The Dual Master’s Degree Programs provide graduate students the opportunity to spend one year studying in the School of International Service at American University (AU) and one year studying in either the Graduate School of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University (RU) in Kyoto, Japan, or the Graduate School of International Affairs at Korea University (KU) in Seoul, Korea. Upon completion of two years of study, one in the U.S. and one abroad, the students receive master’s degrees simultaneously from two institutions. The program includes language training, graduate coursework, and professional internships in the U.S. and Japan, or the U.S. and Korea. Students interested in these programs should apply directly to the School of International Service master’s degree program.

The Dual Undergraduate Degree Programs enable undergraduate students to study jointly at American University and Ritsumeikan University, or American University and Korea University and earn bachelor’s degrees from both institutions. Over 100 students have taken advantage of this opportunity since 1990, beginning their studies at AU as a cohort and enriching the classrooms and campus life of AU. The Dual Undergraduate Degree Programs were the first-of-their-kind to be developed between an American University and an Asian partner. Students interested in these programs should contact the Center for Asian Studies for more information on the application process.

The One Year Exchange Program allows American University juniors and seniors to study at Ritsumeikan University for a semester or a year. Students are expected to have completed two years of Japanese language study before beginning the program and will take intensive Japanese during their studies in Kyoto. Students are typically housed at The International House at Ritsumeikan University, which offers them a unique opportunity to learn from students from all over the world.