The Kogod Experience

Whatever you've heard about business school, we probably do it differently here. And we think that's a good thing.

At Kogod, we're bringing AI fluency and human intelligence to the next generation of business leaders. We're the first AI-first business school (Bloomberg's words, not ours), which means students go all-in on AI from day one. Students here become investors in the market, provide seed funding to local entrepreneurs, and build businesses from scratch. If there's a problem in the world you want to solve, Kogod probably has a class or competition for that.

So, when you ask: "what will the Kogod experience be like?"

It's hard to give you just one answer. It's really what you make of it.

What happens when students use AI to scale solutions to our greatest shared challenges?

The AI-Driven Sustainable Communities Impact Challenge brings together student innovators from across the university to tackle pressing community problems through technology. Hosted by the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with AU’s STEM Programs and Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence, this eight-week competition challenges teams to design scalable, AI-powered solutions for real-world sustainability issues facing Washington, DC communities. Participants explore tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and low-code platforms to build and test prototypes while applying human-centered design, market analysis, and ethical AI principles. The top-performing teams earn funding, mentorship, and a pathway to the AU Incubator — turning their classroom insights into viable, impact-driven ventures.

Real-World Learning for Every Student

Kogod offers hands-on learning opportunities to help undergrad and grad students match their interests with the skills and experience employers want.

Practice turns professional

From case competitions to international immersions, industry conference treks to planning a concert in class—the Kogod experience is all about these real-world opportunities to learn by doing.

Interested in finance & real estate?

Get experience investing real money in the market through the Real Estate Investment Trust or the Student-Managed Investment Fund.

Want to start your own business or invest in one?

Meet startup founders and angel investors at DC Startup & Tech Week. Invest in the DC entrepreneurship ecosystem through the Eagle Venture Seed Fund.

Whatever gets you excited, Kogod has a hands-on learning opportunity for you to level up and become even more desirable to employers.

What's the best way to learn about a new market? How do you make industry connections? At Kogod, you learn where the action happens.

Students have the chance to fully immerse themselves in the industries, international markets, and hands-on professional environments that accelerate impact.

What does a student trek actually look like?

Keynotes and panels. Networking sessions. Consulting client meetings. Group meals and excursions in new places. Learn more about how these hands-on global learning experiences help Kogod students become career-ready well before graduation.

World-Renowned Experts Leading Every Class

Every day, in every class, Kogod students learn from subject matter experts with CVs to match.

Global Expertise Up Close

Your management professor is doing groundbreaking research on AI in negotiations. Your marketing professor has changed the landscape for race in the marketplace. Your accounting professor sits on the IRS Advisory Council.

Read: You're learning from the people defining the future of their fields.

Pros → Professors

Who teaches "MGMT 360: Social Purpose Innovation and Entrepreneurship"? The founder of a climate-driven grocery store that became the launchpad for more than 90 local food businesses.

Who teaches "FIN 489: Principles of Sustainable Finance"? Blackrock's former Director and Head of iShares US Sustainable ETFs.

July 8, 2026

Revolutional’s Rod Fontecilla Named AI Executive of the Year

Kogod adjunct faculty member Rod Fontecilla received WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Award for...

July 8, 2026

Patriotism, Timing, World Cup Interest Taking Soccer Betting to New Heights

Kogod Professor Matt Bakowicz was featured in Covers the article was also picked up by and Yahoo...

July 8, 2026

Colleges Shift Academic Offerings to Support Sports Industry Boom

Kogod Professor Matt Bakowicz shared his perspective with Inside Higher Ed on how business schools...

June 24, 2026

How Kogod’s AI-First Business School Model Drove 40% Enrollment Growth in Three Years

Kogod Dean David Marchick and Professor Angela Virtu join the Changing Higher Ed podcast for the...

June 24, 2026

Tommy White on the Impact of AI on Entrepreneurs

Kogod professor Tommy White joined the Chasing the Insights podcast to discuss how artificial...

April 29, 2026

Oil company Founded by Energy Secretary Paid no US Taxes Last Year

Kogod Professor Caroline Bruckner was interviewed for Politico.

Unparalleled Access to Washington, DC, and the World

American University’s campus sits in the northwest quadrant of Washington, DC—just miles from downtown, where some of the world’s most influential government, media, and financial institutions are located. And that physical proximity to decision-making matters: it's one of the reasons Kogod is able to host CEOs, business execs, and policy leaders throughout the year. Even online students get the chance to experience the international business hub of DC through cohort trips and consulting projects.