School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Julia Singer

SPA/MPP '22

Julia Singer works as a marine scientist for Oceana, a nonprofit ocean conservation organization that works to influence policy. “SPA taught me how to gear my policy knowledge towards a specific audience,” she shared. “Specifically, the policy practicum gave me hands-on experience in communicating environmental conservation information to government entities, allowing me to develop skills I still use today.” Singer enjoys the variety in her position. “In one week, I may attend scientific conferences on right whale monitoring; talk with Congressional staff to work towards increased federal protections; or travel to a coastal community to discuss conservation with stakeholders and advocates.”

AU SPA Ranked No. 9

Announcement ·

American University’s School of Public Affairs Is Ranked No. 9 Overall in New U.S. News & World Report Rankings

American University’s School of Public Affairs receives its highest U.S. News & World Report ranking since the publication began rating public affairs programs in 1995.
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Alison Jacknowitz

Introducing Alison Jacknowitz as our Interim Dean!

We are pleased she will lead our school in the 2024-25 academic year.

Message from the Dean

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,
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% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both

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Featured News

Melissa Kilmer (left) and Jane Palmer (right)

Social Policy ·

Safe(r) Spaces?

SPA professor and student examine whether campus sexual assault prevention programs increase student comfort with accessing related resources.
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Professor Cynthia Miller-Idriss

Announcement ·

American U. Professor Awarded Carnegie Fellowship for Research in Political Polarization and Violence

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Chief Vision Officer and Founding Director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab at American University, has received Carnegie Fellowship, a prestigious grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
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hands together

Policy Brief ·

Gender-, Race-, and Ethnicity-Based Discrimination in Mental Health Care

Racial and sexual minorities may face discrimination in accessing health care, particularly mental health resources, since mental health providers have more discretion over accepting patients.
Full Story

Specialty Rankings

number 12

for Public Policy Analysis

by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 13

in Public Finance & Budgeting

by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 22

in Urban Policy

by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings