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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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SPA Spring 2021 Commencement Remarks

Congratulations, SPA Class of 2021! Watch the commencement remarks from SPA Dean Vicky M. Wilkins, and students speakers Prachi Jhawar & Elizabeth Ogunsuyi.

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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Front of Kerwin Hall

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

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FLARE: Lighting Their Legacies

Government & Politics ·

First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE) Studies the Impact of First Ladies Over Time

National initiative, convened by SPA, studies the impact of first ladies over time.
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Police officer

Research ·

SPA Scholars Reveal Merits of Body-worn Cameras to Hold Police Accountable

Cameras resulted in fewer complaint dismissals, more disciplinary action, and increased racial equity
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Jeff Gill

Government & Politics ·

SPA-hosted Journal Political Analysis Named Most Impactful in Field

SPA Professor and journal Editor Jeff Gill credits its selectivity and methodological focus
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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