School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Julia Singer

SPA/MPP '22

Julia Singer works as a marine scientist for Oceana, a nonprofit ocean conservation organization that works to influence policy. “SPA taught me how to gear my policy knowledge towards a specific audience,” she shared. “Specifically, the policy practicum gave me hands-on experience in communicating environmental conservation information to government entities, allowing me to develop skills I still use today.” Singer enjoys the variety in her position. “In one week, I may attend scientific conferences on right whale monitoring; talk with Congressional staff to work towards increased federal protections; or travel to a coastal community to discuss conservation with stakeholders and advocates.”

#12 Overall for Public Affairs

Achievements ·

American University’s School of Public Affairs is Ranked No. 12 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report

This is the seventh consecutive year that SPA ranked among the top 5 percent of public affairs schools in the country, and the sixth year in a row that the school has held the distinction of the highest rated school in Washington, D.C.
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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

Shea and Saagar engagement photoshoot

Alumni ·

An AU Love Story, Eight Years in the Making

At American University, Saagar Gupta, SPA/BA ’18, MA ’19, and Shea Lamanna, SPA/MA ’20, found purpose, community, and, ultimately, each other.
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From left, Jocelyn Parker and Griffin Cook.

Achievements ·

Bound for Berlin: Two Recent Grads Land Prestigious Appointments

Selected from a national pool of applicants, Jocelyn Parker, SIS/BA ’26, and Griffin Cook, SPA-SIS/BA ’26, are among just 65 Americans named to the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals program.
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Image from Getty.

Professional News ·

AU in the News: Week of August 7

Your weekly roundup of faculty expertise, student achievements, leadership perspectives, and top campus initiatives.
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Specialty Rankings

number 11

for Public Policy Analysis

by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 12

in Public Finance & Budgeting

by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 18

in Social Policy

by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings