School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
Front of Kerwin Hall, School of Public Affairs
See More

Explore More

Back to top

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.
Read More

Kerwin Hall 1930

SPA is Turning 90!

2024 marks the 90th anniversary for the School of Public Affairs. We've compiled a look back at our 90 year history. For the past nine decades, American University’s School of Public Affairs has been a leader in public affairs education

Learn More

Alison Jacknowitz

Introducing Alison Jacknowitz as our Interim Dean!

We are pleased she will lead our school in the 2023-24 academic year.

Message from the Dean

US News Rankings

Announcement ·

American University’s School of Public Affairs Ranked No. 13 Overall, Highest in D.C., by U.S. News and World Report

According to the 2025 edition of U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of Public Affairs Graduate Schools, the AU SPA continues to earn high marks.
Full Story

SPA Highlights

Event Dispatches

Dispatches

SPA shares insider information on the world of public affairs, from choosing and applying to the right program for you, to courses, careers, and the culture.

Learn More

Front of Kerwin Hall

Recruitment Events


Browse our graduate recruitment events to meet SPA on campus, on the road, or through one of our virtual sessions!

Learn More

PEER

The Postsecondary Equity & Economics Research (PEER) Center is an initiative focused on promoting more equitable outcomes in higher education.

Learn More

Discover Your Future with AU

Six months after graduation,
AU
in
in

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

Top Employers
  • Loading...
Learn More >


Featured News

Joseph Atchulo (MPA, '25)

Achievements ·

'A Heart Full of Grace'

Joseph Atchulo (MPA, ’25) has a special genius for service.
Full Story

Tongtong Zhang

Political Science ·

Political Compliance, Gender, and “the China Case”

SPA professor examines political behavior among Confucius Institute teachers.
Full Story

Specialty Rankings

number 12

for Public Policy Analysis

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

number 13

in Public Finance & Budgeting

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

number 22

in Urban Policy

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