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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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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,
AU
in
in

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

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Ty'on Jones.

Education ·

SPA Student Applies MPAP Competencies to Address Personal Housing Crisis

When his new River East condominium proved unlivable, SPA student Ty’on Jones organized his neighbors and advocated with developers, city government, and financers.
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Jim Thurber with Barack Obama

Achievements ·

After 47 Years, SPA Legend James Thurber Says Goodbye

Distinguished Professor of Government Retires after Almost Five Decades
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Seth Gershenson

Education ·

Mind the Teacher: The Podcast for Stakeholders in Public Education

SPA professor’s five-part podcast series examines impacts of teacher stress and evidence-based solutions
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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