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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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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

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Police Officers

Announcement ·

Police Training Needs Urgent Reforms, New Report from American University Reveals

A new AU report reveals that instructional models that are used to train police officers are in need of immediate transformation.
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2021 Sine Summer Series banner

Government & Politics ·

2021 Sine Summer Series Imagines a Better America Post-Covid

Experts from across the globe join series discussing health, education, governance and policy, and the culture that draws thousands of viewers
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SPA Student Ellis Scherer

On Campus ·

Top Cyber Officials Kick Off Inaugural AU Changemaker Award Event

SPA Student Ellis Scherer Offers Reflections on Inaugural Event
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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