Find out more about American University

An online Master of Arts degree in International Relations (MAIR) is offered through American University’s School of International Service. Students develop a strong foundation in international relations, policy knowledge, communication skills, and more. Expand specialized expertise through concentrations including:

• Global Security
• International Development
• International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• US Foreign Policy
• National Security 

Customize a curriculum with AU online, and explore aspirations of global professionalism from anywhere in the world. The world is in demand of professionals seeking to effect positive international change. Start the journey towards making a difference with American University today.

The online Master of Arts in Economics program from American University provides you with the knowledge, credentials, and skills in analysis and communication necessary to advance your career and make an impact. The program benefits from AU’s location in Washington, DC, the epicenter of economic policy, by connecting you with the organizations and individuals impacting the global economy today.

The curriculum is policy-oriented with hands-on statistical guidance. Coursework in this online finance degree examines economic theory, challenging you to interpret how policies will affect markets and translate those complexities for a wide audience. Students also learn how to utilize Stata, a state-of-the-art statistical software tool used widely throughout the economics field.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for roles in diverse settings such as:

• Government agencies
• Congressional committees
• Financial institutions
• Economic consulting firms
• Business finance

Enter any constantly changing industry with an online MA in Strategic Communication from American University. Learn from faculty bringing professional experience to the virtual classroom, and build your skills and knowledge directly applicable to the workplace. AU’s online master’s degree strategic communications studies will incorporate foundational topics into specialized concentrations, including but not limited to:

• Advocacy and social impact
• Digital communications strategies
• Data analytics and management

Build your skills in campaigning, research, strategy, and more with one of the best online communication degrees in the US. Graduate’s from American University’s comprehensive program may find pursuable careers in corporate communications, government or nonprofit sectors, public relations, and diplomacy, among other industries. Take the next step in your profession with an online master’s degree in communication from American University.

Incorporate data and technology into your corporate decision-making with an online MBA in Business Analytics from American University. This advanced degree will prepare you for management or executive roles that create organizational strategies and objectives. Content you will study, in addition to a core business curriculum, may include:

• Business insights through analytics
• Predictive analytics
• Big data and databases
• Business intelligence

This online master’s degree in Business Analytics lets you take advantage of the university’s location in Washington, DC. With face-to-face immersions as an integral part of the program, you will have the chance to network with your classmates, professors, and international business leaders who tend to converge on the nation’s capital. If you prefer, you can also attend a business immersion experience in an international capital for an inverse perspective. This program, geared towards working professionals, can be earned in 12, 15, 18 or 24 months.

If you are a problem solver who can think on your feet and communicate well, consider advancing your business career with an online MBA in Consulting. At American University, you will focus on various ways to tackle organizational challenges. You will refine your skills in research and analysis. Supplementing your foundation in core business disciplines, you may study:

• Business intelligence
• Integrated marketing communications
• Management consulting practices and methodologies

This master’s of Business Administration online degree enables you to take advantage of the university’s strategic location in Washington, DC, where powerhouses of consulting gather to work with the federal government. There, you will have the opportunity for face-to-face immersions to network with your classmates, professors, and leaders in the field. Intended for working professionals, AU’s MBA can be earned online with 12, 15, 18 or 24-month tracks.

The Master of Business Administration in Finance from American University focuses on investments and risk management in today’s dynamic business environment. Students can complete the program in as little as 12 months full time, but three additional completion tracks are offered to fit any schedule.

Online students are able to take advantage of American University’s location in Washington, DC, through face-to-face immersion sessions. These experiences allow for networking with classmates, professors, and international business leaders in the nation’s capital. Students also have the option to attend a business immersion experience in an international capital for an inverse perspective.

Some of your coursework in this online Finance master’s degree may include: 

• International finance
• Investment analysis
• Portfolio management
• Fraud examination and litigation support

The Legal Studies specialization of American University’s online Master of Business Administration degree provides the legal knowledge business professionals need to be confident decision-makers. Coursework helps students better understand the US legal system and legal terminology they may encounter in a business environment. Graduates of this online law degree can benefit from knowing the legalities surrounding contracts, negotiations, transactions, and other business procedures.

The Master of Business Administration online degree program at AU offers leadership and financial analysis skills applicable to a wide range of industries. In-person immersions at the university’s Washington, DC, campus or at business capitals around the world allow students to network with classmates, professors, and industry leaders. Students can choose a completion program of 12 to 24 months to best fit their schedule and career goals.

Core coursework explores various business subsets, including:

• Managerial economics
• Operations management
• Corporate strategy
• Management in the international economy
• Marketing management
• Strategic decision making

American University offers an online MBA in Marketing to prepare you for management and executive positions within a myriad of business sectors. From corporate reputation and sustainability to consumer products, marketing plays a strategic role in every organization’s success. AU’s Master of Business Administration in Marketing covers advertising, market research, promotion, brand management, and other strategic facets. 

This online Marketing degree enables you to take advantage of AU’s location in Washington, DC. There, you will have the opportunity for face-to-face immersions to network with your classmates, professors, and international business leaders who tend to converge on the nation’s capital. If you prefer, you can also attend a business immersion experience in an international capital for an inverse perspective.

Supplementing your core business curriculum is coursework that includes:

• Brand strategy
• Business intelligence
• Integrated marketing communications

The Self-Designed track of American University’s online MBA allows you to choose electives that line up with your career and learning goals to become a successful professional in the contemporary business environment. You will learn management techniques to hone your communication and critical thinking skills from a global perspective. This online Business Administration degree can be completed at a pace that fits your lifestyle, with 12-, 15-, 18- and 24-month completion tracks.

This Self-Designed MBA enables you to take advantage of AU’s strategic location in Washington, DC. There, you will have the opportunity for face-to-face immersions to network with your classmates, professors, and international business leaders who tend to converge on the nation’s capital. If you prefer, you can also attend a business immersion experience in an international capital for an inverse perspective.

Elective courses can be chosen from a combination of focus areas, including:

• Business analytics
• Finance
• Consulting
• Cybersecurity
• Marketing
• Legal studies

Why choose between analytics and administration when you can learn and perfect the core competencies of both? American University’s online Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) program combines our School of Public Affairs' top-ranked, nationally recognized, and NASPAA-accredited MPA and MPP degree programs into one foundational, highly marketable credential. Located in Washington, D.C., American University places you in the center of government interplay. As a student at American University, you are uniquely positioned for success through our student-centered, collaborative learning approach paired with the power of American’s extensive alumni network and connections. American University is committed to helping our students meet their career goals and preparing them to become effective public administrators and leaders for social change and find a meaningful purpose in their communities.

Are you ready to accept the challenge to become a leader in public service? American University’s online Master of Public Administration and Policy degree arms you with the skills and knowledge needed to master the interdependency between public administration, policy, and the critical role both play in our governance. Gain the administrative and management skills necessary to lead the public sector. If you are someone who is ready to spark positive, social change, learn more about the online Master of Public Administration and Policy program at American University today.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Accounting degree program will be positioned for success in all aspects of the field, from nonprofit to forensic accounting. Students develop skills in leadership and data utilization necessary to excel in this in-demand industry.

This online Accounting master’s degree features topics including auditing, forensic investigation, business ethics, information systems, and more. Principles of business accounting are taught through experiential exercises and integrated projects. Students have the opportunity to learn directly from faculty who are real-world practitioners and guest speakers who are prominent accounting experts from the Big Four firms. Graduates will be well prepared for the CPA exam and for public accounting licensure in most US states.

Goals of the program include graduating professionals skilled in:

• Functional competencies
• Analytical problem solving
• Research
• Professionalism

The online Master of Science in Analytics degree provides students with skills and techniques in data analysis. Working professionals seeking to implement change and progress will benefit from this online business analytics degree program. Studies include evidence-based data gathering, data modeling, quantitative analysis, and more. 

By integrating components of business and analytics strategies, this program guides students through the influence of data over a broad range of industries. Areas of focus include Business Foundations, Financial Analytics, Cyber Security, and Consulting. Students develop decision-making abilities through applicable techniques and real-world business scenarios with American University online.

With the advent of “e-HR”, HR managers must update their skill sets to be able to better interact with employees and handle processes. The Master of Science in Human Resource Analytics and Management provides HR professionals with the skills and understanding of technology they need to succeed in their roles. 

Students in this online HR management degree program learn how to successfully drive wellness programs, create benefit portals, and engage employees. Courses explain ways in which data-driven decisions can be made with the aid of HR technology. Graduates will be comfortable using data analytics and human resources to enhance their organization’s productivity. 

The curriculum includes studies of:

• Human resource information systems (HRIS)
• Evaluating hiring, performance, and employee metrics
• Compliance and risk management
• Innovation through new technologies
• Intercultural communication for professionals

The online MS in Marketing Analytics degree program from American University offers students the opportunity to obtain knowledge and competencies needed to assist organizations in making marketing decisions and solving problems based on data. Graduates of this online master’s in business analytics will be prepared to pursue roles as marketing managers or consultants. 

During two in-person practicums at American University’s campus in Washington, D.C., students apply their skills to real-world marketing analytics projects. Students in this online marketing degree program will use data to present real marketing solutions to business stakeholders.

Courses cover topics such as:

• Predictive Analytics
• Business Intelligence
• Marketing Management
• Brand Strategy

American University's online Master of Science in Data Science program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program covers cutting-edge technology courses and offers real-world experience through a Data Science Practicum. Graduates are prepared for rewarding careers in various industries, with no technical background or GRE required.

Created in collaboration with the Kogod Cybersecurity Governance Center, American University offers highly specialized classes where you can learn to protect your organization’s data and information. The online MBA in Cybersecurity combines these classes with a foundation in business disciplines. Together, the skills and knowledge you obtain in this online Business Administration degree will help you form strategies to manage your company’s preparation, detection, and response to security threats.  

This online Cybersecurity master’s degree enables you to take advantage of AU’s location in Washington, DC. There, you will have the opportunity for face-to-face immersions to network with your classmates, professors, and international business leaders who tend to converge on the nation’s capital. AU’s MBA in Cybersecurity can be earned in as little as 12 months, but has three other tracks to fit your learning schedule.

Classwork includes topics such as:

• Cybersecurity risk management
• Big data and databases
• Cybersecurity governance

An extensive comprehension of law is accessible not only to the practicing attorney, but to professionals whose law-related responsibilities influence daily job functions and communities. The online Master of Legal Studies, offered through American University Washington College of Law, offers the following concentrations for specialized studies: 

• General MLS
• Business
• Health Care Compliance
• Technology

Equip yourself with the legal framework to analyze and solve legal questions, enhance leadership potential, and expand career opportunities. Study legal knowledge, terminology, policies and regulations, and more. Take on fundamental training and improve your abilities of informed decision-making with AUWCL online.

American University’s Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security is an online, 33-credit degree for law enforcement and intelligence professionals who wish to specialize in homeland security. The program builds knowledge and skills in counter-terrorism, national security, law and policy, cybersecurity, and theories of political violence, with a unique focus on terrorism as a social and psychological phenomenon.

This flexible online program combines the benefits of convenient online learning and a practice-based curriculum with a brief onsite residency in Washington, D.C. In addition to this unique opportunity, American University offers connections to federal agencies and the opportunity to study with faculty who are leading practitioners in the field.

The program additionally positions students to compete for coveted internships. These include those offered through the U.S. Government Pathways program as well as the post-graduation internships in the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program, a flagship two-year leadership development program in the Federal government.

• For the past two years, American University has produced more PMF finalists than any other university in the country. AU has a 98 percent success rate of its finalists becoming fellows.
• Fellows receive 160 hours of intensive management and leadership training at one or more federal agencies, complete a four-to-six-month developmental assignment, and are eligible for full-time positions upon completion.

In this two year, 36-credit degree, students will:

• Analyze and discuss national and homeland security problems through the application of acquired knowledge of criminology, social science, legal systems, policy, terrorism studies, and intelligence analysis.
• Formulate, evaluate, and communicate public policies and programs related to counter terrorism while using acquired analytic frameworks and methodological skills, including statistics, economics, criminology, and law.
• Apply empirical and data-driven solutions to analyze domestic threats to US homeland security.
• Apply acquired skill sets, expertise, and values to real-world policy problems in a collaborative manner.

American University’s MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security is a practical, respected degree that often leads to career advancement for graduates. Jobs at federal agencies are highly competitive, and may require years to gain entry. But students who have earned this degree have pursued positions at U.S. federal government agencies and intelligence communities post-graduation, with a focus on law enforcement and intelligence operations. These roles are both in Washington, D.C., and in field offices around the nation and the world.

With your skills and experience in education combined with a Doctor of Education in Education Policy and Leadership, you will be well prepared to effect large-scale positive change in the US education system. Graduates of this program can use their talents in areas such as organizational leadership, educational instruction, policymaking, and more.

Students will learn valuable skills, including partnership building, program evaluation, strategic budgeting, and collaborative inquiry. The program consists of online didactic coursework, three in-person residency experiences, and a Problem of Practice dissertation. The degree can be completed in less than three years, starting with an approved master’s degree.

The curriculum is designed to enhance students’ skills and expertise in four primary areas:

• Systems change
• Personal leadership
• Social justice and anti-racism
• Policy and research

Prepare yourself for an in-demand career as an elementary school teacher with this online Master of Arts in Teaching focusing on Elementary Education. This program offers strategies to address learning differences and ensure the success of students from all backgrounds.

Curriculum in this online master’s in elementary education uses the latest research in neurodevelopment, social-emotional interventions, and a multidisciplinary approach to learning. This program is ideal if you have a bachelor’s degree and want to earn your teaching license in elementary education. Students will complete 33 credit hours of online coursework in addition to 600 hours of classroom experience in their own state. Most students complete the program in less than two years.

Course topics include the following:

• Effective teaching for diverse students
• Teaching literacy in elementary school
• Foundations of special education for exceptional children
• Teaching mathematics in elementary school

To influence positive change in the education system, start with a Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership degree. In this program, you will learn skills for evaluating, creating, and implementing effective policies to benefit all students.

The tools you gain through this degree program prepare you to bring innovative ideas and more equitable outcomes to schools in the US. Coursework covers topics in leadership, law, economics, equity, and research. A real world consultancy project provides hands-on experience in the field of education. By taking two courses per semester, you can complete this online master’s in education administration in 20 months.

The curriculum is designed to enhance students’ skills and expertise in four primary areas:

• Systems change
• Personal leadership
• Social justice and anti-racism
• Policy and research

Advance your training in diet-related health interventions with a Master of Science in Nutrition Education. Practitioners in this field can help treat and prevent a multitude of chronic illnesses through education of healthy food choices.

Students will learn how to combat misinformation and provide informed data on the nutritional value of the food we eat. Courses cover organic farming, food insecurity, nutrition labels, obesity, food deserts, and more. This masters in nutrition online prepares students to address the science of nutrition while also learning educational strategies vital to creating meaningful change at the individual, community, and population levels.

The curriculum covers aspects of:

• Nutrition epidemiology and research methods
• Nutrition program design
• Health communication
• Behavior change in health promotion