Please meet your most helpful resources on campus:
Claudia Hofmann, Program Director
Shaine Cunningham, Director of Career Education & Employer Relations
Feel free to reach out and make appointments at any time throughout the semester!
Learn more about the Master of International Service (MIS) Program at American University.
Claudia Hofmann, Program Director
Dr. Claudia Hofmann is the Director of the Master in International Service (MIS) program at the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC. She is also an Associate Fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, and a Senior Analyst for Wikistrat Inc.
Dr. Hofmann’s research addresses the role of non-state actors in world politics, with a particular emphasis on rebels, insurgents, and organized criminal groups as a challenge to foreign and security policy. Her recent research focuses on societal resilience and the interplay between drugs and organized criminal groups and national security.
She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Cologne, Germany, an M.A. in International Conflict Analysis from the Brussels School of International Studies at the University of Kent, Belgium, and a B.A.(hons) in Politics & Government and History from the University of Kent, UK.
Visit her office hours, or reach out to her at hofmann@american.edu.
Amy Newell, Academic Advisor
As your Academic Advisor, Amy assists students with course selection and registration, explains graduation requirements and academic regulations, advises on overall program of study, including integrating academic and professional goals, serves as a resource guide and University “navigator”, connects students to other campus offices, and suggests relevant faculty and opportunities.
Before joining the MIS support team, Amy has served as the Advising Assistant for the Graduate Advising office in SIS. She brings with her to her new role the many strong relationships she has already built with SIS faculty, staff, and students.
Amy holds an M.A. in International Development from the School of International Service, and a B.A. in International Political Economy and Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Make an academic advising appointment with Amy here, or reach out to her at 202-885-6522 and newell@american.edu.
Shaine Cunningham, Director, Career Education & Employer Relations
Shaine Cunningham is a career strategist and coach with over 10 years’ experience supporting university students through all stages of career development. As Director of Career Education and Employer Relations for the School of International Service, Shaine leads the strategic direction and management of the Office of Career Development to ensure comprehensive career support for over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students and recent alumni pursuing careers in international affairs. In this role, Shaine also coordinates employer relations and career events for the school and coaches online graduate students and career changers through challenges related to career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, personal branding, networking, interview preparation, job search strategy, and offer negotiation.