American University
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American University - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Full-Time Student Population 9,447
Part-Time Student Population 2,794
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 637
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 549
Total FT Faculty 646
Faculty with Terminal Degree 95%
Average Faculty Salary $95,477
Full-Time Retention Rate 91%
Part-Time Retention Rate 25%
Graduation Rate 79%
Programs/Majors Offered 90
Average Course Load 12–17 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • 20 to 49 students: 49%
  • 50 or more students: 2%
  • Fewer than 20 students: 49%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

American University employs many professors of prominence in its fields, with many instructors working for the government or other organizations in addition to serving as professors. As a result of many professors being highly involved in D.C. politics and organizations, students often have access to Washington insider information and experiences. Particularly noteworthy are the political science, international relations, public affairs, and business programs, which all emphasize D.C.-specific subjects and perspectives. By taking advantage of the resources of the city, the school allows students to combine its education with real-life experience. Most undergraduates experience at least one internship while attending AU.

Classes are usually small, with most having about 30 students, and are often discussion-based. While there are some exceptions, professors are generally very good, including the many adjunct professors who teach in addition to working in the city. Despite being a small school, AU has a great drawing power for well-known and respected faculty members. Don’t be surprised to see professors being interviewed or called in for their expert opinions on the news. Students find D.C. to be an exciting and eye-opening city, and the school’s classes reflect that. D.C. is a fast-paced and politically-charged town, and AU incorporates the best elements of the city into its education.

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American Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at American University

mbochnowicz

Biology '15

4.6
A

The Further You Go the Better It Gets

As a rising sophomore, I have come to the conclusion that the higher the course number you take, the better the professor and the more enjoyable the class. Once you get out of the basic 100 and 200 level classes, you get into the specifics that are the professors' specialities and the classes only become more informative and interesting.

May 11, 2012

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Academics at American University

mbochnowicz

Biology '15

4.2
A-

They Known Their Stuff

I chose American University because the campus was gorgeous and the biology program relatively small. Yet after my first semester I realized that all of the professors, especially those in the science department, were experts in their fields of study. They were exuberant during lecture and always willing to help; even the TA's that taught the labs were fantastic and engaging.

May 11, 2012

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Academics at American University

porlapaz

International Studies '15

4.2
A-

International Studies

The School of International Service at American University is THE place to study IR. There is an incredible, experience, knowledgable faculty and it is the biggest school for international relations in the U.S. I highly recommend AU if you want to study this major.

Apr 26, 2012

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User rating for American University - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 52 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: No
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Credit for scores of 4 and 5
IB Test Score Requirements Higher-level tests for grades of 4 or higher
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
  • Kogod School of Business (Kogod)
  • School of Communication (SOC)
  • School of International Service (SIS)
  • School of Public Affairs (SPA)
  • Washington College of Law (WCL)
Degrees Awarded
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 5%
  • International Relations and National Security Studies: 10%
  • Law: 6%
  • Political Science and Government, General: 3%
Graduation Requirements
  • English (including composition)
  • Mathematics
  • Science (biological or physical)
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
  • Weekend/evening college
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Cooperative education program
  • Double major
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Student-designed major
  • Washington semester
Best Places to Study
  • Bender Library
  • Residence hall lounges
  • Woods-Brown Amphitheater

Online Courses

Since online courses were first offered in 2004, AU has been steadily adding virtual courses to schedules. There are about 75 online courses a year.

Did You Know?
  • The most highly-populated school is the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • AU is a member of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, allowing students to enroll in courses offered by other member institutions and students at other member institutions to enroll in courses at AU.
  • Chartered by an Act of Congress in 1892, AU bears the Congressional Seal on its diplomas.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Jesse MacDonald
Hometown
Brooklyn
Major
Law & Society

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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