American University
Washington, United States • Founded 1893 • World Rank #1930
Overview
Established in 1893, the American University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Washington (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), District of Columbia.
Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, American University (AU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. American University (AU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 131-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
AU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
American University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
A quick read on American University's academic vitals — enrolment counts, faculty makeup, and recognition status. The combination determines class sizes, faculty access, and credential portability.
Academic Structures
American University's constituent schools and faculties. Continuing education or professional development units are typically separate from full-time degree-granting units.
Unit 8 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Kogod School of Business
- School of Communication
- School of Education
- School of International Service
- School of Professional Studies
- School of Public Affairs
- Washington College of Law
Programs Offered
Browse American University's programmes by level, or filter by name to find a specific course. The grouping helps when you have a target qualification tier but want to compare specific programme content.
Bachelor's Degree
44 programmes
At undergraduate level, American University offers 44 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Non-Professional Legal Studies Law
Literature English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Computational Science Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Dance Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Public Health Public Health
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
58 programmes
These 58 programmes form American University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Communication Studies
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Media Studies & Mass Media
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
International and Comparative Education Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Legal Professions and Studies, Other Law
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Literature English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Public Health Public Health
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Real Estate Business Administration
Taxation Taxation
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
12 programmes
Browse 12 programmes of research-degree study at American University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
Browse 1 programme of research-degree study at American University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Law Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
48 programmes
This group collects American University's 48 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
International and Comparative Education Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Statistics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Mathematics and Statistics, Other Mathematics
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Public Administration
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Real Estate Business Administration
Taxation Taxation
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to American University
Five steps that capture how most applications to American University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse American University's 163 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at American University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
American University processes applications through www.american.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (202) 885 1000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about American University
Frequently asked questions about American University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
How old is American University?
The institution opened in 1893 (approximately 133 years ago).
What city is American University in?
American University operates from Washington, United States.
What is American University's control type?
American University operates as a private institution.
How big is American University's student body?
American University serves approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
How is American University ranked?
American University holds rank #1930 globally and #256 in United States.
What is American University's religious tradition?
Yes, American University is affiliated with Christian-Methodist.
How many faculties does American University have?
American University is organised into 8 academic units across its disciplines.
Is American University accredited?
American University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How do I find American University online?
American University's official website is www.american.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Industry partnerships of the United States's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including American University may still partner with strong employers locally.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Methodist
Interfaith dialogue programmes exist at many Christian-Methodist universities and signal openness alongside tradition. The peers below often run such programmes at varying levels of depth.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near American University share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies
Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Social & Cultural Studies classroom experience. Some the United States programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.
Universities Often Compared with American University
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
