Skip to main content
APPLY APPT
American University Online
Request Info
  • make a call
  • schedule an appointment
  • Apply
  • Chat Loading...
  • Request Info

APPT

855-725-7614

Search form
  • Online Degrees
    • Online Graduate Degree Programs
    • School of Public Affairs
    • Master of Public Administration and Policy
    • MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security
    • College of Arts and Sciences
    • MA in Economics, Applied Economics Specialization
    • MS in Nutrition Education
    • School of Communication
    • MA in Strategic Communication
    • School of Professional and Extended Studies
    • MS in Health Promotion Management
    • MS in Human Resource Analytics and Management
    • MS in Measurement & Evaluation
    • MS in Sports Analytics and Management
    • Online Graduate Certificates
    • School of Professional and Extended Studies Graduate Certificate Programs
    • Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Analytics and Management
    • Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education
    • Graduate Certificate in Project Monitoring & Evaluation
    • Graduate Certificate in Sports Analytics and Management
  • Admissions
    • Financial Aid and Tuition
    • Scholarships
    • International Students
    • Military Students
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • University Registrar
    • Campus Programs
  • About American University
    • Why American University
    • Accreditation and Rankings
    • Mission
    • President's Message
    • Online Student Life
    • Virtual Open Houses & Webinars
    • Alumni
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Apply
  • Request Info
   

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Home
  • About American University
  • Frequently Asked Questions

You are here

Home » About American University

About American University

  • Why American University
  • Accreditation and Rankings
  • Mission
  • President's Message
  • Online Student Life
  • Virtual Open Houses & Webinars
  • Alumni
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Where is American University located?

American University is located in Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital and one of the most powerful laboratories for learning in the world.

What is American University known for?

We are famous for our passion for public service, political activism and our advantageous location in a noted center of politics, culture, and media. Our graduates are distinguished by their dedication to bettering the world through compassionate and thoughtful leadership.

How many faculty members does American University employ?

In the 2011-12 school year, American University employed 798 full-time faculty. Of those, 94 percent hold the highest degree in their field. In addition, American programs feature adjunct faculty, alumni and guest speakers who are prominent experts, industry leaders and political office holders.

What is the student-faculty ratio? How about class size?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1. The average class size is 22 for undergraduate classes and 17 for graduate courses.

What is your average enrollment?

In 2012, enrollment was:
  • Undergraduate: 6,776
  • Graduate: 3,464
  • Law: 1,766
  • Nondegree, certificate, Washington Semester, American University Abroad: 1,159

Is the student population at American University diverse?

Yes, we have students from more than 130 countries and all 50 states. Sixty-nine percent of our physical and natural science majors are women and 1,904 students major in international studies – the largest in U.S. undergraduate programs.

Is American University public or private?

American University is a private doctoral institution.

How are the online programs different from the on-campus programs?

American University’s online courses are taught by the same accomplished faculty members and prestigious guest lecturers who teach on campus, and are just as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts. The main difference is the online format, which allows you greater convenience as to when and where you learn.

What are the technology requirements?

Technological Requirements

In this program, students will use the following systems and tools:

  • Engage Learning Management System: Participants will use their Engage credentials to log in at https://engage.american.edu.
  • Hardware
    • Any computer that is capable of running a modern Operating System (OS). For example: Windows 7, Mac OS/X, Linux
    • More memory (RAM) will allow for more applications, such as your online course and Microsoft Word, to be open and will speed up your computer in general.
    • A High Speed/Broadband internet connection.
    • You may also wish to purchase a microphone, either standalone or with a set of headphones. These would be for the times that you may need to do Voice-Over-IP chats or Voice-Over-PowerPoint presentations.
  • Web Browser Requirements: While the following web browsers are supported and tested, this course is optimized for use in Chrome.
    • With PCs running Windows OS:
      • Chrome. Download the latest version of Chrome here: http://www.google.com/chrome
      • Safari. Download the latest version of Safari here: http://www.apple.com/safari/download
      • Firefox 4.0 and above. Download the latest version of Firefox here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
      • Internet Explorer version 9.0 and above. Download the latest version of Internet Explorer for Windows here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/internet-explorer.aspx
    • With Macs running OS X:
      • Chrome. Download the latest version of Chrome here: http://www.google.com/chrome
      • Safari. Download the latest version of Safari here: http://www.apple.com/safari/download
      • Firefox 4.0 and above. Download the latest version of Firefox here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
  • Cookies Must Be Enabled on Your Browser
    A cookie is a small file that is placed on your computer by the server. Cookies are a very common Internet technology used by many websites, such as Amazon or eBay. Your browser has a setting that allows you to control whether you allow cookies or not.
  • In addition to the requirements listed above, you will need to download Adobe Reader, or another program that can read .pdf files. You may also need additional free-ware depending on the links in the course, such as Adobe Connect, Media Space or Google Hangout.

How do I learn more?

Simple. Just call us toll-free at 855-725-7614 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Admissions Advisers. Or you can request more information and we'll contact you.
  • Apply Now
  • Request Info

Recent News

Keep up with the latest happenings, news and accomplishments at American University.

  • Sylvia Burwell Inaugurated as American University’s First Female President
  • School of Public Affairs Advances to #18 for US News & World Reports’ 2019 Top Public Affairs Schools
I authorize American University and its representatives to contact me via SMS. I am providing my consent by leaving the opt-in checked. Message and data rates may apply. Terms.

*Required Fields

By submitting your information, you confirm you have read the Privacy Policy.

To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016

(855) 725-7614

Copyright © 2023 American University.

  • Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Site Map
FacebookTwitterYoutubeLinkedIn
  • Online Degrees
  • Admissions
  • About American University
  • Apply
  • Request Info

Higher Learning Commission AccreditedLearn more about how to file a complaint about a distance program or courses.