The School of Public Affairs operates on a rolling admissions basis for our graduate programs. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until programs reach capacity.

While previous academic or professional work in public administration or policy is not required, SPA values applicants who have acquired practical experience before beginning their degree program. Your personal statement about your background, career interests, and reasons for pursuing graduate study in the program will be essential, along with the other required application materials.

You may substitute test scores from the GMAT or LSAT, for the GRE. If you received your undergraduate degree more than five years before applying to the program, you may be able to waive the requirement for test scores altogether.

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 855-725-7614 or admissions@programs.online.american.edu.

The online Master of Public Administration & Policy (MPAP) is a 36-credit-hour program. To estimate the cost of tuition, please see the current cost per credit hour for graduate students.

The School of Public Affairs offers graduate students both merit-based and need-based financial aid. The Online Merit Scholarship is offered to students who demonstrate undergraduate excellence and continue on to graduate studies. Scholarships are available to students who meet the eligibility requirements. Graduate students enrolled at least part time in a Master's program may be eligible for federal loans. To apply, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based awards are administered by the American University Office of Financial Aid. Additional financial support is available for veterans.

All merit awards are based on your academic merit and professional experience, specifically your undergraduate grades and leadership activities as well as career-related accomplishments. Merit awards are valid for one year-they vary in amount, are typically divided evenly between the fall and spring semesters, and are not typically renewable.

At the helm of the online Master of Public Administration & Policy is our School of Public Affair’s renowned faculty, whose Washington expertise exposes students to the practical application of policy analysis and provides unique insight into public administration challenges currently facing policy experts and administrators. Our faculty’s academic credentials, real-world experience, and political and policy expertise provide you with a world-class education that prepares you for immediate success in your career.

Our faculty spearhead critical government-funded public policy research, advise NGOs and donor agencies, and work with leading Washington, DC think tanks. They have personally led state legislation implementation and have held senior leadership positions at the American Society of Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration. They are frequently published in leading public affairs journals, have won prestigious awards in the field, and regularly appear as expert speakers at conferences and in the media.

These highly motivated and skilled educators develop all courses for this MPAP degree, and work in close cooperation with course instructors who mentor and guide students through the day-to-day learning process. Together, they deliver a comprehensive understanding of core administrative and policy analytic skills in an effective and engaging manner.