School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Cam Napier

SPA/MPP '23

Cam Napier arrived at SPA with a general passion for policymaking but an undefined focus. “SPA exposed me to a variety of perspectives, helped me hone in on my newfound interest in climate and environmental policy, and connected me with professionals in the field,” he said. He credits courses with Profs. Khaldoun AbouAssi and Dan Fiorino for this inspiration, which led to his appointment as climate impact analyst at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. “My work always keeps me on my toes,” he said. “One day I’m calculating avoided emissions for an offshore wind project in Kenya and the next I’m focusing on improving climate resiliency for the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka.”

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.
Full Story

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

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.
Full Story

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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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