Au's Cs Program: Open To All?

American University in Washington, D.C., offers a variety of programs for prospective students, including a Computer Science department that balances practical and theoretical aspects of the field. The university provides a range of opportunities for students to gain professional employment or pursue further study. The Computer Science program offers a Bachelor of Science in Computational Science and a minor in Computer Science. Additionally, the university has a range of special academic programs that enhance the student experience through learning communities, interdisciplinary coursework, and faculty support. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 as of fall 2023, American University offers a vibrant and diverse educational environment.

Computer Science at American University

American University in Washington, DC, offers a Computer Science (BS) program that balances the practical and theoretical aspects of the field. The program provides students with a background for professional employment or further study. The Department of Computer Science at American University is located in the Don Myers Technology & Innovation Building.

Academics

The Computer Science (BS) program at American University requires a total of 120 credit hours, including:

• Introductory Core courses (14 credit hours)
• Upper-Level Core courses (10 credit hours)
• Calculus (4 credit hours)
• Statistics (4 credit hours)
• Breadth of Knowledge courses (12 credit hours)
• Concentration courses (12 credit hours)
• Capstone courses (6 credit hours)

Admissions

Formal admission to the Computer Science major requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) and departmental approval. Additionally, students must complete specific AU Core requirements and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Computer Science program at American University have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers, including software development, design, multimedia computing, artificial intelligence, and other technical computing professions. The university's location in Washington, DC, provides access to internships and resources at high-tech companies and government agencies, such as IBM, Mellon Bank, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Student Life

American University has a diverse student body with various clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities. While the university is known for its focus on social science majors, there is a small but tight-knit community of STEM students. The university also offers research opportunities and internships, allowing students to gain valuable experience in their field of study.

American University's student life

American University in Washington, D.C., offers a vibrant and diverse student life. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 in the fall of 2023, the campus is always buzzing with activity. The student body has a gender distribution of 36.7% male and 63.3% female students, and the campus spans 90 acres.

The university is located in the political hub of the nation, providing students with countless opportunities to engage in political and social activities. The school is also affiliated with the Methodist church, with its Kay Spiritual Life Center housing nearly 25 groups of different faiths. Students at American University are known for their political activism, and there are over 270 student clubs and organisations on campus, catering to various interests. The school also boasts a substantial Greek system, with more than 25 fraternities and sororities.

Sports play a significant role in student life, with the American University Eagles competing in the NCAA Division I Patriot League. The university offers a range of varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, swimming and diving, and track and field. The campus also has several cultural hubs, such as the Katzen Arts Center and Greenberg Theatre, which enrich the student experience.

American University provides a supportive environment for its students, with resources like the Division of Student Affairs, which focuses on residence life, health and well-being, diversity and inclusion, student activities, and community service. The university also offers special housing for disabled students and places great importance on safety and security, with a highly visible and helpful campus police presence.

The social scene at American University is diverse, with students reporting the availability of raging parties almost any night of the week, as well as more low-key options. The dining facilities and dorms receive positive reviews, and the university has a high freshmen retention rate of nearly 90%

Application process

The application process for American University in Washington, DC, depends on the type of student and the program they are applying for. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application process for different types of applicants:

Undergraduate Applicants:

• Application Deadlines: American University has several application deadlines depending on the type of undergraduate applicant and their desired start date. The deadlines for fall admission are Early Action (November 1), Early Decision I (November 1), Early Decision II (January 15), and Regular Decision (January 15). For spring admission, the deadline is October 1.
• Application Form and Fee: Applicants can apply using the Common Application or Coalition Application. There is a non-refundable application fee of $75, although fee waivers are available in certain cases.
• Academic Records: Applicants need to submit academic records for grades 9-12 with official transcripts and certified English translations if applicable. Students from 3-year secondary school systems only need to provide transcripts for those three years.
• Letters of Recommendation: One academic letter of recommendation from a teacher is required, and a letter from a school counsellor/principal/headmaster is strongly recommended.
• English Proficiency: All first-year applicants, including US citizens and permanent residents, must demonstrate English proficiency through their curriculum or testing. This can be done by providing test scores from exams like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English, or Cambridge Assessment English.
• Additional Requirements: International applicants requiring a student visa (F or J) must submit the AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF) showing proof of funds for their first year of study and living expenses. There are also advanced credit options for IB, AP, A-Level, and CAPE exams.

Graduate Applicants (School of Communication):

• Application Deadlines: The School of Communication (SOC) conducts rolling admissions for MA and MFA programs, providing admission decisions within 3 weeks of a completed application. The priority deadline is February 1, and the final deadlines for US and international students are July 1 and May 1, respectively. The PhD program has a hard deadline of December 15.
• Application Form and Fee: Applicants need to submit the online application form and pay a non-refundable fee of $55.
• Transcripts: Applicants must submit transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions. Unofficial transcripts are accepted from US-based colleges and universities, but official evaluated transcripts from an NACES-approved organization are required for international institutions.
• Resume/CV: The resume or CV should include the applicant's background, previous experiences, internships, and volunteer experiences.
• Admissions Essay: Applicants are required to submit an essay of 500-1000 words describing their motivation for pursuing graduate study in their chosen program.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic or professional references who can attest to the applicant's ability to succeed in the graduate program.
• Standardized Tests: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for all SOC graduate programs.
• Portfolio: Submission of a portfolio is optional but recommended for applicants with previous academic or professional experience in communication or media fields.
• Interview: An interview may be requested by the Admissions Committee but is not required.
• English Language Proficiency: International applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a US-accredited institution must provide proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE.

Graduate Applicants (College of Arts and Sciences):

• Application Form and Fee: Applicants need to create an account and submit the online application form. There is a non-refundable application fee of $55, although fee waivers are available for certain categories of applicants.
• Required Materials: Applicants should submit all required materials as early as possible. These include transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and a Statement of Purpose. Official transcripts are only required after the applicant has been admitted.
• Statement of Purpose: This statement should illustrate the candidate's goals, highlight their research interests, and explain how their experience is relevant to the academic research conducted by the faculty in their program of interest. It should be 500-1000 words (250-500 words for certificate applications).
• Resume/CV: The resume or CV should include the candidate's relevant work experience, internships, research, awards, publications, and educational history.
• Standardized Test Scores: Some PhD and Master's programs require GRE scores, which must be taken within five years of applying. International students whose native language is not English may need to submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo).
• Letters of Recommendation: Recommenders will evaluate candidates based on academic performance, motivation, intellectual capacity, and research and writing ability.
• Portfolio or Writing Sample: Some programs may require portfolios or writing samples, so applicants should check the specific requirements for their chosen program.

Scholarships and financial aid

American University offers a comprehensive financial aid program that recognises both academic excellence and demonstrated financial need. The university works with students and their families to supplement their financial resources and make an AU education possible.

Scholarships

AU offers a range of scholarships for prospective and current students. These include:

• Merit-based scholarships: All students who apply to AU are considered for most merit awards, including Deans' and Presidential, on the basis of their admissions application.
• American University Scholarships: These awards may include a scholarship, assistantship, or fellowship. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, including relevant work experience, motivation for graduate studies, academic performance, and potential to excel.
• Partner Program Scholarships: Some graduate programs team up with local, regional, and national organisations to offer scholarships, which may include scholarships, assistantships, or fellowships. Selection is based on criteria such as interest in the topic, specific skills, experience, and academic performance.
• Office of Graduate Studies Scholarships: AU offers a number of master's and doctoral scholarships through the Office of Graduate Studies.

Financial Aid

AU's financial aid program is designed to help students cover the full cost of their education, welcoming a diverse and thriving student body. The average financial aid package awarded to undergraduates is $36,000 per year. The types of financial aid available include:

• Military and veteran's benefits: The Office of Veterans' Student Services assists veterans, active-duty military members, and their dependents with specific funding opportunities, including the Yellow Ribbon Program and the GI Bill®.
• Federal aid: Federal aid for graduate students includes Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Work-Study.
• Student employment: On-campus, professional jobs, internships, on-demand part-time, and neighbourhood jobs are available through the Career Centre.
• Employer tuition assistance: Your employer may offer tuition assistance or reimbursement as part of your benefits package.
• Payment plans: AU offers the American Payment Plan (APP) as an alternative to paying the bill in full, allowing you to split the balance into monthly payments with no added interest.
• Private loans: You can apply for private loans to help cover the cost of your graduate studies.

American University's ranking

The American University in Washington, D.C., offers a range of programs in computer science, including a Bachelor's of Science in Computational Science, a Computer Science minor, and a Master's of Science in Computer Science. The Department of Computer Science at the university aims to balance the practical and theoretical aspects of the field, providing students with a strong foundation for professional employment or further study.

In terms of rankings, American University's School of International Service is ranked among the top 10 international affairs schools in the country. The university, as a whole, is ranked #91 in National Universities by US News Best Colleges for 2025. This ranking takes into account various factors, including academic programs, cultural hubs, and extracurricular opportunities.

Specifically, for computer science, American University is ranked #3 in the District of Columbia and #220 in the United States, according to Edurank.org's 2024 rankings. These rankings are based on research performance in computer science, with ratings calculated from citations received by academic papers. It is worth noting that these rankings do not distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs.

Additionally, College Factual's Best Colleges and Universities for Computer Science rankings do not include American University, possibly due to a lack of sufficient data. However, during the 2021-2022 academic year, American University awarded 24 bachelor's degrees in computer science, making it a popular choice for students pursuing this field of study.

Frequently asked questions