Pathways to Study at American University

AU has established agreements with leading international universities to offer a variety of academic pathways. These include transfer programs and dual degree options, allowing qualified students to begin their studies at their home institution and complete part or all of their degree at AU in Washington, DC.

Participation

Each partnership outlines specific degree programs available to students. Before applying, students should consult with their home university’s International Office to confirm eligibility and program options. 

Student eligibility

To participate, students must meet the academic and admission requirements of both their home university and AU. Undergraduate Transfer applicants must meet AU’s admission standards, including English proficiency. Applicants for Graduate Programs must hold a qualifying degree, meet the prerequisite coursework requirements, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Some programs may require a higher GPA. Proof of English proficiency and other admissions requirements can be found on the School’s website.

Starting as an undergraduate student

Transfer Articulation Agreements 2+2

Start your degree at home. Finish it in Washington, D.C.
With AU’s 2+2 Transfer Agreements, you can earn two degrees in four years—one from your home university and one from American University.

Two Years Here, Two Years There: Begin at your home institution, then transfer to AU for your final two years.
Seamless Credit Transfer: Up to 60 credits recognized through a shared curriculum.
 Dual Diplomas: Graduate with a degree from each university.

Why Choose a 2+2 Program?

 Stay on Track: Continue your academic journey with a strong foundation and a trusted recommendation.
 Save on Costs: Lower the total cost of earning a U.S. degree.
 Go Global: Access new opportunities, networks, and  Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the U.S.
 Boost Your Career: Stand out with dual credentials and international experience.
 Strengthen Partnerships: Be part of a program that connects institutions and cultures.

South China University of Technology

Begin your business journey at DUNIS and complete your BS in Business Administration program through a 2+2 combined degree program. Discover how this international model prepares you for global opportunities.

Graduate Pathway Programs 3+X

Start strong at home. Finish with a U.S. master’s degree.
The 3+X model allows students to complete three years of undergraduate study at their home university, then transfer to American University (AU) for 1.5 to 2 years to complete their home degree and earn their master’s degree.

Direct-to-Master’s Path: Students are accepted into the master’s program before leaving their home country.
Credit Efficiency: Graduate credits taken at AU may count toward the undergraduate degree at the home university.
 Earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in 5 years.

Why Choose a 3+X Program?

Accelerated Pathway: Move from undergraduate to graduate study faster.
 Full Graduate Experience: Take a complete graduate course load at AU.
 Efficient & Strategic: Save time while earning a globally recognized U.S. master’s degree.
 Global Advantage: Gain international experience and access to U.S. career opportunities, including OPT.

O.P. Jindal Global University

Begin your graduate journey at Jindal! Explore the MS in Economics and see how the 3+X combined bachelor’s and master’s format can help you complete your degree abroad.

Accelerated Master’s Program 3+1+1

Earn a U.S. master’s degree in just five years—while gaining international experience along the way.
In this model, students spend three years at their home university, complete their final undergraduate year at American University (AU), and then stay one more year to finish a master’s degree.

Year Abroad with Purpose: Spend your fourth year at AU as a study abroad or transfer student.
Early Graduate Admission: Begin graduate-level coursework during your senior year.
Dual Credit Efficiency: Courses taken in year four count toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees.
One-Year Master’s Completion: After earning your bachelor’s, complete your AU master’s in just one additional year.
Flexible Exit Option: Students may choose to return home after the fourth year.

Why Choose a 3+1+1 Program?

Accelerated Pathway: Complete both degrees in less time.
Global Experience: Enjoy a full year of study abroad at the undergraduate level.
Academic Continuity: Transition smoothly from undergraduate to graduate study.
Career-Ready: Graduate with international credentials and access to U.S. networks and OPT.

Chinese University of Hong Kong

Start your tech journey in CUHK! Complete your Computer Science degree through a 3+1+1 combined bachelor’s and master’s program with international experience.

Accelerated Master’s Programs 3.5+1.5

Fast-track your future with a flexible, cross-border graduate pathway.
In this model, students spend 3.5 years at their home university and complete their final undergraduate semester while beginning graduate studies at American University (AU).

Dual Credit Semester: Graduate-level courses taken in the final undergrad semester count toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Master’s in 1.5 Years: Complete your AU master’s degree in just 1.5 years after transferring.
Flexible Options: Also available as 2.5+1.5 for students in 3-year undergraduate programs.

Why Choose a 3.5+1.5 Program?

 Accelerated Progress: Begin your master’s while finishing your bachelor’s—no time lost.
Efficient & Strategic: Maximize your academic efforts with articulated credits.
 Global Advantage: Gain international experience and access to U.S. networks and OPT.
Cost & Time Savings: Graduate sooner and enter the job market faster.

Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies

Earn your BS and MS in Computer Science with international exposure and a seamless academic transition.

Accelerated Master’s Programs 4+1

This program allows students to begin graduate-level coursework during the final year of their undergraduate studies at their home university, and complete a master’s degree at American University (AU) in just one additional year.

Why Choose a 4+1 Program?

Take your education further—faster. With AU’s 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Programs, you can:

Earn Two Degrees in Less Time: Start graduate-level courses in your senior year and finish your master’s just one year after your bachelor’s.
Save Money: Fewer semesters mean lower tuition and living costs—without compromising on quality.
Stand Out Globally: Compete with top international grads, including those from one-year UK master’s programs.
 Stay on Track: Enjoy a smooth, structured transition from undergrad to grad school—no need to reapply or relocate.
Launch Your Career Sooner: With a master’s in hand faster, you’ll be ready to enter the job market ahead of the curve.

Universidad Diego Portales

Start your Sociology studies at UDP and earn a master’s abroad through this accelerated 4+1 degree. Complete both degrees in five years while expanding your global perspective.

National Chi Nan University

Start your Economics studies at NCNU and complete your Master of Science in Economics at American University through an accelerated 4+1 degree. Earn both degrees in five years while building strong analytical skills and a global perspective.

Starting as a graduate student

Dual Master’s Degree Programs 1+1

Earn two master’s degrees in just two years—one from your home university and one from American University (AU). Through a 1+1 agreement, you’ll start your graduate studies at home and finish strong in Washington, D.C.

Shared Curriculum: A set of courses is recognized by both institutions.
 Dual Degrees: Complete requirements at both universities and graduate with two master’s degrees.
Transfer Credit: Up to one year of coursework may be applied toward your AU degree.

Why Choose a 1+1 Program?

Accelerate Your Future: Fast-track your education with a clear, structured path between two graduate programs.
 Arrive Prepared: Bring a strong academic foundation and a recommendation from your home university.
 Save on Costs: Reduce the time and expense of earning a U.S. degree.
 Go Global: Expand your network, boost your career prospects, and qualify for OPT in the U.S.
Build Bridges: Be part of a program that strengthens international academic partnerships.

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Earn two master's degrees from both universities. Take the 1st year of the master's program at PUJ and transfer to AU to complete the MS in Economics.