Undergraduate Extended Accelerator Pathway (3-Term) - Bachelor of Arts International Studies - Foreign Policy and National Security

at Shorelight Group - American University USA

Many of the most profound challenges facing humanity relate to the environment, health, or the intersection of the two. Climate change and species extinction currently undermine the quality of life for many and threaten to compromise the fundamental, organic infrastructure that supports all life on earth. Infectious diseases like HIV and malaria remain a major cause of death in poorer countries, while chronic diseases, once most apparent in richer countries, are becoming increasingly prevalent around the world. Meanwhile, environmental toxins, air and water pollution, and soil degradation compromise the health and well-being of peoples everywhere. Not only do ecological issues have the potential to impact public health, but decisions made by communities and the private and public sectors—from transportation to agriculture—markedly influence ecosystem functions. The Environmental Sustainability and Global Health Thematic Area introduces students to the socio-political dynamics of global health and environmental affairs. Students explore the multiple causes and consequences of environmental harm and ill health and work to understand the mechanisms of governance best able to respond. Cutting across both issues are the fundamental inequalities between people, as well as between countries, that exacerbate the impacts of environmental and health problems and hamper identification and implementation of solutions. Ultimately, students develop the intellectual and applied tools needed to simultaneously work towards a safer, saner planetary condition and healthier populations.

The American University School of Communication Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Arts provides you with a professional skill set in photography, film, video, and digital media.

Our undergraduates take advantage of the broad opportunities that Washington, DC offers with internships at national media organizations including USA Today, National Geographic Television, and PBS.

You'll be positioned on the forefront of social purpose filmmaking at nonprofits, NGOs, and government agencies such as the World Wildlife Fund, Smithsonian Institution, and the National Park Service. Graduates of our program go on to have successful careers in the media industry.

The US State Department has designated Russian a “critical need language,” and Russia’s political and economic transformation has opened exciting new career paths. Our Russian studies program gives you a solid footing in the region’s language, culture, economics, politics, and history. Deepen your understanding by studying in AU’s programs in Russia or Kazakhstan.

The BS in statistics features two tracks: data science and mathematical statistics. The former is for students with a strong interest in the field of application, who want to gain the skills to collect, analyze and use data to drive decisions. The latter is for those with an interest in the theory of statistical methods. 

The BS in Health Promotion provides rigorous academic preparation in the scientific and clinical knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise physiology, and health psychology combined with aspects of health communication and programming.  Drawing upon behavior change theory and health sciences, health promotion is a discipline dedicated to supporting healthy lifestyles. This curriculum prepares students for a health promotion position in a corporate, community, commercial, or school environment, or for graduate work in a health-related field.

Are you interested in:

• Establishing and managing wellness programs for employees and their families?
• Developing effective media campaigns for emerging health issues?
• Helping clients achieve fitness and nutrition goals?
• Researching health policy and establishing state and national programs?
• Integrating health promotion and disease management activities into the healthcare system?
• Instituting innovative community-outreach programs?
• Advocating for health issues and promoting wellness in communities?

Push yourself physically, creatively, and academically. At AU, you’ll study dance theory, creative research, movement from multiple perspectives, and movement forms. Our dance faculty provide individualized instruction and mentorship in the studio, classroom, stage, and community. Alumni have gone on to careers as performers, teachers, choreographers, bodywork practitioners, dance therapists, movement analysts, physical therapists, and athletic trainers.

Immerse yourself in the world of performance with the theatre track of our performing arts degree. Develop your intellectual and creative potential through a mix of professional theatre training, performance skills, and classic liberal arts knowledge. Benefit from the seasoned scholars, performers, writers, and directors who make up the faculty, and the diverse performing arts scene of Washington, DC.

Philosophy is the passionate study of ideas, concepts, arguments, and ideologies. It is also a practice of critically attending to forms of experience, perspectives, and discourses that shape and express our lives. In this way, pursuing a degree in philosophy offers an opportunity to think differently and to think otherwise. The undergraduate program in philosophy at American University does this by exposing students to a wide variety of philosophical traditions and methods, while helping them to cultivate an attunement to issues of ethics and social justice. As such, our philosophy students grapple with the longstanding mysteries of knowledge and existence in the face of urgent political issues and the state of our world today, while also honing their thinking, writing and communication. Ultimately, the philosophy BA program helps students acquire useful skills for many trades and professions (former students have gone on to careers in academia, business, government, journalism, law, non-profit, public administration, etc.); but above all, it nurtures powers of the mind and heart for future changemakers. 

Chemistry, the study of matter, is elemental to understanding the world around us. Our program provides a solid grounding in many areas of study, including general, organic, and physical chemistry, as students pursue a personalized curriculum with the help of practitioner faculty. We place a large emphasis on practical experience, and students conduct research projects of their own design.

French studies focuses on language and culture, integrating topics from around the francophone world, including history and literature. A language background can be a great advantage in your career, whether you work in business, industry, or government service. AU Abroad programs will help enhance your language skills and immerse you in culture.