Undergraduate Extended Accelerator Pathway (3-Term) - Bachelor of Arts International Studies - Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture

at Shorelight Group - American University USA

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.

The world works in fascinating ways, and AU physics students are driven to learn how. Whether you pursue a BS or BA, we offer nationally-recognized labs, prestigious internship opportunities, and a diverse, dedicated faculty. You can reach for the stars through our NASA partnerships or build prototypes in the Design and Build Lab, and you’ll collaborate with experts on hands-on research.

The Global and Comparative Governance Thematic Area is designed for students who are interested in how a range of actors—local, national, global—seek to understand and solve the compelling security, development, environmental, and economic problems of our time. This thematic area focuses on the role that states, regional and global institutions (the United Nations, EU, World Bank, etc.), civil society, and the private sector play in addressing regional and global problems. Students also have the option of specializing in a geographical region. Students will take a multidisciplinary approach and will acquire the skills to empirically evaluate phenomena, anticipate emerging trends, and interpret data through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes theory and applied knowledge.

Chemistry, the study of matter, is elemental to understanding the world around us. Our program provides a solid grounding in many areas of study, including general, organic, and physical chemistry, as students pursue a personalized curriculum with the help of practitioner faculty. We place a large emphasis on practical experience, and students conduct research projects of their own design.

Neuroscience is a rapidly growing, interdisciplinary field, including psychology, chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics/computer science. You’ll study biological and chemical mechanisms of both typical and atypical brain functions with faculty experts in behavioral, computational, and cognitive neuroscience. You achieve depth in the field through upper-level specialization and research experience, and develop breadth by selecting courses from a range of electives.

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. 

If you're seeking a broad, intellectually challenging course of study that will allow you to expand and deepen your understanding of the political, social, cultural, global, and historical dimensions of communication disciplines, the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies is for you.

The Communication Studies degree is research-focused, and culminates in a capstone research project, mentored by PhD faculty. It offers students in-depth exposure to the development of scholarship and intellectual trends in communication. We empower you with the fundamental concepts that cut across the field, including journalism, public communication, and film. The breadth and rigor of this major will prepare you for graduate studies or a professional career in the field of communication.

Philosophy is the passionate study of ideas, concepts, arguments, and ideologies. It is also a practice of critically attending to forms of experience, perspectives, and discourses that shape and express our lives. In this way, pursuing a degree in philosophy offers an opportunity to think differently and to think otherwise. The undergraduate program in philosophy at American University does this by exposing students to a wide variety of philosophical traditions and methods, while helping them to cultivate an attunement to issues of ethics and social justice. As such, our philosophy students grapple with the longstanding mysteries of knowledge and existence in the face of urgent political issues and the state of our world today, while also honing their thinking, writing and communication. Ultimately, the philosophy BA program helps students acquire useful skills for many trades and professions (former students have gone on to careers in academia, business, government, journalism, law, non-profit, public administration, etc.); but above all, it nurtures powers of the mind and heart for future changemakers. 

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.

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.