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American University Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Graduate Professional Studies
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 Return to: Academic Programs
Offered by the School of Professional & Extended Studies , American University’s Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) offers specialized coursework focused on applied learning that allows students to take advantage of unmatched opportunities to study and connect in Washington, DC.
GPS is a one-semester program that introduces students to graduate level coursework and specialized research or internships in DC in their respective field. The program is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are looking to start their careers, or to prepare to begin a graduate degree program while making connections in the fields of Biotechnology, Diplomacy, Defense, and Development, Global Business and Trade, International Affairs, Sports Management and Media, or U.S. Politics and Policy. Students take 9 credit hours of graduate level coursework in one of five tracks while networking and interning or researching in their field:
- Seminar course in a related field (3 credit hours)
- Internship or Research course (3 credit hours)
- Approved graduate-level elective course (3 credit hours)
For more information, contact 202-895-4859, email gps@american.edu, or go to www.american.edu/spexs/gps/.
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Biotechnology
The Biotechnology track provides students the opportunity to work on projects that focus on scientific innovation while taking applied science classes to serve as a foundation for graduate program applications, while gaining exposure to one of the fastest growing career fields.
The program in biotechnology consists of two courses in the applied sciences (3 credit hours each) and a biotechnology internship. All courses serve as a foundation to the Biotechnology (MS) program of American University’s College of Arts and Sciences .
Applied Science
Biotechnology students complete two courses selected from the university’s course offerings, which may include:
Diplomacy, Defense, and Development
The Diplomacy, Defense, and Development track provides a conceptual and practical understanding of how the fields of diplomacy, defense and security, and development work in Washington, DC and beyond. Through exposure to practitioners and policy makers, students gain experience and a better understanding of the policy arena and the skill sets needed to be successful in the field. Skills include negotiation, cultural competence, program development, and grant writing.
The seminar consists of instructor-led classroom lectures, guest speakers, and skills sessions conducted by American University’s Intercultural Management Institute.
Graduate-Level Elective
- 3 credit hours of approved graduate-level coursework from other AU graduate programs
Global Business and Trade
The Global Business and Trade track provides students with career-related, on-the-job experience in a professional environment. The program focuses on the practical side of business operations and Washington policy-making and implementation in the field of international business and economic analysis. This program strengthens students’ understanding of the importance of global business and the political-economics of international economic policy making, and facilitates valuable professional connections, preparing students to begin related careers or graduate degree programs.
International Affairs
The International Affairs track offers students an advanced introduction to the main fields of graduate study in International Relations, as well as provides exposure to experts in the fields of foreign policy, international politics, comparative and regional studies, international law and organizations, and other related fields. This intensive immersion in theory and practice through experiential education and active learning allows students to explore relevant career opportunities, while sharpening their academic and professional skills. Sports Management and Media
The Sports Management and Media seminar provides an in-depth study of the facets of sports management and media, including business administration, sports marketing, media coverage and media relations, union representation and even team management and sponsorships. Students are exposed to professionals who make Washington, DC a global sports center and who are doing innovative work in the field of sports.
Required
- SPEX-691 Internship (1-6) : Graduate Professional Studies Internship (3)
- 3 credit hours of Seminar in Sports Management and Media
U.S. Politics and Policy
The U.S. Politics and Policy track provides students an inside look at the theory and the practice of American politics. The program focuses on recognizing the key participants in-and the forces that influence-the American political environment. Through class sessions and meetings with experts in the field, students have the opportunity to apply and test their knowledge in a real-world environment. This program helps to prepare students for a Master’s degree in political science, public policy, or public administration, introduces them to the professional world of policy-making, and provides valuable professional connections in the field.
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Return to: Academic Programs
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