Research centers and institutes within the School of Public Affairs draw on the scholarship and expertise of SPA faculty. These centers offer fora for scholarly collaboration and exchange in the areas of politics, campaigns, public finance, and public administration and policy, and justice. Their work is shared with the AU and Washington communities as well as across the nation.
Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies
Under the sponsorship of the School of Public Affairs, CCPS provides an integrated teaching, research, and study program focusing on Congress and the presidency and the interactions of these two basic American institutions. Website
Women & Politics Institute
The mission of the Women & Politics Institute is to provide academic training to young women that encourages them to become involved in the political process and to facilitate research by faculty and students that enhances our understanding of the challenges women face in the political arena. Website
Center for Democracy & Election Management
American University has established a Center for Democracy and Election Management to provide education, research, and public engagement on the full range of democracy issues in the United States and the world. Website
Center for Public Finance Research
The Center for Public Finance Research offers research and education in public budgeting and finance, public financial management, public economics, and benefit-cost analysis from local to international levels. Website
Justice Programs Office
The Justice Programs Office was established to support SPA's mission of applying the tools of scholarship and professionalism to the design and management of public programs. Website
Institute for the Study of Public Policy Implementation
The Institute for the Study of Public Policy Implementation is a unique forum where all stakeholders in the public policy implementation system can work together on a continuing basis to create compelling results for the public. Website
Council on Comparative Studies
The Council on Comparative Studies was formed in 1999 as a forum for advancing work in comparative international studies at American University in accordance with the University's Strategic Plan, the concerns and interests of Provost Kerwin and the Deans and faculty in comparative studies in both SPA and SIS. Website
