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Department of Public Administration & Policy

Our Mission

SPA's Department of Public Administration & Policy equips 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. Our nationally ranked, NASPAA-accredited programs take a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to the social, cultural, political factors that influence public administration and policy today. Our location in Washington, D.C. opens doors to exceptional internship opportunities, extraordinary resources for research, and exposure to our nation's thought leaders and change-makers. Complex public challenges demand strong, capable leadership, and tomorrow's policy leaders and change-makers start here-join us.

Latest News

Waters and Morgan

Health Policy & Management ·

A Matter of Conscience

Policy Brief: an argument that Title VII protects abortion providers at catholic hospitals
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Nicole Darnall

Environmental Policy ·

Public Purchasing, Political Priorities, and the Promise of AI

New research by SPA Professor Nicole Darnall examines the future of sustainable public procurement.
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Ken Meier

Policy Analysis ·

The Future of Public Administration under Political Dysfunction

SPA Policy Brief: SPA Professor Ken Meier provides practical steps for policymakers and agency leaders looking to minimize systemic fallout.
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Claudia Persico

Health Policy & Management ·

Prenatal Industrial Pollution and Lifelong Economic Harm

SPA Policy Brief: new research by SPA Professor Claudia Persico explores the risks of prenatal industrial pollution.
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professional at desk

Policy Analysis ·

Safeguarding the US Federal Government Workforce

Policy Brief: Lessons from the 2025 assault on the bureaucracy.
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Derek Hyra, David Schwegman, and Chris Alvarez Campbell

Public Finance and Budget ·

How Rent-Control Intensity Relates to Tenant Outcomes in California Cities, 2010–2019

Policy Brief: Rising rents and growing housing cost burdens in high-cost metropolitan regions have intensified policy interest in rent regulation.
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