Research

American University, a Carnegie-classified research university, is deeply committed to creating knowledge, including creative and professional activity, in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the professions. We strongly support research by our students and faculty.

Known as a college-centered research university, AU values scholar-teachers who are fully engaged both in research and in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Our most distinguished and accomplished scholars also teach.

The University Library provides in-depth research assistance plus access to full-text journals and to the Washington Research Library Consortium and beyond. Laboratories—ranging from chemistry to social science to art design to business behavior—and academic centers researching various subjects—from social media to war crimes to global peace to Congress and the presidency—produce new knowledge.

AU is widely regarded as being among the finest universities in the nation, if not the world, in selected fields and professions. Our culture is one of excellence: we set high standards and seek constant improvement.

Our research policies and procedures—including ethical conduct, the protection of human subjects, and the care of laboratory animals—reflect the highest standards. They are online, easily accessible to all.

Proud of our scholarly achievements, AU continually adds resources to and guides our research so as to further enrich the classroom experience, advance academic disciplines and professions, inform policy debates, and address the challenging issues of our time.