School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Working at the Center of the Policy World

Sissy Martinez SPA/BA '21, MS '22

MS Terrorism & Homeland Security Policy

During a transformative AU study abroad experience in Brussels, a rigorous program involving travel to Ukraine and Bosnia and an internship at the Institute for Economics and Peace, Martinez developed a fascination with European politics. Eventually, her AU skills and experiences led to a job as a project coordinator and research assistant with the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia team at the D.C. think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
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Kerwin Hall 1930

SPA is Turning 90!

2024 marks the 90th anniversary for the School of Public Affairs. We've compiled a look back at our 90 year history. For the past nine decades, American University’s School of Public Affairs has been a leader in public affairs education.

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Alison Jacknowitz

Introducing Alison Jacknowitz as our Interim Dean!

We are pleased she will lead our school in the 2023-24 academic year.

Message from the Dean

US News Rankings

Announcement ·

American University’s School of Public Affairs Ranked No. 13 Overall, Highest in D.C., by U.S. News and World Report

According to the 2025 edition of U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of Public Affairs Graduate Schools, the AU SPA continues to earn high marks.
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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

Graduate 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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#SPACyber: Policy Studies in Cybersecurity

#SPACyber is a practitioner informed, research driven hub of cyber curriculum, thought leadership, and engagement.

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Discover your future with AU

Six months after graduation,
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Featured News

Nicole Darnall

Announcement ·

American University’s Kogod School of Business, School of Public Affairs Appoint Eminent Scholar Chair in Sustainability

The dual appointment between American’s Kogod School of Business and School of Public Affairs marks the first joint endowed chair in the university’s history.
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Nulsen Endowed Professor of Practice announcement

Announcement ·

New Kogod School of Business Endowed Professorship Makes University History

The newly named Nulsen Endowed Professor of Practice is the first endowed professorship for a term faculty member in American University’s history.
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Gary Wright standing in front of the American University gate on campus.

Announcement ·

An AU Legacy of Leadership, Dedication, and Profound Serendipity

Gary Wright has long been dedicated to student thriving. With nearly 30 years of career service at AU, multiple funds for student support, and now—the largest scholarship bequest to date—Wright champions the dreams of generations of Eagles.
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Specialty Rankings

number 12

for Public Policy Analysis

by U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 13

in Public Finance & Budgeting

by U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 22

in Urban Policy

by U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings