Undergraduate Extended Accelerator Pathway (3-Term) - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - International Business

at Shorelight Group - American University USA

Issues of identity, whether avowed or ascribed and socially constructed or naturally derived, fundamentally shape people's lives and society. In particular, race, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, and nationality are determinate identities for many, though in reality, everyone holds multiple identities at the same time. Although these identities often appear to be static and fixed from the outside, they are dynamic and ever-changing, driven by the broader cultural and social influences in which they arise and exist. Courses in this Thematic Area examine the nature of these identities in a world in transition. Our courses, embodying both theoretical and grounded approaches, explore each of these identities in their own right, as well as in a historical and an intersectional manner that explores the relationship between them.

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.

At AU, studying sociology prepares you for careers in advocacy, research, teaching, and policymaking. Our degrees offer in-depth training in sociological theory and emphasize research methodology. There’s no better place to begin a career in social change than Washington, DC.

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.

This interdisciplinary degree encompasses feminist, masculinity, queer, and sexuality studies. The multicultural program is committed to an intersectional approach that embraces diverse perspectives, and courses emphasize participatory education in which student involvement, critical thinking, and personal insight are integral to the learning process. You can put your insights into practice through learning experiences at leading organizations throughout the nation's capital. 

Our MA in international economics prepares you to tackle the most pressing issues facing our global economy. You’ll become an expert in economic research methodology and a power-user of the state-of-the-art stats software commonly used in applied economics research. Our graduates go on to careers in government, financial institutions, multinational corporations, consulting firms, think tanks, multilateral institutions, and NGOs worldwide. 

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. 

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. 

The Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution Thematic Area explores the causes and consequences of war as they relate to competing understandings of peace and security. Courses in this area help students assess the choices as well as challenges involved in preventing, resolving, and managing conflict. Students engage theories and historical cases from international security, strategic studies, human security, peace studies, and conflict resolution to conceptualize war and insecurity. The gateway course begins this journey by establishing the broader philosophical traditions associated with competing schools of thought. Students examine the different definitions of peace, security, and conflict as well as general patterns of violence and insecurity in the world. The course builds on this foundation by introducing students to the dynamics of political violence and different peacebuilding and conflict resolution mechanisms.

Master of science in Quantitative Analysis will teach you to use mathematics to understand and predict behavior and events. Private and public institutions rely on these understandings and predictions, making quantitative analysts highly sought after by employers. To ensure your success, the master's degree also provides you with the professional skills necessary to succeed in government, consulting, industry, and finance.