Information for New Graduate Students
Congratulations on your admission to American University's School of Communication! Our faculty, staff and students are delighted to welcome you to our community. We look forward to working with you throughout your graduate academic and professional journey.
Next Steps
- Pay your non-refundable seat deposit (USD $250) before April 15. Go to the AU Student Account Creation. Enter your information. Your seven-digit AU ID was provided to you in your admit letter that arrived via email. Select Eagle Finance to pay your deposit.
- If your plans have changed, visit the FAQ section Admissions Information.
- Sign up for events (Admitted Student Day; Webinar on How to Enroll; and Orientation).
- Set up your AU e-mail account.
- Register for classes. Registration begins on April 13th.
- Were you awarded a graduate assistantship? Learn more about next steps.
- Students are automatically enrolled in AU's Student Health Insurance Plan. If you would like to waive the insurance plan, please read the waiver information. Review AU's immunization requirements and Tuition Insurance Information and Enrollment.
- Get your AU One Card (ID card) at the One Card Office before the start of classes.
- Register with Academic Support and Access Center if you need special accommodations.
- Submit official transcripts from your undergraduate and/or graduation institutions by the first day of Fall classes. Transcripts must show the date your degree was conferred. The institution must send official transcripts directly to AU.
- Full-time students pick up your U-Pass Metro card during Welcome Week or the first week of classes.
Admitted Students Welcome Day
March 25, 2023 | 10:30am - 3:30pm on campus
Join us on campus to connect with your new peers and leadership! RSVP here.
International Student Welcome & Next Steps
March 22, 2023 | 9:30am - 11:00am (virtual)
Join Graduate Academic Services and International Student and Scholar Services staff to talk about your next steps as an admitted international student looking for F-1 visa sponsorship from AU. RSVP here.
Veteran Benefits Webinar
March 28, 2023 | 6:00pm (virtual)
Hosted by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, this webinar is focused on benefits and federal aid available to veterans and active duty military members.
Financial Aid Graduate Student Webinar
March 29, 2023 | 7:00pm (virtual)
Hosted by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, this webinar is to inform and answer any questions regarding financial aid at AU.
Graduate Student Housing Webinar
March 30, 2023 | 6:00pm (virtual)
Hosted by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, this webinar aims to inform and answer any questions students may have regarding living in the DC area and commuting to campus.
How to Register for Classes Webinars
Registration opens April 13!
You will receive an email invite from Senior Advisor Jean McGee to join our registration webinars before registration opens.
Orientation for incoming SOC graduate students will be held August 25th, 2023.
Course Substitutions
Students in either the MA in Film & Media Production, MFA in Film & Media Arts, or the MFA in Games and Interactive Media: To request to opt-out from Boot Camp Courses (COMM 610 and COMM 663) or Principles of Photography (COMM 630), please send an email to gradcomm@american.edu, requesting instructions to opt-out either one or both courses. Write in the subject line which course or courses you wish to request to opt-out. If you are approved, you will be required to earn the credits by completing other SOC course(s).
Applicants with prior experience in visual media, who wish to be considered for a substitution of the required COMM-610 Principles of Video Production and/or COMM-663 Techniques and Aesthetics of Editing courses, should submit a written request illustrating relevant coursework or professional experience. Those requesting a substitution of either or both of these required courses will be required to take and pass an exam. Students requesting to opt-out of COMM-610 will also need to send a link to their portfolio or website, with samples of their work, in addition to completing the waiver test. Students granted substitutions for either, or both, of these required courses take advanced coursework in order to fulfill those academic credits.
Students seeking to opt-out of COMM-630 Principles of Photography would need to be able to provide a portfolio and take a waiver exam. If you have had a previous college course that covers darkroom, please share that information via your transcript. Students granted substitutions for this required course, COMM-630, will take advanced coursework in order to fulfill those academic credits.
Graduate Advising
Jean McGee serves as the graduate advisor for all graduate students, full-time, part-time, and weekend, in the School of Communication. Current students who wish to schedule an appointment with Jean, please reach out directly via e-mail.