American University

Envision a university where history whispers from every corner. This is American University, nestled in the heart of Washington D.C. American University isn’t just a place of learning. It’s a living testament to the ideals of its founder, Methodist Bishop John Fletcher Hurst. He envisioned a university dedicated to public service and internationalism, a vision brought to life by Congress in 1893. American University opened its doors in 1914, initially as a graduate institution. Undergraduates weren’t admitted until 1925. The university’s main campus spans a sprawling 90 acres on Ward Circle, primarily in the Spring Valley neighborhood. Imagine the hustle and bustle of those early days, with just 28 students, including five women, a significant number in a time when women couldn’t even vote. American University also welcomed African American students, a rarity in those times. In 1915, an African American student even received a fellowship for doctoral studies. American University’s connection to the U.S. government runs deep. During World War I, the military used the grounds for testing, including the development of chemical weapons. That legacy left its mark, requiring a major cleanup effort in the 1990s. Fast forward to 1963, and imagine President John F. Kennedy delivering his commencement address here, calling for a nuclear test ban treaty with the Soviet Union. American University has always been at the forefront of progress. The Washington Semester Program, established in 1947, pioneered the idea of semester-long internships in the nation’s capital. In 1949, the university merged with the Washington College of Law, the first law school founded by women. American University is a hub of academic excellence, with eight schools and colleges offering over 160 programs. The School of International Service is renowned worldwide, and the university is a top feeder school for the Department of State. From the historic Hurst Hall to the modern Katzen Arts Center, American University has evolved while staying true to its founding principles. Today, over 13,000 students from all 50 states and 141 countries call American University home. This vibrant community continues to shape the future, one graduate at a time.