School of Public Affairs Graduate Programs

School of Public Affairs Graduate Programs

Cultivating a culture of excellence and service for 85 years, the School of Public Affairs educates tomorrow's leaders.

Request Information

Pursue a Purpose-Fueled Education at Washington's First School of Public Affairs

SPA builds a culture of excellence and transforms the student experience through personalized teaching and experiential education; empowerment to conduct and produce research for those who seek knowledge; and ongoing engagement and collaboration between the academic and policy-planning spheres.


SPA offers 11 specialized masters degrees and three doctoral programs designed with your success in mind. We prepare you with fundamental knowledge and competencies to craft solutions to real-world challenges in the government, corporate, and non-profit sectors, both nationally and internationally.

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.