School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Sarah Aldridge

SPA/MPA '22

SPA helped Sarah Aldridge translate a passion for grassroots engagement into a career in nonprofit advocacy. “SPA combined a practical, applied foundation in public administration with opportunities to engage with my personal interests - from education policy to campaign management and women in politics,” said the Director of Congressional Affairs at Voices for National Service, who trains other nonprofit professionals to engage with their members of Congress on behalf of AmeriCorps. “I came to this position from the Hill,” she added. “I love using my past experience to help coach folks on the best way to get a member's attention.”

#12 Overall for Public Affairs

Achievements ·

American University’s School of Public Affairs is Ranked No. 12 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report

This is the seventh consecutive year that SPA ranked among the top 5 percent of public affairs schools in the country, and the sixth year in a row that the school has held the distinction of the highest rated school in Washington, D.C.
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SPA Highlights

Event Dispatches

Dispatches

SPA shares insider information on the world of public affairs, from choosing and applying to the right program for you, to courses, careers, and the culture.

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Front of Kerwin Hall

Recruitment Events


Browse our graduate recruitment events to meet SPA on campus, on the road, or through one of our virtual sessions!

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Public Servant Planning and Skills Network: New Path, Same Purpose

Public Servant Planning and Skills Network

The Public Servant Planning and Skills Network supports public servants as they navigate unplanned career transitions.

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Discover Your Future with AU

Six months after graduation,
AU
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% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both

Top Employers
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Featured News

SPA Assistant Professor of Government Jonathan Colner

Political Science ·

Does Ranked Choice Voting Work for Local Elections?

SPA professor considers whether, how, and under what circumstances RCV supports voter expression.
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Zoe Kazanzides and Governor Wes Moore

Internships ·

Tuned In to Public Service

Student intern Zoe Kazanzides, SPA/BA ’27, took her passion for public impact from the broadcast booth at NPR’s 1A to the halls of the Maryland State House—learning how storytelling and policy move communities forward.
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Norah O’Donnell and Kate Andersen Brower 2

On Campus ·

Rewriting the Narrative

Norah O’Donnell and Kate Andersen Brower visited AU to discuss unearthing women’s lost history, confronting sexism in media, and turning preparation into power.
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Specialty Rankings

number 11

for Public Policy Analysis

by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 12

in Public Finance & Budgeting

by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 18

in Social Policy

by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings