American University
AC-2: Undergraduate Programs

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of and respect for society and the environment. They will demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of the collective and the role of the individual. They will act with a sense of responsibility in service to the public interest and to social justice.

CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING

Graduates will evaluate arguments, issues, and ideas by considering evidence, context and multiple views before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion. Graduates will exercise imagination, innovation, considered evaluation of risk, problem solving, experimentation, and inquiry in a manner that demonstrates originality of thought.

CULTURAL COMPETENCY

Graduates will live and work effectively in a global and multicultural world by respecting and understanding different opinions, perspectives, and experiences. They will demonstrate appreciation of diverse cultures and viewpoints.

ETHICS

Graduates will demonstrate ethical decision-making skills; they will act with integrity, critically examine their own values, and respect how different values might be applied to address complex and ambiguous problems.

INFORMATION LITERACY

Graduates will identify their information needs, and search, select, retrieve, and evaluate relevant information from an array of sources. They will recognize reputable and accurate information and synthesize materials from varied sources.

QUANTITATIVE REASONING

Graduates will understand quantitative analysis in order to interpret and explain the world around them. They will be able to use data to address practical problems and to understand, analyze, and assess ideas and issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

The Environmental Studies (BA) begins with a set of foundational courses in both the natural and social sciences. The student then chooses from an approved list of related courses, from across AU to create a course of study suited to their interests and professional goals. Students also gain practical experience through an internship at one of the many public and private environmental organizations in the Washington, DC area or through research with faculty. Graduates are prepared for employment in a broad range of fields where scientific information is applied in the development and implementation of environmental policies and procedures.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

The Environmental Science (BS) draws principally from the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, mathematics, and statistics. In addition to classroom work, the program provides students with training in both field and laboratory techniques applicable to the study of the natural environment. Students are strongly encouraged to seek research experience with faculty and engage in the creation of new scientific knowledge. Opportunities to carry out research at one of the many research institutions in the Washington, DC area are also available. Graduates are prepared for a broad range of opportunities, from serving as a scientist for public or private environmental organizations, to professional school in health, law, or engineering, to graduate school in either natural or social sciences.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES- ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & GLOBAL HEALTH THEMATIC AREA

The Environmental Sustainability and Global Health Thematic Area introduces students to the socio-political dynamics of global health and environmental affairs. Students explore the multiple causes and consequences of environmental harm and ill health and work to understand the mechanisms of governance best able to respond. Cutting across both issues are the fundamental injustices and inequalities between people as well as between countries. Ultimately, students develop the intellectual, theoretical, scientific, and applied tools needed to simultaneously work towards a safer, healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable world.

SUSTAINABILITY MINOR

Offered by the Kogod School of Business, the Sustainability (Minor) provides students with a solid understanding of sustainability as it relates to the management and operations of public and private enterprises worldwide, and sensitizes them to the interdisciplinary dimensions of sustainability. The minor draws on faculty resources at Kogod School of Business and other AU units and prepares students for graduate studies in sustainability and/or careers in corporate responsibility, social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and related areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MINOR

The Environmental Science (Minor) is available for those interested in adding breadth to any other AU undergraduate degree. The minor prepares students for employment in environmental research, policy, or management, or for further graduate work in the natural or social sciences. The program includes an introduction to biological aspects of environmental science such as evolutionary biology, ecology and biodiversity, populations, food and agriculture, environmental health, and the impacts of climate change. It also includes an introduction to physical science aspects such as geology, water and air pollution and their causes, solid waste, weather and climate, and both conventional and sustainable energy options. Emphasis is on sustainability and meeting environmental challenges. 

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Required to take the course "Science & Engineering Disciplinary Core in the Elementary Classroom," which focuses on science and engineering disciplinary core ideas and practices in the elementary classroom, including concepts in life, physical, and earth and space science as well as principles of engineering design. Course content and assignments help students deepen their science content knowledge while developing the science and engineering pedagogical content knowledge necessary to implement integrated and multidisciplinary instruction in the elementary classroom.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Business Administration; Finance, Business, Language, and Culture Studies; Business and Entertainment. The Business Core curriculum for these majors include a course called "Business Law," which covers corporate ethics and environmental protection.

Students may also specialize in sustainability, taking courses focused on corporate sustainability strategy, ESG investing, sustainability metrics and reporting, risk management, marketing, or entrepreneurship.

Degrees conferred for undergraduate qualifications awarded that are focused on subjects other than sustainability but have sustainability-focused learning requirements can be found on page 97 of the Academic Data Reference Book.