American University’s Kogod School of Business

MBA Program Stats

Academics And Programs

The MBA program at American University’s Kogod School of Business is designed to help students develop leadership skills that lead to meaningful, positive change. The MBA has been around for some time now, graduating its first class in 1954 and intaking an intimate class of just 12 students this year. Although small, the cohort is a diverse, close-knit community that becomes each student’s network, support system, and an integral part of their education.

The business school is located on American University’s main campus, described as a beautiful and peaceful arboretum in the heart of Washington, DC. Kogod has a unique opportunity to deliver an MBA in Washington, DC, exposing students to the vibrant international community and market from day one. DC also offers diverse networking, internship, and job opportunities in all areas of business.

“The focus on experiential learning initiatives coupled with a student-centric strategy were both instrumental elements for this recognition.” says Ayman Omar, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Student Services in response to their ranking.

Career Stats

From Kogod School of Business

Business is a force for meaningful change at the Kogod School of Business. We will help you master the business skills that you will need to address the world’s most pressing challenges. We’re good at what we do, but don’t just take our word for it—we’re recognized globally for our world-class programs, exemplary faculty, and successful graduates. Our eight graduate programs each focus on real-world experience because we believe that people learn best by doing. Hands-on learning is at the heart of all of our programs, and our location in Washington, DC gives our students access and opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether you are looking to change careers or launch yourself into the next level of your existing path, Kogod has a program and the experts suited for you. Our part-time, full-time, and online options allow our students to have the flexibility they need so that they can maintain a well-rounded lifestyle. Our entrepreneurship incubator, career center, center for professionalism, pro-bono consulting opportunities, and international and local immersion experiences will offer you the leg up you need in any area. We can’t wait to meet you and help you get started on the exciting journey that awaits you!

American University’s Kogod School of Business believes in using business as a force for meaningful change. The school equips and empowers its community to make a difference in the world through the knowledge, skills, and experience it offers. Graduates are leaders on Wall Street and in the corporate world, but also work for non-profits, government agencies, and social-service organizations.

Kogod fosters a diverse and inclusive environment—an endeavor we believe deepens our understanding of the complex, global business world. Students work alongside professors on hands-on projects, grounding our programs in experiential, applied learning. Our faculty and staff help build the path from passion to success, offering students the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to turn aspirations into outcomes.

Kogod is the oldest accredited business school in Washington, DC. The school is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), which represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.

Academics
On-campus Degrees

Full-Time MBA
MS in accounting
MS in analytics
MS in finance
MS in marketing
MS in real estate
MS in sustainability management
MS in taxation

Online Degrees
Online MBA
Online MS in business analytics
Online MS in international relations and business
Online MS in marketing analytics
Online MS in accounting

Dual Degrees
MA/MBA
JD/MBA
LLM/MBA

Certificates
Forensic accounting
Entrepreneurship
Real estate
Non-profit management
Taxation
Islamic finance

Kogod’s on-campus, full-time MBA program is designed as a career catalyst for ambitious professionals. The 49-credit program can be completed in 21 months, giving students the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to turn aspirations into outcomes. Students complete their core courses in the first year, leaving the second open to electives.
The global consulting project is a highlight of the program. Students work with an international client to solve a problem integral to the company’s operation. The project culminates in a site-visit where students present their findings and recommendations in the client’s home country. Past MBA cohorts have traveled to China, Colombia, India, Israel, Poland, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.

Kogod also offers specialized masters programs in accounting, analytics, finance, marketing, real estate, sustainability management, and taxation that provide advanced training from real-world professionals and thought leaders. Students gain expertise in their chosen field through a combination of classroom, practical, and career management experience. Kogod leverages its connections within each industry to help students broaden their knowledge about career options, current industry trends and the general industry landscape.

Professional Development and Career Resources

Office of Career Engagement

The Office of Career Engagement empowers students and alumni to build meaningful relationships and careers. We provide the guidance, skills, and networking opportunities to turn aspirations into meaningful outcomes.

Students receive one-on-one guidance on relationship building, transitioning to new business jobs, crafting their resumes, and utilizing social media in their job searches. We also partner with employers to connect them with students and alumni who align with their professional needs.

The Office of Career Engagement helps build the path from passion to success, helping students, alumni and employers make informed and intentional career decisions.

Center for Business Communications
Kogod’s Center for Professionalism & Communications was founded to help students develop strong writing, public speaking and presentation skills.

CPC counselors provide individualized support on a by-appointment basis. Typical sessions include help with written assignments, practicing elevator pitches and interview skills, organizing team assignments, and more.

Centers
Tax Policy Center
The Kogod Tax Policy Center was launched in 2011, capitalizing on the school’s MS in taxation program. The research center promotes independent research and expands knowledge with respect to tax policy, tax planning and tax compliance for small and mid-size businesses, entrepreneurs, and middle income taxpayers.

Cybersecurity Governance Center

The Kogod Cybersecurity Governance Center aims to promote “good cybersecurity governance” by providing Board-level leaders and their designees with thoughtful, practical, timely and well-supported guidance on the cybersecurity issues that are essential to their core stakeholder responsibilities.

The Center conducts original cybersecurity governance research, offers classes and workshops, and hosts events for the cybersecurity community.

American University Center for Innovation

The American University Center for Innovation (AUCI) brings together prospective student entrepreneurs and educators across campus to study entrepreneurship and launch new ventures. The Center sponsors faculty research, entrepreneurship courses for students, and the incubator, which provides funding and mentorship for students starting their own businesses.

Rankings

Kogod is proud to be highly ranked by a number of leading higher education publications, including Princeton Review and Forbes. Some of our latest highlights include:

• #9 Full-time MBA in Diversity, Bloomberg Businessweek
• #1 Full-time MBA in HR, Princeton Review
• #8 Best Green MBA, Princeton Review
• #19 Online MBA, Fortune
• #14 Online MBA for Finance, US News & World Report
• #14 Online MBA for Management, US News & World Report
• #7 Online Graduate Business Degree for Veterans, US News & World Report
• Top 10 Program for Data Science, Tech Republic
• Top 10 Program for Tax, Tax Talent

Admissions
Undergraduate

For information regarding American University’s undergraduate admission process and requirements, please visit american.edu/admissions.

To apply online, use the Common Application website.

If you have any questions or require assistance with your undergraduate application, please contact Rayon Fulton, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Advising at rfulton@american.edu or.

Graduate

The application process for the Kogod School of Business is an electronic process. Complete the online application at http://kogod.american.edu/apply.

Kogod application requirements include the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Resume
• Statement of purpose
• Letter of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Official GMAT or GRE score and/or supplemental essay
• International Students: TOEFL or IELTS score
• Interview with a member of the Graduate Admissions Committee (MBA, MS in analytics, MS in marketing)
• $100 application fee

You may contact Kogod admissions at kogodgrad@american.edu

Essay Questions For Kogod School of Business

A statement of purpose of approximately 750 words in length is required for the full-time MBA program. The prompt for the personal statement essay is “Tell us about your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the Kogod School of Business.” Please be sure to answer each of the following:

-What short-term goals do you intend to achieve one (1) to five (5) years AFTER completing your degree?

-What long-term goals do you intend to achieve five (5) to ten or more (10+) years AFTER completing your degree?

-How will this degree help you in achieving these goals?

Rankings Data For Kogod School of Business