You are here: American University School of Communication Admissions Information for New Graduate Students

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

  1. 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.
  2. If your plans have changed, visit the FAQ section Admissions Information.
  3. Sign up for events (Admitted Student Day; Webinar on How to Enroll; and Orientation).
  4. Set up your AU e-mail account.
  5. Register for classes. Registration begins on April 13th.
  6. Were you awarded a graduate assistantship? Learn more about next steps.
  7. 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.
  8. Get your AU One Card (ID card) at the One Card Office before the start of classes.
  9. Register with Academic Support and Access Center if you need special accommodations.
  10. 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.
  11. Full-time students pick up your U-Pass Metro card during Welcome Week or the first week of classes.
Selected
Events
Orientation

Events for newly admitted graduate students will be posted here.

Orientation for incoming SOC graduate students will be on Friday, August 23, 2024. Additional details to follow.

Course Substitutions

2024 Film Course Waiver Instructions for COMM-610, COMM-663, COMM-630, COMM-651 can be acquired by emailing gradcomm@american.edu, requesting full opt-out instructions. Write in the subject line which course or courses you wish to request to opt-out.

 
COMM-610: Principles of Video Production (bootcamp course)
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR A WAIVER: June 1
Student will need to submit: form waiver test and portfolio or website
 
COMM-663: Techniques and Aesthetics of Editing (bootcamp course)
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR A WAIVER: June 1
Student will need to submit: portfolio review, course syllabi from applicable course(s), unofficial transcript
 
COMM-630: Principles of Photography (fall course)
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR A WAIVER: June 1.
Student will need to submit: unofficial transcript, or portfolio and waiver exam.

 

COMM-651 Story of Film
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR A WAIVER: last day of ADD/DROP the semester prior to enrollment.
Student will need to submit: transcript, a syllabus, and examples of work
 
FOR EACH WAIVER:
  • It will take approximately one (1) week to review your materials.
  • Note that the decision made by an AU SOC Film faculty member is final and not eligible for appeal. Once you receive your decision, Jean McGee will follow up with you.
  • If you are approved to waive a course, you are still required to earn credits by completing another SOC course.
Jean McGee, School of Communication Senior Graduate Academic Advisor

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.