We have limited space in the Gap Program for two academic sections per semester. We accept applications on a rolling basis – up to the application deadline date for the program/semester to which you are applying.

The Gap Program professors are full-time, American University faculty with appointments to the School of Professional and Extended Studies.

Please see Fall and Spring Programs for seminar topic details.

AU Gap Program students enroll in the classes affiliated with the Gap Program. We cannot offer any AU elective courses beyond what is already offered in the program.

AU Gap staff will provide you with the tools and resources to secure your own internship. Creating a resume and cover letter, developing interview skills, and searching for internships are key skills you will develop through this experience.

Prior to entering the AU Gap Program, you are given access to resume templates, and you will work with program staff to fine-tune your resume and cover letter. After arrival on campus, you will work with the Gap Program team and a professor to refine your search and secure an internship.

You will have access to the School of Professional & Extended Studies Internship Database-the largest of its kind focusing on internships in the Washington, D.C. area. With over 3,000 internships in the database, many employers specifically turn to the School of Professional & Extended Studies at American University for their semester interns. There are internships available in areas of interest ranging from politics and justice, communications, international affairs, psychology, and arts & sciences.

The internship experience allows you to build your professional skillset, gain real-world experience, and start making professional contacts through the internship and mentored field practicum class. Internships are available in areas of interest ranging from politics and justice, communications, international affairs, psychology, and arts & sciences.

AU Gap Program students are enrolled in two classes each semester for a total of 7 undergraduate credits.

If you want or plan to use these credits to transfer to another university, the decision about the transferability of credits rests with the university you are joining after the Gap Program. We encourage you to contact the college or university you are planning to attend after the Gap Program to determine the transferability.

Yes. Gap students are non-degree seeking students at AU and have access to AU facilities and activities. These include computer labs, library, fitness centers, resource centers, clubs, speakers, campus events, etc.

Gap students, like other resident students, are not allowed to bring cars.

Gap students are housed on the AU campus in a residence hall. Gap Program students will room with other Gap students or other first year students.

Yes. All students living on-campus are required to have a meal plan. Students living off-campus are not required to have a meal plan. View list of meal plan options.

D.C. law states that all students must have health insurance - through their parents or through AU. If a student has insurance by way of their parent’s plan, they can waive AU Health Insurance through their myAU.american.edu portal.

AU Gap students have non-degree seeking student status, therefore financial aid is not available. Many students secure private student loans, including non-degree educational loans, to pay for the Gap Program. In addition, students may also choose to participate in the American Payment Plan (APP), which breaks tuition into monthly payments.