History
A global outlook, practical idealism, a passion for public service: They’re part of American University today, and they were in the air in 1893, when AU was chartered by Congress.
George Washington had dreamed of a “national university” in the nation’s capital. But it took John Fletcher Hurst to found a university that, in many ways, embodies that dream.
Education
We offer 69 bachelor’s degrees, 73 master’s degrees, 11 doctoral degrees, and a JD program, as well as 72 certificate programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Courses run on a 15-week semester basis in fall and spring, with shorter summer-term classes. In addition, we offer study-abroad programs and alternative breaks. 87 percent of our undergraduates and 65 percent of our master's students participate in at least one internship.
Research
American University, a Carnegie-classified research university, is deeply committed to creating knowledge, including creative and professional activity, in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the professions. We strongly support research by our students and faculty.
Known as a college-centered research university, AU values scholar-teachers who are fully engaged both in research and in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Our most distinguished and accomplished scholars also teach.
Career
The American University Career Center supports the university’s commitment to uncompromising quality in the education of its students. The Career Center teaches undergraduates, graduate students and alumni how to develop educational and career goals, decision-making skills and job search strategies needed to manage their professional and academic pursuits.
We accomplish our mission by providing AU students, alumni, employers, faculty and staff with expert advising, leadership in experiential education, current information and resources, and networking opportunities on and off campus, as well as online.
Short Courses
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2024
601
2023
601 -100
2022
501
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2024
791 -90
2023
701 -50
2022
651
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2024
-
2023
590 63
2022
653
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
- Academic Supoort & Access Center
- Housing and Dining Programs
- International Student & Scholar Services
- Orientation, Transition & Retention
- Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution Services
Housing services
On-campus housing is in high demand, so it is important that students submit their housing enrollment deposits to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible to secure a space. If you have any questions regarding the deposit, please contact the Office of Admissions.
Library services
The University Library enables educational and research success by:
- building collections and facilitating access to information across all formats;
- teaching people how to locate, assess, and use information to meet their needs;
- providing welcoming spaces that support a full range of intellectual endeavors.
ICT services
- The Anderson Computing Complex is located on the basement level of Anderson Hall with an entrance on the north side of the building near the Centennial parking garage. It is open every day of the week from 8 am - midnight. The lab is open to the entire AU community.
Medical services
Our dedicated team of doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and patient care representatives are here to help you make your college/grad school experience a healthy and productive one. At the student health center, our goals are to keep our students healthy and, when ill, get them “back on the mend” as quickly as possible.
Campus life
American University's residence halls are dynamic communities that promote student learning in a fun and affirming atmosphere. Although each of our buildings have unique features and special communities, they are all designed to promote student success. Studies show that students living in residence halls perform better academically and participate more fully in campus life.
Each floor of our residence halls has an upper-class student, known as a Resident Assistant (RA), who engages students in learning opportunities and programs, provides support in mediating conflicts, and helps with transition and other student issues.
Sports facilities
- Reeves Aquatic Center:
The Reeves Aquatic Center consists of two pools: an 8-lane, 25-yard lap pool and a 3-lane, 20-yard teaching pool.
- Cassell Fitness Center:
This 8,000 square foot facility includes state-of-the-art fitness equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, stairclimbers, free weights, and selectorized and plate loaded strength equipment.
- Outdoor Tennis Courts:
American University features six outdoor tennis courts for the use of the University Community.
Student clubs
- Alpha Chi Omega
- Alpha Epsilon Phi
- Alpha Epsilon Pi
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Alpha Phi Omega - Service
- American Literary
American University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and recognized by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church.