Program areas at AU
Instruction: the University's mission is carried out by almost 956 full-time teaching and research faculty in six academic divisions offering 81 bachelor's programs, 99 master's programs, 24 doctoral programs, j.d., s.j.d, m.l.s. And l.l.m. Programs. Certificate programs and an associate degree program are offered as well. Student-faculty ratio = 11:1. Average class size = 20.8 students.
Auxiliary enterprises: University dormitories, consisting of eleven residence halls, provide living quarters for almost 4,120 students. Also provided are recreational facilities, dining services, parking, and other self-supporting faculty, staff, and student services.
Scholarships and fellowships: American University awards financial aid to students based on a combination of demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and the availability of funds. Once a student is admitted, the financial aid office will determine need and develop a financial aid award that includes funds from the programs for which the student qualifies. To receive consideration for financial aid, a student must be a united states citizen or eligible non-citizen in a degree program.
Academic support - the University libraries, academic computer services, administrative offices and support for the six academic divisions. Student services - health and counseling, career center, University registrar, financial aid and enrollment services, sports and recreation. Institutional support - information technology, telecommunications, space management, security, mail and transportation services. Research- research and technical assistance projects funded by federal and private agencies. Public service - the operation of wamu 88.5 fm, a 24-hour, 50,000 watt public radio station licensed to the University since 1961. American University strategic plan in january 2019, American University unveiled a new strategic plan, changemakers for a changing world. The plan represents au's commitment to its mission "to advance knowledge, foster intellectual curiosity, build community, and empower lives of purpose, service, and leadership." As covid-19 has accelerated the importance of many elements of our strategy and taking a holistic view of what we still seek to achieve under the changemakers framework, the strategy has been extended for two additional years. Our new december 2025 completion date will provide opportunities to build on our foundational work and lessons learned. The University's seven-year plan builds on our legacy of leadership, scholarship, and service and focuses on the challenges facing our community and higher education, as it boldly embraces opportunities for greater impact. Our plan is organized into three strategic themes - scholarship, learning, and community - with key imperatives to guide our focused efforts. Scholarship: scholarship is central to au's future. We will develop areas of strategic focus that draw on fields where au already excels, where our expertise crosses schools and disciplinary boundaries, and that hold promise for the future. We will establish new ways to support the work of faculty across a range of disciplines. Learning: learning is at the core of au. As we prepare for tomorrow's opportunities, we continue to embrace the highest-quality teaching, while exploring new frontiers of learning and scholarship. We will expand opportunities for lifelong learning experiences that are more flexible, personalized, and accessible. Community: au is an institution deeply rooted in community - locally, nationally, and globally - and when our community grows stronger, so do we. Over the next seven years, our strategic efforts will expand and strengthen our ties to communities, both internal and external. American University: partner in our community community service many of au's partnerships with local governments, businesses, and individuals exemplify the University's commitment to public service. Au views itself as a private University with a public responsibility. The University works with numerous local organizations and participates in a myriad of community service activities including: community-based learning and research, dc reads, one-day service events, and eagle endowment. Working with dc schools and students au's school of education prepares education students to become early childhood, elementary, bilingual, special education, and secondary school teachers through instructional work in area schools. Each year, a group of education majors each year are placed as student teachers to teach all aspects of the school curriculum from the arts to the sciences and in the areas of early childhood and special education. Washington college of law Washington college of law (wcl), located one block from the au-tenleytown metro, consistently provides free legal services to low-income and otherwise underrepresented area residents through its highly-ranked clinical programs. In addition, a selected group of wcl students each year represents low-income clients facing eviction in dc landlord and tenant court, as participants in the dc law students in court program, an independent legal service provider in the district. An open door policy au maintains a good neighbor policy by working with neighbors, local community organizations, and the advisory neighborhood commissions in the campus area. Led by the director of community relations, the University's outreach efforts also include maintaining ongoing contact with several district of columbia offices and agencies. On a more informal level, representatives of American University also meet and interact with members of the neighboring communities on a regular basis. Continued education dc residents are welcome at au's bender library to study and access print materials, library catalog, and databases. The osher lifelong learning institute (olli) offers classes in the fall and spring for intellectually curious "seasoned learners" with a genuine interest in continuing their learning with like-minded people. The arts the katzen arts center and American University museum serves as an important venue for the dc arts community. It hosts a variety of programs ranging from student performances to lectures on environmentally sound business practices and film screenings. Dc residents are invited to attend open rehearsals or take tours of the galleries. Many of the exhibits shown at the museum have earned regional, national, and international accolades. District children are the focus of kids at the katzen, which presents creative activities and summer sports camps.