Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the phone number and e-mail?
Please reach us at 202-885-3620 or CASGRAD@american.edu.

What are the application deadlines?
CAS uses a rolling admissions process. However, please note that some of our departments have application deadlines for particular graduate programs. Please check the program to which you are applying, or check our Requirements Chart.

Are there dual degree options?
CAS offers a dual degree program in conjunction with AU ’s School of International Service (SIS): the MAT in Teaching Secondary Education combined with the MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution You must apply and be accepted into BOTH schools in order to take on graduate study in the dual degree program.

Are there non-degree options?
Students may take classes in non-degree status before enrolling into a degree program. Non-degree classes carry the same credit and cost the same amount in tuition as any degree class. To register for classes in non-degree status, please contact the department which sponsors the class in which you are interested.

How do I apply?
See our How to Apply section.

What is the GRE school code? the TOEFL school code?
—GRE school code: 8439 (no department code)
—TOEFL code: 8439
—Praxis code: 5007

What is the Financial Aid federal school code?
Our financial aid school code is 1434

What is the cost of tuition?
The current cost of tuition per credit hour is $1,178. Full-time graduate study at 9 credits per semester (18 credits per year) is $21,204. (Nominal fees, books, and living expenses not included.)

What is the difference between full time study and part time study?
Full time study at the graduate level consists of a courseload of 9 credits (3 classes) or more per semester. Part time study consists of a courseload of 6 credits (2 classes) or less per semester.

I’ve been admitted. How do I enroll?
See our Enrolling section.

What is your full contact information?
CAS Graduate Admissions
American University
McKinley 203
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8107
Phone: 202-885-3620
Fax: 202-885-1505
Email: CASGRAD@american.edu

Can I download an application form?
Yes, click here.

I have a GPA of (blank) and a GRE score of (blank), am I qualified to enter your program?
Each graduate application is evaluated individually by a board of faculty admissions committee members. No one factor is greater than another nor does any sort of numerical score (GRE or GPA) guarantee admission.

I am an international student, do you have financial aid for me?
Financial assistance for international students is available at American University in the form of merit-based financial awards only. Most of these merit awards do not cover the full cost of attendance at American University. Therefore, students are encouraged to have supplementary funding to cover books, living expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses that may arise. Since funding for merit awards is extremely limited, competition for these awards is very high. American University does not award its merit scholarships based on financial need.

International students who are dependent upon merit awards are encouraged to submit a complete application for admission by the appropriate deadline in order to receive consideration for a merit award. At the same time, because the competition for merit awards is very rigorous, an award can not be guaranteed. Therefore, the College of Arts and Sciences encourages all of its prospective applicants to seek out other sources of financial assistance from organizations or sponsors. Please see our International Students section for more information.

Can I defer my admission?
American University allows an admitted student to defer his/her enrollment for up to one academic year (for example, if admitted for Fall 2003, you may defer your admission to Spring 2004, Summer 2004, or Fall 2004).

To request a deferral, please send your request in writing (e-mail is sufficient) with the following information:

• Your Name
• Program you are admitted to
• Reason for requesting deferral
• Semester to which you would like to defer (up to one year)

Your deferral must be approved by your academic unit's graduate advising faculty or staff member. You will receive a letter with a decision by postal mail.

I am an international student, what are the TOEFL test requirements or English requirements?
Course work at AU's College of Arts and Sciences requires strong skills in the English language. We strongly recommend that all students whose first language is not English take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Registration materials for the TOEFL exam can be obtained from U.S. consulates, embassies, binational centers, or the Educational Testing Service The College of Arts and Sciences measures your English proficiency by either (a) your performance on the TOEFL exam, or (b) your educational background.

The TOEFL
Acceptable scores are 600 for paper-based, 250 for computer-based, or 100 for internet-based (or higher) on the TOEFL exam. American University offers English assessments to new students who meet the minimum TOEFL requirements, to find out if we can better support them in their first semester.

Educational Background
Students who have completed a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited institution in the United States or an English-speaking country will be considered for exemption from the TOEFL or IELTS.

What is the academic calendar?
The academic calendar is available on the Registrar’s office website.