American University
Introduction
American University leverages the power and purpose of scholarship, learning, and community to impact our changing world. From sustainability to social justice to the sciences, AU’s faculty, students, staff, and alumni are changemakers.
Founded in 1893, American University is a distinguished, private institution located in the nation's capital of Washington, DC. With a competitively strong interdisciplinary focus, policy-driven academic programs, and impactful student activists and alumni, AU offers more than 135 master's degree programs, from seven schools.
A university small enough to allow you to feel seen and large enough to attract historical figures to campus to engage our community on important issues. American University is known for preparing generations of scholars who go on to become national and international public leaders and change agents throughout our global community.
Mission
To advance knowledge, foster intellectual curiosity, build community and empower lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
Vision
American University is a leading student-centered research university where passionate learners, bold leaders, engaged scholars, innovators, and active citizens unleash the power of collaborative discovery. We partner with key organizations in Washington, DC, region, and around the globe to better the human condition, learn from a vast array of experiences and internships, create meaningful change, and address society’s current and emerging challenges.
Campus Features
The Epicenter of Impact
Nestled in a residential district of Washington, DC, our 90-acre campus gives you the advantages of a traditional college setting combined with unparalleled access to the energy, culture, and opportunities of our nation's capital.
We're an intimate community within an urban city, where the stunning sights of our city are never far from view. Relax with your friends on our beautiful grounds (a designated arboretum) one moment; take an impromptu trip to the National Mall the next.
Whether you're learning in our century-old structures and state-of-the-art facilities, experiencing the arts in our museums and theatres, or venturing out into the city, American University offers endless opportunities.
Admissions
International Students
English Language Proficiency
Official results of one of the following English Proficiency Exams are required of international students. We accept the following:
- IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0
- TOEFL, a minimum score of 100
- TOEFL Essentials, a minimum score of 10
- PTE, minimum score of 68
- DUOLINGO, a minimum score of 120
Please note that waivers are granted on a rare basis and must be approved by the CAS Office of Graduate Enrollment Management. Requests will be assessed only upon completion of submitting all other required supplemental items.
We can consider waivers for applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited US-based university or
- Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited university where English is the only language of instruction and the only official language of the country where the university is based.
Official Transcript Evaluation
The transcript evaluation is not required for international applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree in the United States.
All other international applicants are required to complete an official transcript evaluation. Transcript evaluations must be submitted to American University in lieu of the original international transcript.
In order to complete a transcript evaluation, candidates must submit their official transcript(s) to a transcript evaluation agency approved by NACES.
All transcript evaluations must indicate the following:
- Course-by-course analysis: List of all classes and credits earned
- Grade point average (4.0 scale)
- Degree earned: Determine if the degree earned is equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree
Transcript evaluations must be sent directly by the transcript evaluation agency to American University by the application deadline.
Financial Requirements
All students must be able to demonstrate financial ability to pay for their academic and living expenses before being issued an immigration document.
Essential Documentation
Please submit the following documentation to the CAS office of Graduate Admissions:
- A completed Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS) form. Clearly indicate on the form which type of visa you plan to obtain for your studies with American University (F-1 or J-1) and your current visa type, if applicable. If you are pending US permanent resident or asylum status, please indicate on the form accordingly.
- Supporting financial documents demonstrating the financial ability to pay for at least one year of tuition, fees, and living expenses according to the current International Student Cost Guide. These financial documents will also be required at the US Embassy or Consulate when you apply for your visa. All financial documents must show available funds and must be dated within the past three months in order to be considered valid. Appropriate documents reflecting financial ability are listed here.
- Scanned passport copy (biographic page only).
- A completed F-1 Immigration Transfer In Form to release your immigration record to American University (only required of international students who currently hold an I-20 from a different U.S. institution). This form must be completed by both the student and the student's current international student advisor.
Rankings
- #72 Best National University - U.S. News & World Report 2022-2023
- #5 College City Gets High Marks - Princeton Review Best 385 Colleges 2020
- #51 Best College Value (Private) - Kiplinger 2018 Best College Value
Gallery
English Language Requirements
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Locations
Programs
- MS Data Science
- Master of Arts Journalism & Public Affairs
- Master of Arts Media, Technology and Democracy
- Master of Arts in Arts Management
- Master of Arts in Film and Media Production
- Master of Arts in Game Design
- Master of Arts in Global Environmental Policy
- Master of Arts in International Affairs Policy and Analysis
- Master of Arts in International Affairs: United States Foreign Policy and National Security
- Master of Arts in International Development
- Master of Arts in International Training & Education
- Master of Arts in Political Communication
- Master of Arts in Political Science
- Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Public Policy
- Master of Science in Biology
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Environmental Science
- Master of Science in Justice, Law & Criminology
- Master of Science in Statistics
- Master of Science in Terrorism & Homeland Security Policy