Undergraduate Academic Accelerator Pathway (2-Term) - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance

at Shorelight Group - American University USA

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. 

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.

AU’s production studios are constantly buzzing with creative activity. They’re the cornerstone of one of the best audio tech and production programs in the US. Here, students work alongside professionals and experienced faculty in state-of-the-art editing bays and recording studios. Washington, DC, offers a variety of top-notch internship opportunities and a vibrant music scene. 

Combine business and STEM courses to develop an analytical skill set for the modern business world. Learn from top-credentialed faculty interested in your success. Specialize in accounting, analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems and technology, international business, management, or marketing. Gain real-world experience by solving problems for local businesses or interning at DC’s many financial institutions, consulting firms, and policy institutes.

Carve your path as an artist and scholar as you explore the history, theory, and performance traditions across diverse musical genres and forms. Our students perform internationally with our ensembles and intern with the most prestigious arts organizations of the nation’s capital, gaining world-class professional opportunities and contacts. Many of our private instructors are nationally recognized performers. 

The Foreign Policy and National Security Thematic Area features course offerings on US foreign policy, war and diplomacy, and both national and global security concerns. The gateway course for this Thematic Area is Analysis of US Foreign Policy SISU 230, which aims to provide students with an understanding of broad historical trends and traditions in US foreign policy; the ability to assess the main theoretical perspectives relevant to the field of US foreign policy; the ability to identify the key actors, institutions, and political processes involved in the making of US foreign policy; the capacity to analyze selected contemporary policy issues; and an opportunity to demonstrate research, analytical, writing, and presentation skills.

Public Relations. It's a field built on ideas and images, persuasion and information, strategy and tactics. From studios promoting films to companies burnishing their images to advocates promoting social causes, public relations is at the heart of our economy, society, and politics. No policy or product can succeed without a smart message targeted to the right audience in creative and innovative ways. The ability to communicate strategically is what our Public Relations and Strategic Communication program is all about.

Our goal is to educate you not only in the most recent trends, but in the type of thinking that will set you apart from your peers. Through courses, internships, and hands-on work, we empower you with the strategic tools and insights that rival what professionals learn after years of experience.

Researching or doing a project on a political issue or environmental cause? We'll send you out to speak with key influencers so that you can weave that knowledge into your coursework. You may even have a chance to work with real-life clients. Some of the biggest names in Washington, DC from speechwriters to high-level professionals are guest lecturers in our classes. PR firms, international organizations, health care companies, congressional offices and advocacy groups all welcome our students as interns. You'll build a network of professionals that will enhance your learning and accelerate your career.

The MA in Art History provides advanced historical study in European and American art from the early Renaissance through the present, as well as Asian and other non-Western art, to prepare you for a doctoral program, curatorial position, or one of many other museum-related careers. You will develop an understanding of art historical methods and research practices while building skills in critical thinking, visual analysis, research, and written and verbal communication about art. Our program exposes students to innovative approaches to art history to foster a broad understanding of the discipline and its wide-ranging applications.

Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the AU School of Public Affairs is to prepare students to lead with distinction in programs that serve the public good, both in the U.S. and abroad. Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), our program delves into the prime components of leadership in public and nonprofit organizations, the realm of public policy, and the analysis of issues critical to public administration today.

Train to become an effective advocate for our planet and help address such issues as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. You’ll begin by taking foundational courses in both natural and social sciences, then choose a course of study suited to your interests and goals. Pursue research opportunities with faculty or one of the many prestigious environmental institutions nearby.