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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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TOP 10 facts of the #10 school in the U.S.

The U.S. News & World Report's 2023 #BestGraduateSchools rankings are here, & SPA is moving up! We were ranked #10 overall (up 4 places in 3 years)! Watch as Dean Vicky Wilkins shares the TOP 10 facts of the #10 school in the country!

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

School of Public Affairs American University. SPA Super Squads.

SPA Super Squads

Using our powers of research and analysis to lead the way in public affairs and administration, political science and politics, and criminology.

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

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Featured News

Person standing with pride flag

In the Community ·

Doors Opening or Closing: Navigating AAPI and LGBTQ+ Intersecting Identities in America

As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ends and Pride Month begins, members of the AU family in both communities reflect on the intersection of those identities.
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Former Congressman Will Hurd

Government & Politics ·

2022 Sine Summer Series Brings Experts on Government, Health, Bipartisanship

The Summer with Sine series kicks off June 17.
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Executive Women in Government.

Government & Politics ·

SPA Hosts Executive Women in Government Summit

The event, in-person for the first time since 2019, featured women in defense, finance, communication, law enforcement, intelligence, diplomacy, and other federal careers.
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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