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American University was incorporated by the government of the District of Columbia in 1891, chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893, and founded under the auspices of the United Methodist Church. The university’s first building was completed in 1898; its first class graduated in 1916.
An independent, coeducational university, AU enrolls more than 14,000 students in undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs. Its cosmopolitan, multicultural campus in upper northwest Washington, DC, attracts a diverse student body from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the territories, and more than 140 foreign countries.
A short distance from Washington’s centers of government, business, research, commerce, and art, AU’s real estate holdings include the university library, administrative and academic buildings, 10 residence halls, an interdenominational religious center, and a sports center. Facilities include 24-hour computer laboratories, radio and TV studios, science laboratories, art studios, recital halls, and a theatre. The Washington College of Law is located on the Tenley Campus less than one mile from the main campus.
AU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The distinguished faculty includes renowned experts and scholars of national and international reputation in public affairs, law, history, economics, business, international relations, education, science, communication, and the arts. In addition to more than 800 full-time faculty members, adjunct faculty are drawn from Washington, DC’s professional community and include policy makers, diplomats, journalists, artists, writers, scientists, and business leaders.
AU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate academic programs through its eight major divisions: College of Arts and Sciences ; Kogod School of Business ; School of Communication ; School of Education ; School of International Service ; School of Professional & Extended Studies ; School of Public Affairs ; and Washington College of Law . There are 72 bachelor’s programs, 83 master’s programs, and 11 doctoral programs, exclusive of the Washington College of Law’s JD, LLM, and SJD programs.
AU’s bachelor’s programs are typically completed in four years. Specific programs of study may enable a student to earn a degree in less time. Additionally, students may create individualized, interdisciplinary programs at the bachelor’s level.
This catalog provides further information on the university’s degree and certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as the Washington Semester Program , Mentorship Program in DC , American University Gap Program , and other innovative offerings of the School of Professional & Extended Studies .
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