirements may be fulfilled with credit by exam or transfer credit. Students in the Sakura Scholars Program must complete all AU Core requirements, regardless of credits by exam or transfer credits previously completed or accepted by American University

Course Requirements

Note: Course requirements are also fulfilled with approved equivalent courses offered by Ritsumeikan University. Courses offered by RU are indicated by listing without a hyperlink (e.g., RUIR-XXXX or Japanese XXXX). Information listed as RU courses may be subject to change without notice. American University is not responsible for changes to course codes, course titles, or course scheduling of another institution.