School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Ben Schumann

SPA/MPP '23

Ben Schumann, a Manager, Data & Research at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), enjoys developing creative solutions that help modernize government analytics. The former Navy analyst credits SPA with preparing him to create deliverables that support public service goals. “SPA was a great place to polish my technical skills and ensure I had what I needed to work as a data analyst in the federal space,” he said. “I also gained a lot of context and understanding regarding the opportunities and constraints our policymakers and implementers face every day.”

#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 is Hosting PMRC 2026!

The American University School of Public Affairs is thrilled to host the Public Management Research Conference (PMRC) 2026 next June right here in Washington, D.C.—the heart of public affairs and policy.

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

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Featured News

Jeff Gill, Wendy Melillo, Nathalie Japkowicz

Communications ·

Uncovering Coded Antisemitism Online Takes Both Human Expertise and AI Automation

The Unmasking Antisemitism project at American University uses artificial intelligence, qualitative analysis and survey experiments to develop studies and tools to detect overt and coded hate speech.
Full Story

Alison Jacknowitz

Announcement ·

Alison Jacknowitz Named Dean of AU’s Top-Ranked School of Public Affairs

The interim leader and long-serving public administration and policy professor will step into the permanent role on June 1.
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Photo by Jeff Watts.

Achievements ·

Ambition, Empathy, and Authenticity: Distinguished Speakers Inspire Class of 2026

Nearly 2,700 graduates embraced the charge to lead with curiosity and find meaning in service during American University’s 151st commencement in Bender Arena
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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