Undergraduate Extended Accelerator Pathway (3-Term) - Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government

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.

If you want to combine your studies in journalism, film and media arts, or public relations and strategic communication with a concentration in French, German, Russian, or Spanish, the bachelor of arts in Foreign Language and Communication Media may be just what you're seeking.

This interdisciplinary degree, offered jointly by the School of Communication and the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the College of Arts and Sciences, allows you to learn from world-class faculty members whose cutting-edge research activities and professional engagements play key roles in global policy development. Foreign Language and Communication Media students come from across the country and around the world, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience that further enrich your learning experience.

The nation’s capital is your classroom, and our DC location offers unparalleled resources for research, internships, and jobs. Our outstanding faculty are actively involved with archives, museums, nonprofits, and government institutions. Whatever route you wind up taking, a BA in history from AU is your stepping stone to a rewarding career.

There is no better place to learn how to report the news than in the nation's capital, where news is made every minute of every day. At American University School of Communication, students regularly report on Capitol Hill, the DC government, federal agencies, and the policies forged here that have impact around the world. You'll gain valuable experience and earn bylines and credits through internships at major national and international news outlets including The Washington Post, USA TODAY, Politico, NBC4, and National Public Radio.

Our journalism program helps you hone your skills with courses in various forms of writing, advanced reporting, digital media, journalism ethics, and communication law as you learn from the School of Communication's richly experienced faculty. Our students take advantage of the most advanced video, audio, and film equipment in our Media Innovation Lab as they gain confidence being behind and in front of the camera. You'll graduate with strong writing and reporting abilities, an impressive multimedia portfolio, and connections throughout the industry that will help you build a successful career in journalism.

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.

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.

How does the brain produce thoughts? What makes a genome able to alter its own architecture? Can we stop world hunger by manipulating the DNA of bacteria, plants, and animals? These fascinating questions are being answered through biochemical research. Our biochemistry program offers three different tracks, a dynamic and impressive faculty, and a proven reputation with DC's major employers. 

Economics is the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth. Students in our bachelor’s program gain the analytic and quantitative skills necessary for research positions and prepare them for masters or doctoral level study in the discipline. We support a pluralistic approach to economics that embraces mainstream and heterodox perspectives and emphasizes policy applications.

Our literature BA program offers four tracks: literary studies, cinema studies, transcultural studies, and creative writing. Working with dedicated, award-winning faculty, students learn to analyze and comprehend other viewpoints and argue for ideas. Valuable internships in publishing, public radio, education, law, and advocacy are a short Metro ride away.

This program balances the practical and theoretical aspects of computer science and provides students with a solid background for professional careers or further study. You’ll master technologies, receive personalized attention in small classes, conduct research and independent studies with faculty members, obtain internships, and utilize the resources at various high-tech companies and government agencies in Washington, DC, region.