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AU School of Public Affairs 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

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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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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.

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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

Announcement · April 9

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.
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SPA Highlights

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Featured News

Technology · October 22

ICYMI . . . Meta Launched Instagram Teen Accounts

Six things to know now about new protections on a platform used by a majority of teens ages 13 to 17.
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Announcement · November 14

AU Receives NIH Award to Study Effectiveness of Anti-Obesity Programs

AU SPA professor receives NIH award to study the effects of federal funding on the efforts to reduce obesity and obesity-related health conditions in the U.S.
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Announcement · October 29

Momentum in Focus at the 2024 President’s Circle Celebration

Alumna and trustee Margery Kraus, SPA/BA ’67, MA ’72, was honored with the Cyrus A. Ansary Medal at the annual event for AU’s most committed donor-advocates.
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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