School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
School of Public Affairs Kerwin Hall building

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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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AU SPA Ranked 10 in the US

Announcement ·

School of Public Affairs Again Ranked Tenth Overall in New U.S. News and World Report Rankings

The School of Public Affairs (SPA) at American University is ranked No. 10 overall among all public affairs institutions in the United States in the new U.S. News & World Report’s Public Affairs Graduate Schools rankings.
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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

2023 Alumni Award Winners with President Burwell, LaTanya Sothern, and Courtney Surls

Alumni ·

Alumni Award Winners Honored in “Magical” Celebration

Six distinguished alumni recalled their time at AU and how the university helped to pave their paths to success.
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Andrew Flores

Research ·

Are LGBT Americans More Likely to Suffer Violent Crimes Than Their Cisgender Counterparts?

SPA Professor Uses New Data to Examine LGBT Crime Victimization
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Janice Iwama

Research ·

Why Latinx Diversity in Academia Matters

SPA Professor Suggests Strategies for Higher Ed to Improve Support for Latinx Students
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Specialty Rankings

number 6

for International Global Policy & Administration

by U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 14

in Urban Policy

by U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 15

in Public Policy Analysis

by U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings