You are here: American University College of Arts & Sciences CAS Admissions How to Apply

Back to top

How to Apply

File on a desktop computer.

1: Submit Application Form

Once you have created an account, you will be able to access the application form. You do not need to complete the form in one sitting, nor upload a statement of purpose as part of the application form. Uploading supporting documents and recommendation letters is done at a later stage.

International Applicants: before applying please review International Requirements.

Credit card

2: Pay Fee

Pay the application fee of $55 (unless eligible for waived fee). You will not be able to upload letters of recommendation, transcripts, or test scores until the fee has been received.

*Please note: application fees are nonrefundable.

Checklist

3: Upload Required Materials

Submit all required materials as early as possible to allow time for them to be received. After admittance, you will be required to mail all official transcripts. Received documents are not returnable or transferable.

*We do not accept personal statements generated by AI or similar tools. By submitting your application, you are confirming the Statement of Purpose was written solely by you, the applicant. This does not include the use of assistive technologies for applciants with disabilities. For guidance on writing your Statement of Purpose, please visit our Events Page for upcoming webinars and info sessions.

Application & Help

Chat with CAS

Selected
Combined Bachelor's/Master's
International Students
Nondegree & Visiting

Combining Bachelor's and Master's Programs

Current undergraduate students at AU have the option of combining their bachelor's and master's degrees.

Decide which master's program you are interested in pursuing. Ask your faculty member(s) for recommendations and suggestions. Meet with a graduate admissions advisor to learn about the graduate programs and find out which faculty member you should meet.

Then make an appointment with your undergraduate academic advisor to learn about the courses appropriate for the Bachelor's/Master's program.

International Students

For information on how to apply, see International Applicants.

For information on immigration, finances, and enrollment, see International Student and Scholar Services.

NonDegree and Visiting students

See more information for non-degree and visiting students.

Students who study at American University without formal admission may be eligible take classes in nondegree status and may be referred to as nondegree students. Please note: "Continuing Education" is now referred to as nondegree.

Studying in nondegree status does not require application for admission as there is no program to apply to. Instead, students request nondegree status for various reasons. Requesting nondegree status might be something students do if they're admitted to a program elsewhere but would like to take a class during a semester in Washington DC or if their school does not offer the course. Others request nondegree status when they need a class or certification for their job and others may take a few classes in nondegree status to improve their academic record and prepare for admission to a specific program.

While in nondegree status, undergraduate nondegree students (those who have not earned a bachelor's degree) must maintain a GPA of 2.00 each semester and graduate nondegree students must maintain a 3.00 GPA.

Many nondegree students take advantage of the following programs:

Eligibility

You are eligible to study in nondegree status as long you meet all prerequisites and/or restrictions for the specific course as noted in the Schedule of Classes. Students admitted into a degree program at any other Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area schools are not permitted to take classes as a nondegree student and should consult their school's academic advisor or Registrar. You must also be in good standing with any other college or university in which you are currently enrolled. Students suspended or dismissed from another institution during the past year are not eligible to enroll as nondegree students at AU. International students are not eligible for student visas under nondegree status.

Tuition

Nondegree students pay the same tuition as admitted students, no matter the grade type you choose(i.e., A through F, Pass/Fail, or Audit). Please see Student Accounts for current tuition and fees. A typical 3 credit hour course will have a tuition around $4,500, not including books and fees.

Financial aid, grants, and merit awards are not available for nondegree study. To qualify for financial aid, students must apply for admission and be admitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Faculty admissions committee members evaluate each graduate application individually, weighing academic relevancy and achievement, test scores and other supplemental materials when required, and academic and professional goals. Programs typically do not set minimum scores for the GRE. Based on the strength of other aspects of their file as determined by the admissions committee, applicants with GPAs below 3.0 may be considered for admission with approval of the CAS Office of Graduate Affairs. No numerical score (GRE or GPA) guarantees admission.

Some programs admit new students only in the Fall semester. Please check with the chair of the department offering your program.

The fee is waived for:

  • Active duty members or veterans of the US military
  • Active or returned Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach for America volunteers. Participants in other nationally or internationally recognized volunteer programs may also be eligible for an application fee waiver.
  • Current AU students, AU alumni, or staff/faculty members 
  • First-generation college students 
  • Candidates for, or recipients of, eligible nationally or internationally recognized fellowship or scholarship programs. See the online application form for full details. 
  • BA/MA applicants (current CAS undergraduates)

Documents can be uploaded through the application. Remember that you must pay the application fee prior to uploading letters of recommendation, test scores, or transcripts.

For any documents that must be sent via paper mail:

Postal mail

CAS Graduate Admissions
Battelle-Tompkins, T-13
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8081

Express, Courier, Overnight (Express Mail, Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, etc.)

Office of Enrollment
4801 Massachusetts Ave, Suite 218
Washington, DC 20016-8001
USA

Still have questions? Email casgrad@american.edu