You’re unique, so your college experience should be, too. American University’s Special Academic Programs help you make that a reality.

Special Academic Programs at American University give students the chance to take ownership of their education and turn their interests into action. Whether you want to study abroad in your first year, research complex global issues, or make an impact right here in DC, these programs provide the structure and support to help you do it. They bring together passionate students, dedicated faculty, and meaningful experiences that go beyond the classroom. 

No two AU journeys look the same and that’s exactly the point. These programs are designed to help you make the most of your time at American University, wherever your curiosity leads. 

What kinds of special academic programs does AU offer? 

AU offers Special Academic Programs that reach across the University and touch upon most of our academic offerings. These programs vary in duration. Many of these programs, like AU Honors, Cornerstone and the DC Community Impact Scholars, are Living-Learning Communities (LLC), where you not only take specific classes with your cohort, but live alongside them as well! If you fall in love with being in an LLC, there’s an opportunity to do different living learning communities in your second year at AU too.  

We also have the Lincoln Scholars Program, where students within and outside of the School of Public Affairs can explore great questions of moral and political life in a context of intellectual and political diversity, led by expert professors in SPA. This 15-credit degree certificate allows students to study in small seminar classes. In these classes, students read intellectually and politically diverse foundational texts, such as Plato’s ‘The Republic,’ Vyasa’s ‘Bhagavad Gita,’ and Toni Morrison’s ‘God Help the Child,’ for example.  

Sakura Scholars is a special academic program for students in the School of International Service who are doing an East Asia regional focus and studying the Japanese language. Why is this so specific? Students in the Sakura Scholars program spend two years studying at American University and two years studying in Kyoto, Japan, at Ritsumeikan University. Upon completion of this program, students receive a joint degree from both universities, which makes it an exciting opportunity for globally minded students.  

AU Honors brings together curious, motivated students who want to explore complex questions and think across disciplines. Honors students take small, discussion-based classes that encourage creativity, collaboration, and research. In their first year, students live together in a Living-Learning Community, forming close connections both in and out of the classroom. Throughout the program, they take interdisciplinary seminars, conduct research, and complete a capstone project that reflects their academic passions. Honors students also receive perks like priority registration, specialized advising, and exclusive opportunities for research and travel. AU Honors is open to all majors. 

The Cornerstone Program gives first-year students the chance to combine classroom learning with real-world experience right from the start. As part of a Living-Learning Community, students live together, take engaging courses, and choose a track that best fits their goals. Students in Cornerstone DC complete a for-credit internship in Washington DC, gaining hands-on experience while earning AU credit. Those in Cornerstone Madrid or Cornerstone Greece spend a semester abroad during their first year, studying at American University’s international centers and exploring new cultures. 

The DC Community Impact Scholars Program is for students who want to make a difference locally while studying in the nation’s capital. Students live and learn together in an LLC and take courses focused on community engagement, social justice, and public service. They also partner with organizations across Washington, DC to work on real projects that address local challenges. The program offers a hands-on introduction to civic leadership and allows students to see the impact of their work firsthand while building strong connections with peers who share their commitment to creating change. 

What is a three-year academic program? 

Our Three-Year Academic Programs allow students to complete a traditional four-year degree program in an accelerated and rigorous three-year timeline. This kind of program is ideal for students who know they want to get into the workforce or plan on attending a graduate, medical, or law program after they finish their bachelor’s degree. In some cases, students just want to graduate early or enjoy a challenging academic path. For three-year scholar programs, students still take the same number of credits as a traditional four-year program but complete it by taking classes during the summer. If you start the program and decide not to continue, you can switch to the four-year program. 

Global Scholars is designed for students majoring in International Studies who want to approach global issues through an accelerated and immersive experience. In their first year, students live together in a Living-Learning Community, building strong connections as they explore international relations from multiple perspectives. The program also includes unique summer opportunities to study abroad at AU’s centers in Belgium, Spain, and Kenya, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in international contexts while earning credit toward their degree. 

Politics, Policy, and Law Scholars offers an integrated path for students studying Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics & Government (CLEG) or Justice & Law and are interested in how government, policy, and law shape the world around us. Scholars take small, discussion-based classes focused on the intersections of these fields and engage in experiential learning opportunities throughout Washington, DC. The program encourages critical thinking, ethical leadership, and public service, preparing students to make a meaningful impact in government, advocacy, or legal careers. 

Public Health Scholars is for Public Health students who want to address real-world health challenges through science, research, and community engagement. The program combines coursework with hands-on experiences in Washington, DC, where students can work alongside local organizations and public health professionals. Many students also study abroad to explore global health issues firsthand. By the time they graduate, Public Health Scholars have the skills and experience to lead in fields ranging from health policy to medicine. 

How do I apply for AU’s Special Academic Programs? 

To apply for Special Academic Programs at American University, students must apply—separately from their AU Common Application—through the Future Eagle Portal. When you submit the Common Application to AU, you’ll receive an email invitation to make an account and join the Future Eagle Portal. The Future Eagle Portal is where your journey to AU continues. On this portal, you’ll be able to access the applications for these programs, submit your enrollment deposit, and access other tasks you need to complete to get ready for the fall. 

Please note that you must apply for these programs by December 1. Even if you plan to apply through Early Decision II or Regular Decision, you still have to apply for these programs by December 1, which means you’ll need to complete your Common Application early enough to register for the Future Eagle Portal and apply to the Special Academic Programs.  

For the Cornerstone Program and the DC Community Impact Scholars Program, you do not need to fill out an additional application. All you need to do is check the box on the Common Application that marks your interest in one or both programs. If you decide later that you don’t want to do one of these programs, you’re not locked in!

 

American University offers a variety of Special Academic Programs to enhance and customize your college experience. These programs are an opportunity to dive deep into questions and topics that people have engaged with throughout history, whether they’re about philosophy, health, or the world around us, just to name a few. Each student is unique, so their college experiences should be just as unique.