You are here: American University School of Public Affairs Departments & Research Centers

Scenic view of SPA building

Departments

In the past 80 years, SPA has created a culture of lasting impact-to empower those who seek knowledge, to conduct and apply research, to build a bridge between academic thought and policy planning, and to inspire change at every level. Today with more than 1,600 students and 23,000 alumni, SPA continues to tackle complex issues with thoughtful research that educates, informs, and promotes change across a multitude of fields.

Steps of the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the Capitol Building.Whether you are a graduate student aspiring to advance your career, or an undergraduate inspired by the power and workings of government, the degree programs and certificates in SPA's Department of Government will give you the skills and knowledge you need today to become one of the leading political practitioners of tomorrow.

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Statue of Lady Justice.Issues of justice, points of law, security concerns. We read about them every day in the headlines. They stream across our screens. At SPA's Department of Justice, Law & Criminology, we give you the tools you need to tackle today's critically important challenges in criminal justice and criminology, terrorism and homeland security, and justice and law.
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students outside Kerwin HallComplex public challenges demand strong, capable leadership. The nationally ranked, NASPAA-accredited programs in SPA's Department of Public Administration & Policy equip you with the fundamental skills and competencies to craft real solutions to real-world challenges in public policy and administration. Our multifaceted, interdisciplinary approach encompasses the analytical reasoning, contextual knowledge, effective communication, and comprehensive understanding our students need to lead with distinction in organizations that serve the public good.

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Research Centers

Research centers and institutes within the School of Public Affairs draw on the scholarship and expertise of SPA faculty. These centers offer scholarly collaboration and exchange in the areas of politics, campaigns, public finance, public administration and policy, and justice. Their work is shared with the AU and Washington, D.C. communities, as well as across the nation.

SPA is ranked number 10

among public affairs schools by U.S. News & World Report

90 percent

of SPA graduates are employed or in graduate school, or both within six months of graduation

SPA Analytics and Management InstituteCreated to further prepare SPA graduate students to work in and lead multidisciplinary teams after graduation.

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Center for Congressional & Presidential Studies The Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies provides an integrated teaching, research, and study program focusing on Congress and the presidency and the interactions of these two basic American institutions.

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3D Data point visualization

The Center for Data Science supports research in the production, analysis, and storage of 21st Century data types.

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Center for Environmental PolicyThe Center for Environmental Policy aims to improve the nation's ability to address environmental challenges through effective governance.

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First Ladies InitiativeAmerican University's Legacies of America's First Ladies initiative and conference series features distinguished guests - first ladies, former presidents, and first families, White House staff, scholars, authors, members of the media - who highlight the significant contributions these women make by using their platform to advocate for issues, promote change, and improve our society.

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Justice Programs Office

Our Justice Initiatives support SPA's mission of applying the tools of scholarship and professionalism to the design and management of public programs in law and criminal justice.

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Metropolitan Policy CenterMPC's mission is to understand the intersections among various social, economic and political processes, operating at various levels, that influence metropolitan and urban landscapes. MPC employs mixed methods to uncover, explain and propose solutions to important 21st century metropolitan and urban challenges including: affordable housing, economic development, racial and ethnic diversity, social service provision, and urban and regional governance.

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First Ladies InitiativeThe Peace & Violence Research Lab supports undergraduate and graduate research on topics related to peace and political violence.

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The Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) is an applied research lab created to develop evidence-based initiatives to prevent political polarization and violent extremism. In a field primarily focused on security and law enforcement, we take an upstream, public health approach aiming to prevent extremism using non-carceral solutions.
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Political Theory InstituteThe Political Theory Institute encourages the serious study of the great questions of political theory and rings the insights of political theories to bear on current issues and events.

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Student led, student facing
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Washington Institute for Public Affairs ResearchThe Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research serves as a bridge between the academic and policy worlds, advancing scholarly research that addresses pressing issues and concerns.

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Women & Politics InstituteThe Women and Politics Institute provides practical and academic training to women that encourages them to become involved in the political process and facilitates research by faculty and students that enhances our understanding of the challenges and opportunities women face in the political arena.

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