American University Reviews

"American University caught my eye when I was applying because of the location in the nation's capital but also because of how highly the current/previous students spoke about the program. So far as a student, the career center (KCCD) has been impressive with the events and career fairs and the events and guest speakers have been interesting and though provoking. The quality of professors and diversity and community among the business program is also inviting. I am glad that I chose to attend American U!"

"My program, International Communication, has really been amazing! The classes are super rigorous and competitive and the workload is kind of crazy, but I have learned so much. I have developed friendships with my colleagues and the staff have also been really supportive."

"The Public Administration graduate program at American University is nationally ranked for the precise fact that the quality of education is among the best. There are no inherent cons with this program other than the workload in some classes is excessive."

"The professors are great. I am in awe of everything they have accomplished! I feel so blessed to hear their personal advice. Its hard to make friends in the graduate program and housing is really expensive.....But the School of international service is amazing"

"Students in the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program have similar interests as I do, which makes a great environment."

"An excellent program that teaches both the history of public administration and where it is going in the next several decades."

"American University's graduate program in Film and Video offers both advantages and disadvantages. The pros of the program include its location in Washington, DC. Located in the nation's capital, students have various opportunities to engage in various communal, cultural, and political activities such as film screenings, guest speaker presentations, museum exhibits, many of which capture the city's diversity and are free. Public transportation makes the city generally accessible. The program has a strong history and foundation in documentary filmmaking, especially social and environmental documentaries. The Center for Social Media and the Center for Environmental Filmmaking both boast an extensive body or work that has won many accolades and awards. Both organizations continue to produce many important films while engaging in effective, meaningful advocacy. The school's faculty are knowledgeable, helpful, and accomplished, especially in the area of non-fiction with an exception of a few. According to the new dean, he is trying to develop the school's narrative program by recruiting respected professors, securing funding and affiliations, and creating a new track for video gaming. At the same time, the program is still lacks in human resources that specialize in narrative storytelling. A few members of the faculty are outdated, resorting to old teaching methods and material that does not reflect the technological and commercial advancement of the film industry. The selection of classes are mediocre at times because of the lack of variety, and a few courses could be packaged as DIY classes. Their rental equipment center could use improvement in the quality of equipment and general availability. The most glaring con of the program is the availability, or lack, of financial aid. The program does not provide sufficient funding considering the program's costs and the cost of living in DC. It encourages admitted students to attend with aid the first year, but that aid often decreases or is nonexistent for returning students."

"DC in general is a very expensive city and my one bone to pick with AU is that it does not have graduate school housing. But, if that doesn't matter to you, this is a high quality, competitive program that carries name recognition, especially if you intend to ultimately work in DC."

"I love American University (AU), despite the high cost of tuition and living in DC. I feel that I am receiving a quality education and my professors have been knowledgeable experts in their respective fields. The opportunities for networking in our nation's Capitol are unsurpassed, and the School of International Service has a great reputation. I am proud to tell people I meet that I am a student at American University's School of International Service (SIS). Transportation via the Metro or the university shuttle make getting to school easy. Though parking is a bit pricey it is never hard to find a parking space. I am continually impressed with my classmates and other students that I meet on campus, and I feel so lucky to be able to study with such diverse global citizens. I feel that I am among my kind of people at AU and SIS. The Career Center and Library always provide top-notch assistance on anything from internships, to scholarships, to research. My program in EPGA is definitely small, but I am so glad that I chose it. It's giving me the theoretical knowledge and practical skills for work in human rights, business ethics, and conflict resolution. Compared to other DC area schools who offer degrees in my field of study, I felt that my program at AU and SIS offered the best combination of the art and science of peace studies."

"Great fit - AU was what I was looking for. In a city but had a campus, international student body, strong business and international relations programs, good interaction with government & business. We just need a football team! I'd choose the same degree, but would add either a second degree in economics or a 2nd specialization in finance A degree is the cost of entry into the professional world. In the current hiring environment (at least in busines / IT & tech / national security), it's less about the type of degree you have and more about your ability to demonstrate passion for, understanding of, and dedication to your chosen field."

"American University is the most supportive university I've been to with easy access to Professors. However, the cost is high."

"My graduate program offers a solid education in the fine arts, an intimate environment where every student receives close attention, and a supportive network upon which to enter the workforce."

"The School of International Service is among the top programs for International Relations in the country, and I'm fortunate to have been accepted. The classes offered so far have been exceptional, and there are numerous networking programs available to students to mingle with each other and alumni, and/or professionals within our field. Unfortunately, the networking events are usually the only events I can attend as everything else (i.e. presentations, book discussions, etc) tend to be during the day, which doesn't really help those of us who work during the day."

"Pros- The professors are dedicated to helping you succeed if **you** want to. You have to ask for help/suggestions/counsel, but they're always willing to lend a hand. Cons- DC is an incredibly expensive city to live in and the graduate assistant fellowship precludes outside employment, leaving students' financial situations in limbo. The security of the campus is seemingly nonexistent (never see any uniformed officers) and there is no barrier to entry."

"Overall the staff and faculty are extremely supportive and helpful. There is quite a bit of coursework but it is more time-consuming then rigorous. You are matched with a faculty advisor who is able to provide you with additional information and support if you need it but it requires you to be proactive on your end. Most of the low ratings are because the area in DC is extremely expensive and there is little to no diversity on campus."

"AU is a great place to do the post-bacc program. Professors are very accessible and the work-load is manageable, even while working part time. I feel like I have actually learned the sciences, much better than I did in undergrad."

"I loved my time at American University. Living in the Nation's Capitol, while studying international topics pertaining to my degree of Spanish and Latin American Studies (democracy and conflict, performance activism, revolution and beyond, cultural studies, human rights, Latin American Relations, history, power, and place, political violence) was an experience of growth unlike any other. Being in an international and politically invovled context provided for discussion on a global level. Having the chance to complete a practicum relating to all these topics in the center of the city allowed me to experience and discuss the theory learned in the classroom in a real world context. The one con I would mention was the inability to write a thesis as for completion of graduation. Upon application, two options for completion of the program were offered: comprehensive exams or a thesis. In the end, the school wasn´t prepared for the thesis option, and only the comprehensive exam option was available. As a cultural and language advocate, writing a thesis seems much more beneficial."

"American University's School of International Service (not listed) is amazing. I am currently enrolled in their Masters of International Affairs program. While the academics at the school is amazing, along with their support network; the financial aid is not. I have been having a tough time securing appropriate funding to continue on with my education."

"The graduate history department could not be better. The educational value is incomparable. The only negative to the University is living costs."

"My graduate school program fully utilizes the diversity of experience from its faculty and students, which makes classroom discussions more interesting. Furthermore, the professors have experience in their fields and are not purely academics. The examples and anecdotes they share help to move theory to practice. On a similar note, American University attempts to equip its students with skills, not only theory. This is a great university and I am glad that I have an opportunity to attend American University."