Students who wish to register for a course should follow instructions on the Apply Now page. Students will make their course(s) selection via an online application found on Apply Now page. A parental/guardian signature is required. Within seven to ten days after completing the application, AU will email instructions on next steps to complete the enrollment.

Students will earn one credit upon successfully completing one course. Students may enroll in up to three courses to earn additional credits. Because the nature of instruction is asynchronous and there are no live sessions, students may select courses with overlapping dates.

Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. International students with an equivalent GPA are also eligible.  

Students usually take their course for a letter grade (A-F), especially if they anticipate seeking to transfer the credit to another institution. However, the pass-fail grade form can be a good choice, depending on individual circumstances. To change your grade type to pass-fail or for more information, contact hsss@american.edu.

Yes, students may elect to enroll in up to three courses in this program. Because the nature of instruction is asynchronous and there are no live sessions, students may select courses with overlapping dates.

Payment for classes is due upon the first day of class. Failure to comply with payment schedules may result in a financial restriction being placed on your account which would prevent any future registration or proof of completion of classes, including an official transcript, from being requested. Students will receive additional instructions concerning online payment options once registration is finalized by AU Central.

During the enrollment process, students will set up their AU student account which will enable them to access their course on AU’s Blackboard platform. For questions on accessing Blackboard, please email Page Hogan at hsss@american.edu.

Students should refer to AU’s policies for changes regarding registration. For this program, policies regarding refunds and withdrawals can be found here under the heading, “Refund Schedule for Classes with Non-Standard Length.”

All courses in this program are taught by American University faculty. Instructors remain involved and accessible through the duration of the course.

The structure and assignments vary from course to course. All courses will include some readings and recorded lectures. Written assignments range from a research paper or project, discussion posts or blogs, a reflection essay, or a video project. 

The credit is transferrable to many universities. However, as with AP credits, colleges and universities have different policies regarding transfer credit. AU recommends that students contact the Registrar of a college or university they are interested in attending to inquire about its policies regarding transfer credit. Please note that at the student’s request, AU will send a transcript and syllabus to universities to help determine the status of transferability.

All your work should be sent in by the due date specified on your syllabus. Course syllabi will give instructions for submitting your work. Students should contact their professor if an extension is needed.

To receive an official American University transcript, students need to submit a transcript request.  The AU Registrar now uses an outside firm to assist with transcripts. Follow the directions for "New User" through the online ordering system. Note: This process will involve creating an account and submitting a few pieces of information, such as your AU ID or date of birth, so that your record can be located.  If you have questions, please call 202-885-2022.