American University creates meaningful change in the world. With highly ranked schools and colleges and internationally recognized faculty, AU offers a balance between class time and career-advancing experience in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Its students, among the country’s most politically active, distinguish themselves for their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities.
“In order to understand the destiny of a people, it is necessary to open the book of its past,” said Jose Rizal, a Philippine revolutionary. Two American University graduates are hoping to do just that through “The Girl Who Sees,” a Filipino fantasy adventure game. Against a backdrop of military occupation and Filipino lore, “The… continue reading New Game from AU Alumni Highlights Filipino Culture
Getting a master’s degree in a cultural hotbed such as Washington, DC, has its perks, including many opportunities to take schoolwork into unexpected places. For American University’s MA in Game Design students, one of the most unique and hands-on events of the year is the annual Indie Arcade, hosted by the AU Game Lab and… continue reading Gaming Grabs Spotlight at Indie Arcade in Washington, DC
When it’s summertime in Washington, DC, great activities include visiting parks and outdoor monuments, experiencing a Washington Nationals baseball game, and attending the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. But when you want to beat the heat, summer is also a great time to catch up on some video games. This summer American University Assistant Professor and Game… continue reading What Bob Hone is Playing This Summer
Gaming on the go has never been easier. With several handheld consoles to choose from, you can play while you’re traveling, including on your cellphone. There are several different games to choose from on your phone’s app store, from casual “Candy Crush” to cult classics like “Ghost Trick,” there’s a game for everyone. This summer,… continue reading The Game That Professor Mike Treanor is Playing
Some professors of video game design can dissect the mechanics of engagement, others can argue the strengths of specific design techniques, and others can tell you how to code these elements to make a game successful, but they all share one trait: they love to play video games. This summer, American University Professor Lindsay Grace’s… continue reading What Lindsay Grace is Playing This Summer
Regardless of age, getting a new toy is one of the greatest joys in life. When you’re a video game designer and professor, play and work sometimes intersect. On a very related note, American University Game Lab artist in residence Chris Totten recently purchased a Nintendo Switch and has started off his summer playing a… continue reading What Chris Totten is Playing this Summer
There are many aspiring game designers seeking a specialized master’s degree as part of their career journey, but what about professionals who only recently have considered changing course? For these people, earning a game design certificate is a perfect first step. Here are six reasons why: Games Matter. Never in history have games been more… continue reading 6 Reasons Why a Game Design Certificate Matters
When you design a video game for recreational purposes, understanding your audience is important. When creating a game to use in physical therapy, audience is beyond important. Lives and well-being are at stake. Alex Cha, who just completed American University’s Master of Arts in Game Design program, created “Cardio Copter” as part of a semester-long project… continue reading Student’s Video Game Puts Parkinson’s Patients in Driver’s Seat
From sharing their own stories to experiencing new projects that have the industry abuzz, JoLT Fellows from the American University (AU) Game Lab took full advantage of their recent trip to Austin, Texas, for the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals. Members of the JoLT team—including a game designer, a clinical psychologist, a comic… continue reading Game Lab Helps Lead Persuasive Play Conversation at SXSW
The impact of gaming on health and education is far beyond theoretical for American University Professor Robert Hone. As the former creative director for Red Hill Studios, a boutique interactive design company, Hone used numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation to develop innovative software that not only entertains, but… continue reading Interactivity in Healthcare Turns Games into Treatment
Pokémon Go was all the rage — but now what? Cities are increasingly asking how play might engage residents with open data, city services and each other — beyond mass media games. At DC Ideas Fest on May 6, game designer and civic media scholar Benjamin Stokes will present “Gaming for the City,” an exploration… continue reading D.C. Festival Shines Spotlight on Gaming for Civic Engagement in Cities
By School of Public Affairs There are few genres America loves more than a good political drama. From the Manchurian Candidate to Frost/Nixon, society revels in the backroom dealings and power struggles inherent in political office. For years, TV shows pedaling these intriguing stories have kept viewers on edge and made the political profession appear… continue reading 3 TV Shows with Misconceptions About Bureaucracy
When picturing professional athletes it can be easy to picture affluent, privileged individuals—most often men—with the means to live extraordinarily extravagant lives. This picture can involve a wide variety of ethnicities, and while many immediately imagine a male bodied individual, others may envision a woman as the archetype for competitive athletics. However, if I were… continue reading Social Justice Series: Theresa Runstedtler on Race and Drugs in the NBA
What makes up a game design student here at American University? Well, for starters, students pursuing an MA in Game Design here at the university come from all sorts of academic backgrounds: psychology, journalism, politics—you name it. They are compassionate, creative and passionate about the work that they pursue. Learn more about the MA in Game Design program… continue reading The Anatomy of a Game Design Student
Having worked as an RN for thirty-four years, Jeanne Taverne is well-acquainted with the struggles her patients face. “Unjust social and economic policies contribute to health inequity,” she says. “I have seen clients coming to our clinics that do not have access to health care because of lack of insurance. These clients need an advocate… continue reading Jeanne Taverne: Pushing for Healthcare in a Broken System
We can all do something. This was the message delivered by the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars at the Social Justice Colloquium on February 27th. Faced with the near endless barrage of crises visible to anyone with a television or smartphone, these young scholars sought to encourage action in whatever way possible to address the current… continue reading Social Justice Series: The Refugee Crisis and How You Can Help
Some casual onlookers of South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals may think of this yearly showcase for the interactive, film and music industries as a haven for bands with odd names and people wearing intriguing shoes, but it’s much more than that. SXSW is a high-profile spotlight for some of the most creative people… continue reading Journalism, Games and Play Collide at SXSW
Written by SPA Staff The diverse SPA graduates of our six Master’s programs enter the D.C. job market with in-depth policy and administrative knowledge along with their degree from a top 20 school. With that in mind, it’s no surprise our alumni achieve success at a wide range of jobs in the city. Here are… continue reading Five Types of SPA Grads You Meet in DC
Since 2008, AU Filmmaker-in-Residence Nina Shapiro-Perl has directed the Community Voice Project – a community storytelling initiative that connects AU anthropology students with film students, giving them the opportunity to collaborate on authentic work on behalf of DC communities. We talked with Dr. Shapiro-Perl about how the project came to be, and we reached out… continue reading The Community Voice Project: A Conversation with Nina Shapiro-Perl
By SPA Staff 1. Policy Analyst Determine what effects policy decisions will have on the population they govern. 2. Research Associate Use your research skills at a university or research institute. 3. CEO, COO, or CFO Apply your management and development skills for high-level management positions. AU MPA grad Gwen Sykes is currently the CFO of the… continue reading 10 Jobs You Can Do with an MPA
Have you ever wondered what ethical dilemmas would become apparent with the introduction of sentient artificial intelligence? Or perhaps more specifically, what problems might lie in having intimate relationships with sentient robots? These are the questions asked by Rebecca Gibson at the Social Justice Colloquium of February 6th where she delved into a number of… continue reading Social Justice Series: Sentient AI, Intimacy, and Ethics
Too many people allow their special talents to be underutilized or even unused — lying dormant and only ever emerging in mundane ways. Lindsay Grace, a social impact gaming pioneer, is not one of those people. Grace’s gift for creating art through video games and passion for social change led him to develop the American… continue reading Game Lab Director Helps Translate ‘Persuasive Play’ into Social Action
Not only is Washington DC home to American University’s game design program, it has a ton of meet-ups and events for gamers outside of the classroom. If you are looking for a way to show off your creation or just hang out with fellow gamers, the Washington DC area’s vibrant gaming culture ensures that you… continue reading 4 Ways to Build Your Gaming Network in Washington DC
Written by SPA Staff 1. Policy Analyst Analyze proposals in various fields including education policy, health policy, social welfare policy, environmental policy, or international development policy. 2. Human Resources Director As the head of an HR team, help create a fair and safe workplace. 3. Politician Lead the charge for change in your community and… continue reading 10 Jobs You Can Do with an MPP
There has been a great deal of discussion about the recent presidential election, with many people attempting to understand what made this such a unique moment in our countries history. Some, however, have suggested that although the events of the past months appear so removed from our past they can be more effectively understood when… continue reading Social Justice Series: Neofascism Knocking at the Door
More than 120 professionals, educators and students gathered for the inaugural Games+ Summit hosted by American University Tuesday, January 17, 2017. The attendees represented a variety of industries, including federal agencies, non-profits, healthcare, technology and more. Individual sessions at Games+ Summit explored issues at the forefront of game theory and practice and how games intersect… continue reading Games+ Summit 2017
Get the inside track from a Recent Graduate of the Masters of Accounting program at American University. Jacob Spector, a recent graduate of American University’s Master of Science in Accounting never dreamed he would become a staff auditor for Ernst & Young, one of the well-known “Big Four” accounting firms. But while earning his first… continue reading What the “Big Four” Want in an Accounting Graduate: Spotlight on Jacob Spector
Play can bridge divides, from chess in the park to major league sports teams. Now the digital side is raising new opportunities for cities. Digital games are everywhere — on phones, tablets, laptops, TVs and more. Growing mobility enables people to take games everywhere from living rooms to waiting rooms, and widespread connectivity makes it… continue reading Games Plus Cities: Play and Social Connections in Communities
Indie video games are the heartbeat of the industry. Because of this, the anticipation level for a well-publicized indie game sometimes outpaces the quality of that game by miles and miles. Still, don’t allow the real or perceived failures of some indie games sour you to the category en masse. Let’s take a look at… continue reading 6 of the Best Indie Games in 2016
As the field of finance expands into sub-specialties such as asset management, risk management, structured finance, wealth management and advisory, students must rise to the challenge of marketing themselves to employers who are seeking specific skills. For employers, the change means more specific differentiation between finance capabilities. To minimize market confusion and develop global standards… continue reading New MS in Finance Course Prepares Students for Risk Management Certification
Imagine spending several weeks rediscovering forgotten people, letting them tell you about their life and their struggles, and then bringing that story to the rest of the world. This is exactly how Justin Uehlein and a team of American University students spent their summer, excavating a site in Southern Pennsylvania. Justin is a PhD. Student… continue reading Excavating the Past: A Look Into the Lives of Transient Workers
American University’s prime location in the nation’s capital means access to opportunities not found in other cities. For students in the Master’s in Accounting (MSA) program, this means gaining access to professional and alumni networks across the corporate, not-for-profit and government sectors. Our students, full-time and part-time alike, take full advantage of all the D.C.… continue reading Why Study in DC? A Prime Location for Accounting and More
Kyle Dargan, director of American University’s MFA Creative Writing Program, has received many accolades for his poetry collection Honest Engine (University of Georgia Press, 2015). It was a finalist for the 2016 Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards recognizing the best in Black literature, as well as the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award given annually to honor a… continue reading Written Word Comes to Life Through Animated Short Film
Our location in Washington, DC is central to our identity as an MFA program. Our students explore some of the world’s best literary organizations and activities – and find quiet spaces to write and get inspired throughout the District. Our students also take their place among a long lineage of other writers with DC connections,… continue reading The 10 Best Works of Literature Set in DC
The Game Lab at American University leverages proximity to public and private sector leaders to bring games to traditionally non-game contexts for new levels of engagement. Interested in joining our community? Learn more about the MA in Game Design program at American University.
The “post-MFA blues” could rightly be called a rite of passage for early career writers. After spending two or three years focusing on craft, with the seriousness of literary work affirmed by teachers and peers, writers reenter a world that doesn’t seem to care whether they finish their novel or collection – or, really, if… continue reading 4 Tips for Transitioning to Post-MFA Life: Advice from Alumna Chelsea Leigh Horne
No city’s journey toward healthier, happier residents is ever complete, but the District seems to be moving in the right direction. This metro area with a population of more than six million has been recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) American Fitness Index as the fittest city in the U.S. multiple times,… continue reading 3 Reasons Why Washington, DC is the Fittest City in U.S.
The Social Justice Series continued this week with guest speaker Irene Calis. Calis recently relocated to the DC area from Rhodes University in South Africa. She is an anthropologist concerned with issues of social justice and has focused much of her work on the ongoing resistance struggle in Palestine. Calis’s talk “Hope against the evidence?… continue reading The Question of Hope in Palestinian Resistance
Some students come to the MFA in Creative Writing program shortly after graduating from college, but we are consistently thrilled when students who have had more life experience decide to join us. As Director Kyle Dargan put it, “Students who fit that profile tend to be some of our more dedicated and successful writers.” One… continue reading The “Non-Traditional” MFA Student: Insights from Susan Bucci Mockler
At its core, health promotion is about helping individuals and groups implement lifestyle habits that improve health and well-being. One of the best ways to affect change in the field is for talented, passionate professionals to find roles that allow them to thrive, motivate and lead. Here are three qualities that can help you land… continue reading How to Land Your Dream Job in Health and Fitness
As the field of finance expands into sub-specialties such as asset management, risk management, structured finance, wealth management and advisory, students must rise to the challenge of marketing themselves to employers who are seeking specific skills. For employers, the change means more specific differentiation between finance capabilities. To minimize market confusion and develop global standards… continue reading New MS in Finance Course Prepares Students for Risk Management Certification
As a self-described “political nerd at heart,” AU anthropology PhD candidate Jeanne Hanna is having quite a year. Her current research focuses on the UK Independence Party (UKIP), exploring the social, economic, emotional, and political issues motivating people to support this political party. Jeanne was in the country for the June 2016 Brexit referendum, which… continue reading Jeanne Hanna on “Brexit” & Anthropology of “Right-Wing” Groups
The weekly Social Justice Colloquium continues to offer the opportunity for insightful dialogue on Monday afternoons in the Battelle Thompkins humanities lab. This week attendees were able to experience firsthand the potential for artistic expression to grapple with issues of social justice. The three presenters this week, Caleen Jennings, Sybil Roberts, and Cara Gabriel, each… continue reading The Art of Social Justice
This year’s Social Justice Series is in full swing at American University. It kicked off on September 19th with Professor Cathy Schneider. The series highlights the work of anthropologists who are committed to issues of social justice. Many of the speakers are from our own AU community or nearby schools. It’s a fantastic opportunity to… continue reading In Case You Missed It: The Social Justice Series
The Islamic Finance market is estimated to range in size from $1.66 trillion to $2.1 trillion with anticipated growth to $3.4 trillion by the end of 2018. Islamic financial assets represent one percent of the entire global financial market, with major capitals leading the way, including London, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, the United Arab Emirates,… continue reading Kogod Leads the Way in Islamic Finance Education
This weekend was an exciting time for the Anthropology department at AU. We hosted our 13th annual Public Anthropology Conference. Speakers represented a multitude of schools and organizations. One particularly exciting session highlighted a new partnership between the American University Department of Anthropology and National Nurses United. National Nurses United is the largest union of… continue reading PAC: National Nurses United Panel
This year’s Public Anthropology Conference (PAC) had no shortage of amazing speakers discussing a broad range of interesting and important topics. From drone usage to minority solidarity, the various workshops and panel discussions allowed conference participants to get a glimpse of the many different arenas of public thought and activism in which the discipline of… continue reading PAC: Bridging the Gap between Academia and Activism
By James Reber I’ve been interested in audio since I began playing the guitar as a child. I wanted to know how my favorite artists achieved their signature sounds — and how I could re-create them. That said, it wasn’t until I discovered the Audio Technology program at American University (AU) that my passion for… continue reading How I Went from American University to the BBC
Factors such as curriculum, faculty and location are key variables that help differentiate between a good master’s degree program and a great one. However, one of the more underrated aspects of graduate work is who you know. Meeting alumni from your university is important not only because of how valuable a close-knit network of professional… continue reading 4 Health Promotion Management Alumni You Should Know
When MFA students arrive at AU, they bring expectations for their workshop experience– expectations shaped by past workshops, by reports from friend and teachers and, as of the past couple years, by HBO’s Girls. When Girls sent its main character, Hannah Horvath, to attend the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, viewers who had never even heard of… continue reading Taking the MFA to TV: A Conversation with Alumna Diana Metzger
Dr. Elijah Adiv Edelman is a graduate of the AU PhD program in anthropology and now teaches at Rhode Island College. On Monday, October 10, he will join us at the Social Justice Colloquium to give the talk “Trans and Queer Anthropology: Activism, Academia and Community.” In this discussion, Elijah will address how to do… continue reading Elijah Adiv Edelman: Joining us at the Social Justice Colloquium October 10
Over the last 25 years, corporate accounting scandals have earned front-page headlines. These acts of malfeasance—from Ponzi schemes to income inflation—triggered sweeping corporate finance reforms; the Occupy Wall Street movement; and the controversial U.S. bank bailout following the financial crash of 2008. But for every financial villain there are accounting heroes – single whistleblowers or… continue reading Five Financial Heroes and Villains: How a Master of Science in Accounting at American University Can Turn You into a Fiscal Superstar
Announcing the 2016 Public Anthropology Conference American University’s Department of Anthropology registration is currently open for the 13th annual Public Anthropology Conference. This year’s conference will take place on October 8-9, and welcomes participation from anthropologists and activists from a broad range of disciplines to engage in emerging dialogues on current issues. This year’s topic is Creating Dialogues… continue reading Public Anthropology Conference: 2016
The Kogod School of Business’ graduate Finance program is introducing a Capstone Finance course in Spring 2017 that will be available to students who are part of the Fall 2016 cohort. Taught by Dr. Jeffrey Harris, the Gary D. Cohn Goldman Sachs Chair in Finance, the class will serve as an essential bridge between theory… continue reading Capstone Finance Course Employs Theory to Prepare Students for Job Market
The Audio Technology Capstone is an advanced course in our undergraduate program that enables students to embrace their unique skills and particular areas of interest — to explore both the art and science of their future fields of study. It’s an opportunity to engage in discipline-specific projects in subjects such as: Electro-acoustic instrument design and… continue reading Science and Art Flourish in Advanced Audio Technology Capstone Course
A graduate degree in accounting is a great way to advance your current career or help you enter a new profession. Paying for a master’s degree can be expensive, but its long-term benefits make it well worth the initial cost. You don’t have to pay for your graduate education by yourself, though. Many scholarships options… continue reading Scholarship Options Make Earning a Master’s in Accounting Degree More Affordable
Some students arrive at AU already set on the research they want to pursue. Others, like third-year student Kelci Reiss, make new discoveries throughout their time in the program that shape their focus and drive their Student Research Project (SRP). While Kelci knew all along that her SRP would draw on her interest in social… continue reading Developing the Student Research Project: A Spotlight on Kelci Reiss
When anthropologists come together, the most important conversations of our day evolve, deepen, and expand. We’re proud of the rich exchange of ideas that happens in our own anthropology department, and we encourage students to engage with scholars from outside AU by attending conferences both on and off our campus. Below are five conferences… continue reading 5 Anthropology Conferences to Attend This School Year
Arielle Bernstein graduated from the AU MFA in Creative Writing in 2009 with a mixed-genre thesis, and she has now joined us as a professorial lecturer. Arielle’s career – with wide publication in both fiction and nonfiction – offers an example of where AU’s cross-genre focus can lead. Her cultural criticism, personal narrative and reviews… continue reading Publish Your Work: Insights from Arielle Bernstein
In the world of music and sound production, artists and audio engineers usually have L.A., New York and Nashville at top of mind. These entertainment hotbeds are legendary breeding grounds for artistic expression through sound—but they’re not the only launching pads for successful careers in the industry. Culturally diverse cities such as Washington, D.C.… continue reading 7 Successful Producers, Musicians & Bands from Washington DC
Advancements in science, technology and healthcare have made at least one thing crystal clear, it will take everyone’s best efforts to improve health in communities all over the world. This far-flung realization has led to a wealth of career opportunities for people who are passionate about health. There are many exciting professional paths that center… continue reading Public Health vs. Health Promotion Management
As Robert Graves put it, “There is no money in poetry, but there is no poetry in money, either.” Poets don’t pursue poetry for the cash, but the truth is that we all have to make rent and buy groceries. While it’s rare for a writer in any genre to make a living solely off… continue reading How Do Poets Make a Living?
Studying in our nation’s capital puts AU public anthropology students within reach of a number of dynamic, active organizations. There are opportunities to connect with National Parks, to delve into the history of local schools, and to explore pre-Columbian civilizations. There are grants and fellowships to fund promising field research. There are countless smart, experienced… continue reading 9 Washington DC Anthropology Organizations You Should Know About
Your career is important to us, and we understand that preparing for the CPA exam is a big part of your success. Our MSA students select from a variety of graduate accounting and tax courses designed to prepare them for the advanced topics covered on the CPA exam. They’ll also be equipped to meet the… continue reading 8 CPA Exam Prep Tips from a Kogod Accounting Student
In some communities, 100 percent of a grad student’s research is done online. But in a metro area—especially Washington, DC—much of that research can be gathered, observed, and analyzed in the field, where firsthand experience with the “real world” can teach us valuable lessons. For five years, students in American University’s MS in health promotion… continue reading Healthy Schools Act in DC Gives Grad Students Hands-On Training
We are proud of our accomplished creative writing faculty, whose achievements include acclaimed publications, national awards and reputations for excellence. There has been a lot of great work published in recent months and years. If you are applying to, or just considering, our MFA in Creative Writing, we encourage you to check out the work… continue reading 5 Accomplished Writers You’ll Connect with at AU
Rae Heitkamp is one of American University’s innovative Game Design students. In our interview, she shares what drew her to the program and imparts her wisdom to future applicants. Her student perspective provides a crucial window into the burgeoning field of Game Design. Your background is in biomedical research. What prompted the switch to… continue reading Q&A with Game Design Student Rae Heitkamp
No university program should use long history and rich tradition as an excuse to settle for the status quo. American University has the oldest master’s in health promotion management program in the U.S. — but also some of the most advantageous, hands-on education activities anywhere. Some students have been able to dive into data collection… continue reading Master’s Students Unify Around Art, Science, and Passion to Promote Health
At American University, people who’ve been fascinated with music and sound for years are finding opportunities to transform their passion into meaningful careers. AU’s master’s in audio technology program helps budding sound engineers, rock stars and up-and-coming producers to achieve their dreams. Students learn in the classroom and in the studio. They do internships across… continue reading Audio Technology: Bringing Sound Production Careers to Life
By Ivone Guillen As a soon-to-be second-year student in the School of Public Affairs’ MPA program, I’d like to share my story in the hopes of answering any questions you may have about the program. Everyone has a unique journey, and I hope that through mine you gain some knowledge that will help inform you… continue reading Profile of AU MPA Student Ivone Guillen
It was during her graduate studies at American University that Jessica Young discovered the depth of her interest in the different ways that populations experience health. “I knew that I wanted to use my career to improve the public’s health and that working with policy would be a way to impact the health of thousands… continue reading Master’s Class Focuses on Connections Between Health Equity and Social Justice
We are thrilled to announce a brand new anthropology certificate program in partnership with National Nurses United (NNU). Starting in fall 2016, students in the MA in Public Anthropology (MAPA) program will have the chance to pursue an online certificate in Health Inequality and Care. I’m especially excited about this because of my background working with… continue reading AU Partners with National Nurses United for New Online Certificate Program
When poet Valzhyna Mort arrived at AU as a student, she already had several accomplishments behind her. She had published a collection of poetry, Factory of Tears, in the United States and in Belarus, and been the youngest person ever featured on the cover of Poets & Writers magazine. Valzhyna has since published another collection, Collected Body (Copper… continue reading An Interview with Valzhyna Mort, Poet & AU Graduate
In 2013, two cavers came across human remains in the Rising Star Cave system near Johannesburg, South Africa, and American paleoanthropologist Lee Berger was eager to get a look at them. The only problem? The remains could only be accessed through a 7-inch- wide passageway, and Berger was too large to fit. He put out a call for… continue reading Watch: Becca Peixotto on the Homo Naledi Excavation
The multi-genre focus. The vibrant location. The engaged community of writers with diverse backgrounds and rigorous insights. For more than 30 years, the District’s only creative writing MFA program has fostered the talents and ambitions of writers who have gone on to make their mark in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction—and to make their mark on their communities. In… continue reading A Look Inside the District’s Only Creative Writing MFA
Innovative audio production courses with names such as 1960s British Recording Techniques sound like a lot of fun (they really are, too), but they’re much more. Mike Harvey, American University Audio Technology Instructor, uses an era of significant change in music and culture to help illustrate what’s possible with a career in audio and music technology.… continue reading The Beatles, British Recording Techniques, and the Evolution of Audio Production
AhealthyU, American University’s faculty and staff wellness program, is celebrating its 10th year. While its scope and goals have grown, the program’s inception was driven by both necessity and a deep desire to see its team flourish. “We discovered that many of our faculty and staff were being treated for health conditions that could lead to heart disease… continue reading AhealthyU: How Health and Wellness Programs Make a Positive Impact on Campus
As a Game Design student and a JoLT fellow, Kelli Dunlap embodies the program’s commitment to socially conscious gaming. We spoke with her about what brought her to AU, her expertise in video game psychology and how joining the Game Lab has prepared her for the future. Why get a Game Design degree and why… continue reading Q&A with Game Design Student Kelli Dunlap
One peek into the Financial Services and Information Technology (FSIT) Lab at the Kogod School of Business is all you need to get a sense that this is a nexus of learning and real-world experience. Students and faculty are busy modeling and analyzing data, conducting financial market research or participating in any number of other… continue reading The FSIT Lab Brings Wall Street Directly to You
Accounting is projected to grow 22 percent over the next decade. With rigorous core classes that underscore real-world experience, the Master of Science in Accounting program will prepare you to work in international consulting firms, major corporations, law enforcement agencies and more. Faculty with vast industry experience will guide you in developing and honing the… continue reading MSA Courses Rooted in Real-World Business Issues
Do teacher expectations vary depending on the race of their students? A new study conducted by economists at American University’s School of Public Affairs in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins University Department of Economics found the answer, and it might surprise you. In order to understand the importance of the study, recently published in The… continue reading AU Study Finds Racial Bias in School
If you are serious about games, you need to check out the best game conferences. To make the most of your opportunity, it’s crucial that you find the one which is right for you. Luckily, American University’s Game Lab team has checked them all out and can give you the info you need. 1. GDC… continue reading 6 Game Conferences You Should Know About
At its core, anthropology is about people. The master’s in public anthropology helps students discover ways to inspire change on the issues they care most about – and fight for justice on behalf of local and global communities. Our program is distinguished in part by its location. DC offers a wealth of access points for… continue reading A Look Inside the Master’s in Public Anthropology
Imagine pitching an investment idea to real partners and a real board before you hit the job market. The Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), offered to graduate and undergraduate students at the Kogod School of Business, is a truly unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in securities analysis and portfolio management. Each semester, approximately 24… continue reading Experience the Art of Investing with the Student Managed Investment Fund
Beginning this summer with the Fall 2016 cohort, the American University Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program will offer a new, weeklong Finance Intensive course. The course will provide an overview of concepts covered in the first semester and introduce students to all that the Kogod School of Business has to offer. Get on… continue reading Hit the Ground Running This Fall With Our New Finance Intensive Course
Managing client expectations. Successfully pitching a new idea. Meeting with team members. These are just some of the everyday accounting practices that go beyond technical know-how. “Soft skills” may not always come naturally, but they are of equal importance in the business world – arguably more. Presenting a financial analysis or managing a client requires… continue reading Three Soft Skills Every Accountant Needs: Master them at American University
The Game Lab at American University is developing a new generation of leaders in the evolving industry of social impact gaming. Interested in joining our community? Learn more about the MA in Game Design program at American University.
When students from American University’s chapter of the Audio Engineering Society met up to discuss their audio production heroes, a common theme emerged. It wasn’t as much about a certain technology or a ground-breaking technique. The students expressed appreciation for certain engineers who’ve managed to infuse their unique personalities and talents into every work they’ve… continue reading 7 Audio Industry Influencers You Should Know
We’re lucky to be within close proximity to a number of great writers’ colonies and conferences in the Washington, DC, metro area. Writers’ colonies offer quiet space and solitude to support the creation of new work, and to remove daily distractions like friends and families and routines from the writing process. Workshops and conferences offer… continue reading 4 Northern Virginia Writers’ Colonies & Conferences to Explore
By Wolf Kirsten Regardless of country, historical background, local government, or cultural trends, workplace health promotion is vital. It’s easier than ever to fall into sedentary behaviors and poor eating habits, which is why we need more professionals throughout the world who have the talents, passion, and work ethic to help people, organizations and communities… continue reading Global Healthy Workplace Summit Brings Program Innovation to Washington, DC
The JoLT initiative started in 2015 with the question, “Do the worlds of game design and journalism have anything to learn from each other?” The answer is yes, and three students from the American University Game Design program got to present the initiative’s findings this year at the Game Developers’ Conference. The conference, known as… continue reading Jumpstarting Change: Game Lab Students Showcase Findings on Community Engagement at GDC 2016
By MSF Faculty & Staff Hedge funds, private equity, renewable energy, real estate. These are just some of the alternative investment areas that are generating buzz and opportunity. In our era of market turmoil where investors are looking beyond traditional stock and bonds, training in alternative investment vehicles is essential for finance professionals. Beginning this… continue reading New Course on Alternative Asset Management Helps Prepare Students for CAIA License
Stephanie DeStefano has a more intimate relationship with the AU campus than most students. This year, she not only graduates from the master’s in public anthropology program, but she also celebrated her 14th anniversary as Grounds Operations Coordinator at AU. We talked with Stephanie to learn about her job at AU and how it has… continue reading Green Spaces: Bringing the Classroom to the Campus Grounds
The rapid expansion of health-related content available on the Internet has its pros and cons. The most notable drawback is that consumers often feel overwhelmed and confused by hundreds of conflicting opinions, which can lead to poor decisions that hinder or at least stagnate health progress. With all of the fitness and nutrition blogs out… continue reading 7 Health, Fitness, and Nutrition Blogs You Should Follow
By Robert Craycraft In August 2015, I moved to the South Caucasus nation of Armenia to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer. I had previously spent a full academic year in Washington, DC, at American University in the Anthropology Department working towards my master’s degree in public anthropology (MAPA). During the fall semester, I began… continue reading Social Justice in Action: AU Student Travels to Armenia with Peace Corps
One of the true measures of a great academic institution is how its graduates change the world. The School of Public Affairs has an 80-year history of graduating professionals into serving society at the highest levels – from The White House and the Secret Service, to members of U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and national nonprofit… continue reading American University Paves the Way: How Public Affairs Graduates Know Success
We were honored to partner with the Black Student Alliance to host a groundbreaking speaker at our weekly Social Justice Colloquium Series earlier this month. Orisanmi Burton joined us from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he is a doctoral candidate in social anthropology, to give a presentation based on a chapter… continue reading Social Justice Colloquium Series Recap: Ori Burton on Fugitive Masculinity
Often it’s the hot-button, trendy, social-media-friendly health topics that get the general populace buzzing about health and well-being. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, there’s a wealth of research, strategy, and passion converging in efforts to truly improve the state of health—and not just spur a new crop of popular diet books. In the work of Dr.… continue reading AU Researcher Suggests Avoiding Certain Food Additives Can Alleviate Neurological Symptoms
A distinguishing feature of AU’s MFA in creative writing program is the opportunity to explore multiple genres, discovering how poetry, fiction, and nonfiction can feed one another and lead to expansive career opportunities. AU Associate Professor Rachel Louise Snyder has a body of work that embodies our cross-genre values, with achievements in both fiction and… continue reading Why Exploring Multiple Genres Matters and Other Insights from Rachel Louise Snyder
You’ve seen the big names in the headlines. From Worldcom and Enron to AIG and Bernie Madoff, financial fraud has become a multi-billion dollar industry. In fact, it’s hard to scan a newspaper these days without coming across a story involving a corporate scandal or individual target. To combat financial wrongdoing, companies must now turn… continue reading Fight Fraud with Specialized Forensic Accounting Classes
