| Name | American University |
| Type | Private research university |
| Focus | Political science • Diplomacy • International affairs |
| Founded | 1835 |
| Location | |
| Reputation | Leading institution for global affairs and public policy |
| Notable alumni | Influential figures in U.S. government, military, and international organizations |
American University is a private research university in Washington, D.C. that was founded in 1835. It is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States, predating many of the country's most prestigious universities. American University has a strong focus on political science, diplomacy, and international affairs, reflecting its location in the heart of the nation's capital.
American University was established in 1835 by an act of United States Congress, making it one of the first federally chartered universities in the country. It was founded with the goal of providing advanced education and research opportunities for students interested in government, public policy, and international relations.
The university's initial campus was located just north of the U.S. Capitol building, and many of its earliest students were aspiring diplomats, civil servants, and military officers. By the late 19th century, American University had developed a reputation as a premier institution for the study of political science, economics, and international law.
The university's location in the nation's capital has been a crucial factor in its development and influence. Proximity to the federal government, foreign embassies, and major international organizations like the United Nations has allowed American University to forge strong ties with policymakers, government agencies, and the diplomatic community.
Many AU professors have served as advisors to the U.S. President and Congress, and the university's research centers and think tanks are frequently consulted on matters of foreign policy and national security. Students at American University also benefit from unparalleled access to internships, co-ops, and experiential learning opportunities in the federal government and international organizations.
From its founding, American University has had a decidedly international and policy-oriented focus in its curriculum and research. While it offers a range of liberal arts and professional degree programs, the university is particularly renowned for its School of International Service, School of Public Affairs, and Washington College of Law.
Key areas of study at American University include:
The university also maintains several specialized research centers and institutes dedicated to issues like global environmental policy, conflict resolution, and comparative and regional studies.
American University has produced numerous influential alumni who have gone on to high-level positions in government, the military, international organizations, and the private sector. Some of the university's most distinguished graduates include:
This alumni network, combined with the university's location and academic focus, has helped cement American University's reputation as a premier institution for the study of government, policy, and international affairs.
Over the course of the 20th century, American University has grown significantly both in size and stature. Its main campus has expanded considerably, and the university now operates several additional facilities in the Washington metropolitan area. AU also opened its Washington College of Law in 1896, which is now one of the top-ranked law schools in the country.
Today, American University enrolls over 14,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and over 130 countries. It is classified as a Doctoral University with the Highest Research Activity and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States for its international studies, public affairs, and law programs.
