Welcome to American University

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Welcome

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Welcome to American University (AU), a private liberal arts university located in the Spring Valley neighborhood of Washington D.C. Frederick Law Olmstead, the architect behind Central Park and the U.S. Capitol building grounds, originally designed the 84-acre campus, which doubles as a national arboretum and public garden. AU students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees while benefitting from an impressive 12:1 student-faculty ratio. A politically active atmosphere is further fostered through D.C. internships and associations. Let's take a look at the beautiful campus of American University and explore its educational possibilities!

Bender Library

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When you are in need of research materials, in print or electronic form, head to the Bender Library, which is home to more than 1 million volumes. The second floor is a designated quiet study area, while the underground level is home to the popular Mudbox Café as well as Media Services, where students can check out hundreds of movie titles for free. The library is open 24 hours a day, five days a week, with extensive hours the remaining days; combined with wireless capabilities, it is always a convenient place for studying and writing.

Mary Graydon Building

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The Mary Graydon Center serves as the campus center, providing space for student organization offices, lounges, and meeting rooms. The first floor is a popular destination at mealtime, featuring several dining options; on the same floor, students also flock to The Tavern, which hosts parties and movie nights. The third floor of Mary Graydon Center is devoted primarily to academics, housing the School of Communication, which graduates the third highest number of communication majors in the country. Next to the school's classrooms are a theater as well as photo and computer labs.

Hurst Building

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Hurst Hall was the first building constructed at American, and was originally home to the History department; today it houses the Departments of Biology and Environmental Studies. Biology students explore contemporary topics like embryology, molecular genetics, and immunology, led by faculty members through instruction as well as exciting research. Hurst Hall also provides space for the Honors Program and the Center for Teaching Excellence.

Battelle-Tompkins Hall

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The Battelle-Tompkins Memorial Building is home to the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest of the seven divisions at AU. This college boasts a faculty and student population that represents all 50 states and 150 countries, making for a diverse learning environment. Several renovations have brought modern features to Battelle-Tompkins, including a glass-roofed atrium that resides above a space used for performances and lectures.

Kogod Business Building

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This building is home to the school of the same name, the highly rated Kogod School of Business. Both the Wall Street Journal and Business Week have deemed Kogod as one of the best business schools in the United States. Academic spaces include high-tech team conference rooms as well as tiered classrooms. This facility was expanded in 2009 and now features a career development area, a financial services and information technology lab, and a student lounge.

Katzen Arts Center

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The 130,000-square-foot Katzen Arts Center is the creative headquarters of all of AU's visual and performing arts programs. Here students can hone their skills in the dance studio, electronic studio, and rehearsal spaces before participating in performances in the Abramson Family Recital Hall and the Studio Theatre. MFA students enjoy the use of individual studios throughout their graduate careers. Katzen is also home to the three-floor American University Museum, which exhibits works from artists like Picasso, Chagall, and Warhol.

Kay Spiritual Life Center

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Although American University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, its curriculum is secular. The Kay Spiritual Center is an all- inclusive interfaith place of worship, with services for those of Buddhist, Catholic, Jewish, and Hindu faiths, among many others. The circular design and distinct architectural features make it a popular venue for concerts and musical events. In addition, the center is used for the Table Talk Lunch Series, which addresses contemporary ethical issues in both a lecture and forum style.

Ward Circle Building

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Named after General Artemas Ward, who served under General George Washington, the Ward Circle Building is home to the School of Public Affairs. It ranks among the top 15 programs of its kind and was initially created during the Roosevelt era to cultivate future federal government employees. Currently this school is divided into the following three academic departments: Public Administration & Policy, Government, and Justice, Law, & Society, all of which offer stimulating and dynamic educational paths to becoming effective and influential leaders in public arenas.

East Quad Building

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While it formerly served as the primary facility for the School of International Service (SIS), today the East Quad building houses only the faculty and staff for this particular school. Its cornerstone was laid by President Dwight Eisenhower, whose vision for the Cold War-era school was to develop human-focused international affairs programs. SIS events, including panel discussions and guest lectures, continue to be held in the East Quad Building Lounge.

School of International Service

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Having outgrown its former home, the brand-new School of International Service (SIS) building was completed in 2010. It achieved a LEED Gold- certified designation due to its energy-saving solar panels, low-flow faucets, and solar water heating systems. These ecological features reinforce the school's commitment to being of service to the global community as a whole. Students can concentrate in areas like peace and conflict resolution, global environmental politics, and international communication, just to name a few.

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