According to abbreviationfinder, American University is commonly known as AU. American University (AU) was established in 1893 as a Methodist-affiliated institution. It is a private, non-profit university located in Washington, D.C., United States. The mission of AU is to provide students with an education that emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills, as well as an appreciation for global perspectives. In its early years, the university focused on providing liberal arts education to its students. However, over the years, it has expanded its curriculum to include a wide range of disciplines such as business, international studies, public affairs and law.
In addition to its academic programs, American University is also known for its research initiatives and centers of excellence in areas such as energy policy and environmental studies. The university is home to several nationally recognized research centers such as the Center for Environmental Policy and the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER). These centers engage faculty members from around the world in collaborative research projects that address pressing global issues. In addition to these research initiatives, AU also hosts prominent speakers on campus each year including heads of state and Nobel Laureates.
The university has continued to grow since its inception over one hundred years ago; now boasting more than 13000 students from all 50 states and 135 countries around the world. In recent years American University has received numerous awards including US News & World Report’s ranking of “Best National Universities” in 2019-2020. The university is also ranked highly among universities offering international programs by U.S News & World Report’s “Best Global Universities” rankings for 2020-2021 making it one of the top universities globally for international affairs education.
The history of American University reflects its commitment to providing quality education through innovative teaching methods combined with cutting-edge research initiatives that are aimed at addressing pressing global issues facing society today. As AU continues into the future it looks forward to building upon this rich history by continuing to provide world class education while expanding upon new opportunities for learning and discovery.
Admissions Statistics
American University has a diverse student population with around 11,000 students enrolled. The university offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a range of disciplines. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence and provides students with an education that prepares them for success in their chosen career fields. Approximately 80% of the student body is comprised of undergraduate students, while 20% are graduate students. Of the undergraduate population, approximately 45% are women and 55% are men. Additionally, approximately 25% of the total student body is international, with representation from over 100 countries around the world. The admissions process at American University is highly competitive, with an average acceptance rate of around 33%. Those accepted typically demonstrate strong academic performance in high school or college, as well as extracurricular involvement and leadership experience. The median SAT score for incoming freshman is 1250-1400 and the median ACT score is 28-32.
Departments and Degrees Offered
American University offers a diverse array of departments and degrees. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college at American University, offering over 200 undergraduate majors and minors in areas such as anthropology, art history, biology, chemistry, classics, computer science, economics, English language and literature, foreign languages and cultures, history, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, political science, psychology, public health studies and sociology. Students can also pursue degrees in international studies or interdisciplinary studies. The School of Public Affairs offers undergraduate majors in public administration/policy or justice; graduate programs in international service (MA), justice (MS), public administration/policy (MPA), law (JD), government affairs (MGAF) or security studies (MA); doctoral programs in political science or public policy; joint degree programs with the law school; dual degree programs with other universities; advanced certificate programs; and executive education courses.
The Kogod School of Business offers undergraduate majors in accounting; business analytics; finance; international business; management with concentrations in entrepreneurship or human resources management; marketing with concentrations in digital marketing or sports marketing & analytics; real estate development & finance with concentrations in finance & investments or real estate development & construction management. Graduate business degrees include an MBA program as well as MS degrees in accounting & information assurance services, finance & financial analysis services or taxation services. Doctoral degrees are available through the Kogod Research Center for Doctoral Studies.
The School of Communication has a range of majors including digital media production & design; journalism with concentrations in broadcast journalism or print journalism/new media journalism/publications design/strategic communication/visual communication design/social media journalism/interactive media production/digital video production/audio recording production/public relations/advertising design&production. Graduate students can pursue an MA degree in strategic communication with specializations offered within that field such as advocacy campaigns for social change or global strategic communication. The school also offers a PhD program for those seeking to become scholars-practitioners who are equipped to lead research-based projects at the highest level of professional practice.
Rankings
American University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and around the world. According to US News & World Report, AU is ranked #71 in their 2021 Best National Universities ranking. This places AU among the top institutions in the country, along with schools such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. In addition to its overall ranking, American University also ranks highly in several specialty areas. For example, AU was recently named one of the top research universities by The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university also ranks highly in terms of its diversity and inclusion efforts; according to College Factual, AU ranks #18 in their 2020 Diversity Index Ranking for universities nationwide. Finally, Washington Monthly Magazine has recognized American University for its commitment to social mobility; according to their rankings, AU is #5 out of all national universities when it comes to helping students from low-income backgrounds succeed after graduation.