Undergraduate Academic Accelerator Pathway (2-Term) - Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Strategic Communication

at Shorelight Group - American University USA

Many of the most profound challenges facing humanity relate to the environment, health, or the intersection of the two. Climate change and species extinction currently undermine the quality of life for many and threaten to compromise the fundamental, organic infrastructure that supports all life on earth. Infectious diseases like HIV and malaria remain a major cause of death in poorer countries, while chronic diseases, once most apparent in richer countries, are becoming increasingly prevalent around the world. Meanwhile, environmental toxins, air and water pollution, and soil degradation compromise the health and well-being of peoples everywhere. Not only do ecological issues have the potential to impact public health, but decisions made by communities and the private and public sectors—from transportation to agriculture—markedly influence ecosystem functions. The Environmental Sustainability and Global Health Thematic Area introduces students to the socio-political dynamics of global health and environmental affairs. Students explore the multiple causes and consequences of environmental harm and ill health and work to understand the mechanisms of governance best able to respond. Cutting across both issues are the fundamental inequalities between people, as well as between countries, that exacerbate the impacts of environmental and health problems and hamper identification and implementation of solutions. Ultimately, students develop the intellectual and applied tools needed to simultaneously work towards a safer, saner planetary condition and healthier populations.

Delve into the art and science of music technology with a bachelor’s in audio technology. Through our program, you'll gain practical experience through courses in sound synthesis, audio production, digital audio workstations, electronics, and physics. You’ll master industry technologies in our recording studio designed by one of the premier studio design firms in the country.

Environmental science is more important today than ever before. American University's Master of Science in Environmental Science gives students the knowledge and leadership skills to confront pressing environmental challenges facing the world, from climate change to renewable energy to food and water security.

The program will prepare you for careers in science, research, environmental policy, and advocacy. With advanced coursework in climate modeling, geochemistry, conservation, and the statistics necessary to inform science-based policy, the program prepares students to engage in high-level environmental problem-solving and to develop innovative solutions to critically important environmental issues.

Spanish is the second-most popular language in the world, and in an increasingly interconnected global society, the study of languages and culture is of vital importance. With a major in Spanish studies, you’ll develop translingual fluency and social awareness through courses on literature, language, and more. AU Abroad programs will help enhance your language skills and immerse you in culture. 

Our master’s in chemistry emphasizes student research as they  learn to design, conduct, and analyze in our modern and specialized laboratories. First, you’ll build a solid foundation in methods, statistics, and research design. Then, you’ll choose a track that will prepare you for a career in clinical labs, pharmaceuticals, and biodefense, or you can customize your program for further graduate study. 

Our Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program prepares students for rewarding careers in all facets of the field, from nonprofit to forensic accounting.

Whether you're advancing your career, transitioning to a new one, or just starting out, the MSA program will put you on track to compete in a flourishing field – one that's projected to increase by 22 percent in the next decade. The MSA curriculum focuses on various accounting topics - including auditing, forensic investigation, business ethics, information systems, and more - to develop the leadership qualities and data-utilization skills you'll need to excel in the industry.

Position yourself for public policy success with our MPP degree. Located in DC, the epicenter of public affairs, you’ll receive world-class instruction from top faculty as you train to advance the quality of policy making in a variety of institutional settings. Gain insights from leading policy professionals and deepen your understanding with the many experiential learning opportunities available here.

MS taxation program is the only one of its kind offered in the Washington, DC area. This program offers the versatile and practical experience you need to excel in the tax world. Our faculty are both mentors and practitioners — many of whom hold high-level positions at PwC, Deloitte, and EY.

You'll develop and deepen your knowledge of federal and state tax codes, emerging from the program prepared to succeed in all areas of the field.

The Master’s in Statistics program features:

• One track for students who plan to pursue a PhD in statistics, and one track for those who want a professional master’s degree with a goal of finding a job right after graduation.
• The chance to learn from faculty who are researching a wide range of statistical methods, from evolutionary biology to computational statistics.
• Access to departmental relationships with the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health, and more.

The Arabic Program offers skill level courses, ranging from the elementary to the advanced levels, and topics courses introducing the students to key themes, texts, and figures of the modern and premodern Arab world. Our mission is to help students attain proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking the Arabic language. At the same time, since language reflects culture, we work with our students toward a higher degree of cultural proficiency. We achieve our goals through activities introducing the students to culturally authentic materials and by using a variety of resources, tools, and technologies. Arabic communication between instructor and students is a regular feature in our classes. While the primary focus in our courses is on Modern Standard Arabic, we integrate colloquial Arabic (Levantine or Egyptian dialect) into our language instruction at the skill level courses, in order to help our students develop a broader range of conversational skills.