Undergraduate

The International Accelerator Program supports international students in exploring their passions and goals while nurturing and developing in-demand skills. We work with you to assess and determine which program best suits you, based on your academic records and English-language proficiency.

Undergraduate Degrees

At American University, you will join high-achieving students from around the world. Pursue your dream degree in Washington, DC — from Accounting to International Studies to Data Science. Explore the options below.

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American University’s Kogod School of Business provides students with unparalleled opportunities to become innovative business leaders – locally, nationally, or globally.

Business Administration
–Accounting
–Entrepreneurship
–Finance
–Information Systems & Technology
–International Business
–Management
–Marketing

Business, Language & Culture Studies*
–Arabic
–French
–German
–Russian
–Spanish

*This degree may take longer than four years to complete. Please contact the IAP office at admissions@auaccelerator.com for additional details.

American University’s College of Arts & Sciences offers a challenging curriculum led by renowned faculty. Study in the political and cultural capital of the US while developing your research and critical-thinking skills.

African American and African Diaspora Studies
American Studies
Anthropology
Applied Mathematics – STEM designated
Arab World Studies
Arabic Studies
Art History
Asia, Pacific, and Diaspora Studies
Audio Production
Audio Technology
Biochemistry – STEM designated
Biology – STEM designated
Chemistry – STEM designated
Computational Science – STEM designated
Computer Science – STEM designated
Dance
Data Science – STEM designated
Economics
Environmental Science – STEM designated
Environmental Studies – STEM designated
Foreign Language and Communication Media
French Studies
German Studies
Graphic Design
Health Promotion
History
Jewish Studies
Language and Area Studies:
–French/Europe
–German/Europe
–Russian/Area

Languages:
–Arabic
–Chinese
–French
–German
–Hebrew
–Italian
–Japanese
–Korean
–Portuguese
–Russian
–Spanish
–Swahili

Literature
Mathematics – STEM designated
Mathematics and Economics – STEM designated
Music
Musical Theatre
Neuroscience – STEM designated
–Cognitive Neuroscience
–Molecular Neuroscience

Philosophy
Photography
–CAS
–SOC

Physics – STEM designated
Psychology
Public Health
Religious Studies
Russian Studies
Sociology
Spanish Studies
Statistics – STEM designated
Studio Art
Theatre
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

American University’s School of International Service (SIS) — ranked in the Top 10 for its international affairs program (U.S. News & World Report) — creates leaders who are ready to tackle the most pressing challenges in an interconnected world.

International Studies
– Environmental Sustainability and Global Health
– Foreign Policy and National Security
– Global and Comparative Governance
– Global Inequality and Development
– Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture
– Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights
– Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution
– The Global Economy

American University’s School of Communication inspires leaders through excellence in teaching, research, creativity – and by offering only-in-DC real-world opportunities.

Communication Studies
Film and Media Arts
Foreign Language and Communication Media
Journalism
– Sports Production Option
Public Relations and Strategic Communication

American’s School of Public Affairs (SPA) empowers students to build a bridge between academic thought and policy planning and to inspire change at every level.

Communication, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government (CLEG)
Justice and Law
Legal Studies
Political Science

American University’s School of Education offers an engaging curriculum of interdisciplinary approaches for how to teach young students to become future leaders.

Elementary Education
Secondary Education

Programs + Sample Curriculum

The International Accelerator at American University has a number of programs designed for international students. Upon applying, students will be placed into the track that best fits their academic and English language skills and put them on the best path towards their degree. International Direct Entry is also available for students to who are ready to start their degree program as a freshman.

English Language Assessment

All International Accelerator students may take an optional English language assessment test during their orientation. As a result, the length of study may be longer than originally anticipated, and involve additional costs including tuition and other fees.

Progression

Students must earn grade of C or better in all Required Courses and B- or better in all ELTA courses. All program students must complete remedial coursework in each term. Courses that satisfy the remedial standard are Live, Learn, Grow (ELTA-064) and ELTA 160. All students must comply with minimum F-1 visa course enrollment requirements while in the International Accelerator program. See progression requirements for further information.

American University requires a 2.0 GPA for all degrees and majors.

Estimated Program Duration

Time to completion varies based on your English-language ability, degree choice, and number of courses per semester.

Year 1
Fall
International Direct (ID) - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
AAP
EAP
VARIES
Summer
AAP
EAP
EAP
Spring
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
EAP
EAP
Year 2
Fall
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
EAP
Summer
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
Spring
Year 3
Fall
Summer
Spring
Year 4
Fall
Summer
Spring
Year 4 +
Fall
Summer
Spring
International Direct Entry Sample Curriculum
Academic Accelerator Program Track Sample Curriculum
Extended Accelerator Program Track Sample Curriculum
Pre-Sessional English
The curriculum shown is a sample and subject to change. Required coursework will vary by degree. Students must complete at least 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree.
SEMESTER I
AuX 1
Complex Problems
BIO-110 General Biology I
College Writing I
Math
Total
CREDITS
1.5
3
4
3 – W1
4 – Q1
15.5ch
SEMESTER II
AuX 2
D elective
BIO-210 General Biology II
College Writing II
Math (4ch) or elective
Total
CREDITS
1.5
3
4
3
3
14.5-15.5ch
SEMESTER I
AuX 1
Complex Problems
BIO-110 General Biology I
College Writing I
Math
Total
CREDITS
1.5
3
4
3 – W1
4 – Q1
15.5ch
SEMESTER II
AuX 2
D elective
BIO-210 General Biology II
College Writing II
Math (4ch) or elective
Total
CREDITS
1.5
3
4
3
3
14.5-15.5ch

Courses and credits vary depending on advising, availability, and admission term.

SEMESTER 1
AUX I (CORE-196)
Academic Writing Skills (ELTA-101)
Culture of U.S. Higher Education (ELTA-160)
Major/Elective
Major/Elective
CREDITS
1.5
3
3
3
3
SEMESTER 2
College Writing (WRT-100)
Intercultural Understanding (ELTA-130)
Major/Elective
Major/Elective
CREDITS
3
3
3
3
SEMESTER 1
AUX I (CORE-196)
Academic Writing Skills (ELTA-101)
Culture of U.S. Higher Education (ELTA-160)
Major/Elective
Major/Elective
CREDITS
1.5
3
3
3
3
SEMESTER 2
College Writing (WRT-100)
Intercultural Understanding (ELTA-130)
Major/Elective
Major/Elective
CREDITS
3
3
3
3

Courses and credits vary depending on advising, availability, and admission term.

SEMESTER 1
Live, Learn, Grow I (ELTA-064)
English for Academic Purposes I (ELTA-070)
Critical Reading Skills (ELTA-072)
Major/electives
CREDITS
1
6
6
3
SEMESTER 2
AUX I (CORE-196)
Academic Writing Skills (ELTA-101)
Culture of U.S. Higher Education (ELTA-160)
Major Class
Elective
CREDITS
1.5
3
3
3
3
SEMESTER 3
AUX II (CORE-200)
College Writing (WRT-100)
Intercultural Understanding (ELTA-130)
Major/Elective
Major/Elective
CREDITS
1.5
3
3
3
3
SEMESTER 1
Live, Learn, Grow I (ELTA-064)
English for Academic Purposes I (ELTA-070)
Critical Reading Skills (ELTA-072)
Major/electives
CREDITS
1
6
6
3
SEMESTER 2
AUX I (CORE-196)
Academic Writing Skills (ELTA-101)
Culture of U.S. Higher Education (ELTA-160)
Major Class
Elective
CREDITS
1.5
3
3
3
3
SEMESTER 3
AUX II (CORE-200)
College Writing (WRT-100)
Intercultural Understanding (ELTA-130)
Major/Elective
Major/Elective
CREDITS
1.5
3
3
3
3

The Pre-Sessional program is delivered through American University’s English Language Training Academy (ELTA). Explore course descriptions here. This program provides students with the English and classroom skills they need to transition to academic life in the United States. Students may enroll in the Pre-Sessional English program in the spring, summer, or fall, and progress into the Extended Accelerator Program.

Admissions

International Direct Entry is available for students who qualify to enter directly into their undergraduate degree program. Additionally, the International Accelerator at American University offers three unique program tracks specifically designed to set international students up for success. Our admissions team will place students in the appropriate track for their needs. Visit the Admissions page to learn more about:

  • Entry Requirements
  • Typical Costs
  • Important Dates
  • Application instructions

American University

#91 National Universities

14,311 total enrollment

13% international students

Diverse international city