Washington, D.C. (August 20, 2026)—American University’s School of Public Affairs—ranked No. 12 nationally for public affairs and top-rated in the Washington D.C. area—is launching a new 90-credit pilot program for an accelerated, three-year bachelor of arts in applied public policy analysis. Developed by the school’s Department of Public Administration and Policy, the innovative degree is designed to equip students with the analytical, quantitative, and practical skills needed to address complex public policy challenges while reducing the time to completion compared to a traditional 120-credit, four-year degree.  

Known as AU90, the program leverages AU’s proximity to federal agencies, think tanks and Capitol Hill to turn critical analysis into action and fast-track graduates into high-impact careers. By completing a degree with reduced time rather than reduced rigor, students will expedite their transition into the workforce while engaging in experiential learning, in-person coursework and signature university initiatives, including AU Abroad for international study and AU Ready for paid internships. 

“AU90 will allow students dedicated to policy analysis the opportunity to complete their degrees and join the policy workforce faster without sacrificing knowledge and rigor,” said Alison Jacknowitz, dean of the School of Public Affairs. 

AU90 will debut as a pilot in spring 2027 for currently enrolled students, with full enrollment for incoming students expected in fall 2027. The pilot will track key metrics of student and institutional success, including learning outcomes, employment rates, graduate school placement and employer feedback. 

“Our applied public policy analysis program is designed from the ground up to teach students how to make an impact on public policy in an ever-changing world,” said Marquise McGraw, senior professorial lecturer and program director. “We provide students with the in-demand skills necessary to turn information into action— and we do it in a unique 90-credit, three-year accelerated degree program that gets students into the workforce or graduate school faster.”  

The curriculum is tailored for academically motivated students seeking an accelerated graduation timeline while maintaining the breadth of a liberal arts education and undergraduate research at an R1 institution. It also expands access for transfer students, veterans and nontraditional learners pursuing careers in government, public affairs, nonprofit management, policy consulting and research. 

MEDIA CONTACT: AU Media, 202-885-5950, [email protected]