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Top Five Reasons to Attend Grad School at AU in Washington, DC

From internships and networking opportunities to cultural enrichment, AU, CAS, and the nation’s capital offer one-of-a-kind grad school experiences and opportunities

DC downtown and Potomac River at night.

Thinking about graduate school at American University?

Welcome to Washington, DC, a dynamic, international city and hub of opportunity, culture, and learning. At American University’s College of Arts and Sciences, you will study at the epicenter of global decision-making, where you can connect with leaders in their fields and find research and job opportunities at some of the most exciting and impactful organizations in the world.

From unparalleled networking and internships to proximity to policymaking, top-tier faculty, and an enriching cultural land intellectual landscape, DC is more than just a location—it’s a launchpad for your future. Here are the top five reasons why grad school at AU’s College of Arts and Sciences is a game-changer.

NASA flag waving in front of USA flag.1. Networking, Internships, and Jobs: DC is a mighty hub of government agencies, world-class research institutions, international organizations, non-profits, think tanks, and museums and cultural institutions, offering our students unparalleled networking opportunities that lead to internships, fellowships, collaborations, and exciting careers.
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US Capitol.2. Proximity to Policymaking and Power: Want to make a difference in the world? Come to DC, where our students have unmatched access to federal agencies, policymakers, and legislative processes that can complement any field, from economics to environmental science.
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Group discussion in an academic setting.3. Faculty at the Top of their Fields: In the College of Arts and Sciences, you’ll study in small classes under experienced faculty who can open doors for students at institutions like the Smithsonian, Amazon, National Institutes of Health, NASA, the World Bank, and more. AU’s faculty offer mentorship, resources, access to events, and research opportunities to enrich your graduate education.
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Museum gallery.4. Cultural and Intellectual Enrichment: If you love the arts, literature, and history, DC's cultural scene offers museums, theaters, galleries, and historical landmarks, as well academic lectures, seminars, book readings, and more. Our campus is filled with arts performances and events, and our faculty and alumni have connections across prestigious institutions from the Kennedy Center to the Library of Congress.
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Bikers and flowers on the DC Mall.5. A Vibrant, Global City: AU's 90-acre campus is a green arboretum surrounded by the energy, culture, and opportunities of our nation’s capital. There’s something for everyone in DC. It's a city of diverse people, neighborhoods, and cultures, along with world-class restaurants for every budget, professional sports teams, and world-class concerts, shows, and shopping. And don’t forget DC’s abundant green spaces, parks, running trails and bike paths.

For More Information

For more information about graduate programs offered by American University’s College of Arts and Sciences, visit the Graduate Admissions website.