Admitted Students Days for Undergraduates
April 17, April 24
SOC prospective students will have the opportunity to get behind the camera to create a 30-minute talk show in the Media Production Center. Registration information can be obtained from the AU Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Attend New Student Orientation
Students may register via my.american.edu.
Also available via my.american.edu:
- Freshman checklist
- Complete Freshman Guide (published in May)
Basic FAQ
What is a typical course load for SOC students?
SOC undergraduates average five classes or 15 credit hours per semester--allowing them to earn the 120 credits required to graduate in four years.
What is the average class size in the School of Communication?
The average SOC undergraduate class size is under 20 students. Only a few of the freshmen courses are taught in large lecture rooms, otherwise even a sophomore class will likely have only 25-30 students.
Who teaches the freshman courses, faculty or teaching assistants?
SOC Faculty teach all SOC courses. Some courses are assigned a student teaching assistant, but they are not responsible for classroom instruction.
Who are "adjunct faculty?"
These are part-time instructors who have strong professional backgrounds and also the academic credentials to teach. They help augment our full-time faculty and also bring current professional expertise into the classroom. One of the benefits of being in DC is having a host of top-notch working professionals in the area.
How do students find out about internship possibilities?
Many DC media companies and other organizations use SOC students as interns. The SOC Advising Office estimates that it receives 15 to 20 announcements per student each year. It maintains a binder and bulletin board of internship opportunities. Postings are also available electronically from the AU Career Center. Learn more
Who provides academic guidance to students on their courses?
Students will receive guidance from both specialized academic advisors in our Advising Office and faculty advisors. Undergraduates are assigned an advisor in the Advising Office so that they will have the same advisor throughout their time at AU. Faculty provides advice relating to career choices, beginning with the selection of the most appropriate internship for the student's career path.
Who is my academic advisor?
Email undergradcomm@american.edu or call SOC's main office to find out: (202)-885-2061.
How do I get involved in campus activities?
One of the best ways is to connect with the Student Activities Office: Here is just a small sample of the communications-relative organizations and activities on campus.
ATV - AU's student-run television station
The Eagle - The student newspaper
Talon - The yearbook
WVAU - AU's student-run radio station
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
American Word - The student-run magazine
American Literary - The student-run literary magazine
Where can I get information about:
- Health Center (health insurance waiver form, immunization form, etc)?
- Paying Bills - Student Accounts Office 202-885-3541
- Admissions and Financial Aid - 202-885-6000
- Student Housing - 202-885-3370
Can parents obtain copies of their children's grades?
No. Once they turn 18, students are legally "adults" and are protected by federal privacy policy (Buckley Amendment or Family Education Rights and Privacy Act), and the university can't release that information. We advise parents to discuss a child's grades with him or her. More about the university policy concerning third party access to student records is articulated in the Parent Handbook.
