School of Public Affairs

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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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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 Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ’s School of Public Affairs has been a leader in public affairs education

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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 Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ’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

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.

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Recruitment Events


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

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PEER

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

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Discover Your Future with AU

Six months after graduation,
AU
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% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both

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Featured News

Stacie St. Louis

Criminology ·

Pre-trial Detention: A Transpartisan Issue?

New SPA Assistant Professor Stacie St. Louis reveals a surprising convergence in public opinion on the matter across party lines.
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Seth Gershenson

Public Management and Leadership ·

The Teacher Down the Hall

SPA professor examines the impact of types of teacher experience and peer characteristics on educational outcomes by race.
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Edozie Umunna

Announcement ·

American Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ Grad to Join Young Global Leaders in Beijing

American Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ graduate Edozie Umunna (SPA/BA’24) is the first American Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ graduate to receive the Schwarzman Scholarship.
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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