Required Coursework
The foundation courses of the AU Core, typically taken in the first year, build the foundation for academic success at American University.
AU Experience I (1.5 credit hours)
AU Experience II (1.5 credit hours)
Complex Problems Seminars (3 credit hours)
Quantitative Literacy I (3-4 credit hours)
Written Communication and Information Literacy I (6 credit hours)
Habit of Mind Courses
The AU Core also includes five Habits of Mind requirements: courses that focus on asking and answering questions through a range of intellectual approaches. These courses may be taken at any time in the degree program.
Creative-Aesthetic Inquiry (3 credit hours)
Cultural Inquiry (3 credit hours)
Ethical Reasoning (3 credit hours)
Natural-Scientific Inquiry (4 credit hours)
Socio-Historical Inquiry (3 credit hours)
Integrative Courses
The integrative courses bring together the inquiry-based values of the AU Core with major-related work. These courses are typically taken in the major, although any appropriately designated course may satisfy the relevant integrative requirement. All students complete a capstone project that showcases their academic accomplishments at American University.
Diversity & Equity (3 credit hours)
Quantitative Literacy II (3 credit hours)
Written Communication and Information Literacy II (3 credit hours)
AU Core Overview
At American University, our Core Curriculum is new and different. Rather than just telling you what to learn, we want you to re-evaluate how to learn.