Since most ISS students are working professionals, the ISS program does not offer graduate assistant positions. However, we provide thorough resources for finding internships and employment, as well as several opportunities for networking once in the program.

Students are also encouraged to connect with the team at the Graduate Center Office of Fellowships.

No, all courses are delivered online.

You have two options in this scenario:

1. Apply to the University of Arizona as a "Non-Degree Seeking" graduate student. Once accepted, complete 3 or 4 ISS courses with a grade of B or higher. Once you have demonstrated you are capable of maintaining a 3.0 in graduate school, you can formally apply to the M.A. program and transfer in the ISS coursework you already completed.

OR

2. The ISS program can submit a GPA waiver to the Graduate College on your behalf (this is not guaranteed to be approved). The ISS program will only consider this if you:
   • have 10+ years of work experience, preferably in an international security related field
   • provide a statement explaining your low GPA and why you believe you will be successful in graduate school
   • provide a letter of recommendation testifying to your ability to be successful in graduate school from someone qualified to make that judgement.

Transfer coursework is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but these are the general guidelines:

1. Subject matter of the coursework must be similar to the subject matter studied in the ISS program.
2. Transfer coursework must come from an accredited institution.
3. Transfer coursework cannot be more than 6 years old at time of graduation from the ISS program.
4. You can transfer up to 6 credit hours of coursework.
5. You must have completed transfer coursework with a grade of B or higher.

Follow the instructions in the ISS GradPath Tutorial.

All ISS students have the same academic advisor:

Jessica Beauchesne

Senior Online Programs Coordinator

Program operations
Academic advising
Communications

520-621-4833

jbeauchesne@arizona.edu

Pronouns:

she, her, hers

For the master of arts program, all coursework must be no older than 6 years at time of program completion.

For the certificate program, all coursework must be no older than 4 years at time of program completion.

ISS students are permitted to enroll in a maximum of 2 classes per session and 3 classes per term (e.g., 1 class in Fall Session 1 and 2 classes in Fall Session 2).

We restrict the number of classes students can take because the pace of our 7-week classes is intense and requires significant time commitment. We find that students tend to fall behind and struggle to retain information if they take more than 2 classes simultaneously, and 9 units is considered "full-time" in graduate school.

All ISS classes are $700 per unit, regardless of residency status. All Arizona Online students also pay fees to support the online services offered to them. The total cost of the M.A. degree will vary depending on how many courses you take each term. See the tuition calculator for more details.

ISS students are required to enroll in at least one unit every Fall and Spring term to maintain their "active" status. Summer terms are optional.

If you need to skip a Fall and/or Spring term due to military duties, medical issues, financial constraints, or other reasons, you must apply for a leave of absence by going to UAccess Student Center > Advising > GradPath > GradPath Forms > Petition Forms. Students may submit multiple leave of absence petitions during the program, but total leave time may not exceed one year.

There are many options for financial aid at the University of Arizona. See our Tuition and Financial Aid page to learn more about how to fund your education.

To be admitted to the M.A. program, you must:

1. Have a bachelor's degree in any subject
2. Have an undergraduate GPA or 3.0 or higher

See our Admissions Overview page for details.

All ISS courses:

• are asynchronous
• are 7 weeks long
• provide educational content in the form of video lectures, readings, and additional materials
• require completion of discussion forums and writing assignments
• have no exams

Learn more on our Admissions Overview page.

You will apply through UA GradApp. After submitting your application, please send your official transcripts to the Graduate College either electronically or through the post, at: 

transcripts@grad.arizona.edu

Graduate College
The University of Arizona
Administration Building, Room 322
PO Box 210066
Tucson, Arizona 85721-0066

The only required course for the M.A. program is the Colloquium (POL 695A), which is taken in your last term. Otherwise, students are encouraged to enroll in whichever ISS courses will best support their academic and career goals.

Since the colloquium (POL 695A) is meant to be completed during a student's final term before graduating, students are not permitted to enroll themselves. Your academic advisor will review your degree progress and determine whether you are eligible for enrollment. If you believe you are ready for the colloquium, contact Jessica Beauchesne.

ISS students have access to all resources provided to Arizona Online students.

No. The ISS degree/certificate looks identical to those from the University of Arizona's main campus programs.