Department of Government

Questions?

  • SPA: Government
    Ward, Room

    Graduate programs: spagrad@american.edu

Mailing Address
Angled Capital Building

Welcome

Whether you are a graduate student aspiring to advance your career, or an undergraduate inspired by the power and workings of government, our department's faculty—through their scholarly achievements and first-hand experience—offer students a special entry point to politics and governance. Through course work in our degree programs we provide future leaders with the knowledge they need to excel in the political arena.

The academic experience of the Government Department is heightened by our location in the heart of our nation’s capital. Students find that all of Washington is their classroom, with opportunities to gain experience on Capitol Hill, in the executive branch and on K Street. Through our rich academic curriculum, unparalleled ability to connect students with experts, and prime location at the center of the action, the Government Department opens the door to our political system and allows students to find their futures in one of the world's most dynamic settings.

Latest News

The Gap from Parchment to Practice: Ambivalent Effects of Constitutions in Democratizing Countries

This conference, to be held May 28-29 in the SIS Founders Room, seeks to identify the conditions under which the promulgation of new constitutions in already-democratizing nations does not necessarily foster democratic deepening, but in fact may produce a decline in nations’ levels of democracy. Learn more »

Professor Todd Eisenstadt

Professor Todd Eisenstadt

Professor Todd Eisenstadt and Two Other Scholars Receive Inaugural LeoGrande Honors

The LeoGrande Award and Prize go to the best book on Latin American or Latino studies published by an AU faculty member and the best book on U.S.-Latin American relations, respectively.
Read more »

Campaign Management Institute

Professor James Thurber, who founded the Campaign Management Institute, takes part in a recent session.

Campaign Management Institute: 30 Years of a Winning Strategy

The Institute has evolved into an internationally recognized curriculum drawing students worldwide to learn and practice the art and science of campaigning. Developed and taught by acclaimed campaign consultants, strategists, and researchers, this two-week, hands-on program serves as a valuable foundation for political activists and campaign managers. Learn more »

Todd Eisenstadt's Comparative Environmental Politics class

Prof. Todd Eisenstadt's Comparative Environmental Politics class

Undergrads Surpass World Leaders in Crafting Global Environmental Agreement

While real-world efforts failed at nailing down a global environmental agreement, Professor Todd Eisenstadt's students worked out a deal in simulated international negotiations. “The climate talks in Qatar may have stalled,” said Eisenstadt, “but I knew my class could do better.” Learn more »

PPL Scholars

SPA announces three-year BA program

Politics, Policy, and Law Scholars will complete their degree in three years while using Washington as a laboratory for practical experience. In the Department of Government, students can pursue a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government (CLEG). Learn more »