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Alum Receives Critical Acclaim for Debut Novel

Lara Prescott, SPA/BA '04

During her time at American University's School of Public Affairs, Lara Prescott, SPA/BA ’04, knew she wanted to be a writer. After years of working on political campaigns after graduation, she took a risk, quit her “day job” and devoted herself to blending her love of politics with her love of writing fiction. Flash forward to the present day and her new book, The Secrets We Kept, has sold for $2 million at auction and has been optioned to be made into a movie.

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Women's Representation in TV and Film w/ Robin Bronk and Aly

The opening Convocation marks an important beginning for our newest Eagles! Watch as Dean Vicky Wilkins and members of the SPA community welcome them to campus and share their good wishes.

SPA Ranked 13 in U.S. News & World Report

Announcement ·

AU’s School of Public Affairs Is Top Ranked in D.C. in New U.S. News & World Report Rankings

School of Public Affairs Is Ranked No. 13 in 2022 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
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Coronavirus cell

SPA on COVID-19

School of Public Affairs faculty, students, and alumni are tackling issues brought on by the novel coronavirus.

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Graduate 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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#SPACyber: Policy Studies in Cybersecurity

#SPACyber is a practioner informed, research driven hub of cyber curriculum, thought leadership, and engagement.

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Discover your future with AU

Six months after graduation,
AU
in
in

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

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Research ·

SPA Researcher Shows Key to Better Roads Involves More Than Money

Managerial capacity matters to nationwide road improvements.
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Professor Hyra, director of the Metropolitan Policy Center, collaborates with Southwest DC Action on a community research project.

Research ·

SPA Professor and Center Explore the Path to Equitable Development

Research looks at how government interventions, such as disaster relief and sustainability initiatives, can displace low-income people of color.
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family sitting on couch

Education ·

AU’s PERIL Addresses Youth Radicalization and Extremism

Updated caregivers’ guide helps communities avoid extremism
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First Time Rankings

number 14 for Environmental Policy and Management

by U.S. News & World Report's 2022 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 22 in Local Government Management

by U.S. News & World Report's 2022 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 20 in Social Policy

by U.S. News & World Report's 2022 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings