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

Woman sitting in front of a computer

Announcement ·

She Votes: Women’s Voices at the Forefront

New poll reveals the issues that are most Important to women voters
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classroom with speaker

Government & Politics ·

Congress to Campus Hits SPA

Former Lawmakers Promote Compromise and Collegiality on Visit to AU Classes
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SPA and Pangiam

Education ·

AU SPA Partners with Pangiam for AI Practicum

Faculty and students in Terrorism and Homeland Security Program partner with industry leader Pangiam, to envision a safer, future travel experience.
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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