School of Public Affairs

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Working at the Center of the Policy World

Sissy Martinez SPA/BA '21, MS '22

MS Terrorism & Homeland Security Policy

During a transformative AU study abroad experience in Brussels, a rigorous program involving travel to Ukraine and Bosnia and an internship at the Institute for Economics and Peace, Martinez developed a fascination with European politics. Eventually, her AU skills and experiences led to a job as a project coordinator and research assistant with the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia team at the D.C. think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
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Discover Your Higher Purpose with SPA

The School of Public Affairs at American University is home to leading scholars in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, public administration, public policy, justice law and criminology, data science, and terrorism and homeland security. Come to a place where the faculty, staff, and other students are all committed to helping you reach your higher purpose.

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U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Announcement ·

AU SPA Ranked Tenth Overall, Remains Top Ranked in D.C., in New U.S. News & World Report Rankings

AU's School of Public Affairs is ranked No. 10 overall among all public affairs institutions in the U.S.
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SPA Highlights

SPA Innovates

SPA Innovates!

American University's School of Public Affairs is devoted to innovation in our research, in the classroom, and in our community.

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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
in
in

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

Top Employers
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Featured News

Taryn Morrissey

Research ·

The Vital Role of Early Care and Education (ECE) Programs in Rural Areas

SPA professor demonstrates the need for public investment in programs like Head Start in non-metropolitan areas.
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Jean Accius

Research ·

Reimagining and Transforming Long-Term Care

SPA Professor Examines Racial Inequities in Elder Care
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Administratively Adrift book cover

Achievements ·

Administratively Adrift: Overcoming Institutional Barriers for College Student Success

New book by Provost Emeritus and SPA Professor Scott Bass recommends organizational reform for higher education institutions.
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Specialty Rankings

number 7

for International Policy and Administration

by U.S. News & World Report's 2023 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 8

in Non-Profit Management

by U.S. News & World Report's 2023 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 16

in Public Policy Analysis

by U.S. News & World Report's 2023 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings