Barbara S. Davis

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

American University is a private doctoral institution situated in a residential neighborhood of northwest Washington, D.C. Our total fall 2012 enrollment was 13,165, with 6,776 degree-seeking undergraduates, 3,464 degree-seeking graduate students, 1,766 law students, and 1,159 students in nondegree certificate programs, Washington Semester, or AU Abroad. We offer 61 bachelor’s degrees, 54 master’s degrees, 11 doctoral degrees, and a JD program, as well as 50 certificate programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Courses run on a 15-week semester basis in fall and spring, with shorter summer-term classes. In addition, we offer study-abroad programs and alternative breaks. More than 85 percent of our undergraduates and 60 percent of our master's students participate in at least one internship. Our student body is cosmopolitan and globally diverse, with all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 130 countries represented. Seven percent of undergraduates and 11 percent of graduate students are international. The university’s mission is carried out by 798 full-time faculty and 1,525 full-time staff. Ninety-four percent of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field. Among our 565 adjunct faculty are policy makers, diplomats, journalists, artists, writers, scientists, and business leaders