American University's Main Campus in Washington, D.C., offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines, emphasizing interdisciplinary studies, global perspectives, and practical experiences. The College of Arts and Sciences provides foundational education in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with key courses including Introduction to Psychology, which explores cognitive and behavioral theories; Organic Chemistry, delving into molecular structures and reactions; and World Literature, analyzing global literary traditions from ancient epics to contemporary novels.
The Kogod School of Business delivers rigorous business education tailored to a global economy. Core courses like Principles of Accounting introduce financial reporting and auditing practices, while Marketing Management teaches consumer behavior and digital strategies. Advanced programs include the MBA with concentrations in finance, entrepreneurship, and international business, featuring case studies from real-world corporations and internships in D.C.'s business district.
The School of International Service stands out for its focus on global affairs, offering degrees in international relations, development, and peace studies. Courses such as International Politics examine geopolitical dynamics, while Human Rights Advocacy trains students in policy analysis and NGO operations. Graduate programs emphasize quantitative methods and regional expertise, with opportunities for study abroad and simulations of UN negotiations.
The School of Public Affairs addresses governance and policy, with courses in public administration, justice, and data analytics. Key offerings include Policy Analysis, teaching cost-benefit frameworks, and American Government, exploring constitutional law and federalism. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) integrates leadership training with capstone projects for government agencies.
The Washington College of Law provides legal education with a social justice lens, featuring courses in constitutional law, international human rights, and intellectual property. Clinics allow hands-on work with immigration and environmental cases. Additionally, the School of Communication offers media studies, journalism, and film production, with courses like Digital Storytelling and Media Ethics preparing students for multimedia careers.
Overall, the campus fosters a vibrant academic environment with over 100 majors and minors, supported by research centers like the Center for Israel Studies and the Women & Gender Studies program. Students engage in service-learning, internships at embassies and think tanks, and collaborative projects that bridge theory and practice, ensuring a holistic education that prepares graduates for leadership in diverse fields. This curriculum, spanning arts, business, international studies, public affairs, law, and communication, totals more than 8,000 courses annually, attracting a diverse student body committed to positive global impact.
