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A Higher Purpose

In 1934, as president Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed his famous "New Deal" legislation, the School of Public Affairs at American University was born at 19th & F Streets, NW to train many of those who were part of the pioneering plan. At the beginning, it was a program to instruct federal workers in techniques to make the New Deal a success, but it would grow into one of the top schools of public affairs in the nation

To this day, FDR's vision remains at the heart of the School of Public Affairs (SPA) — a vision of building a bridge between academic thought and policy planning, while inspiring change at every level.

At SPA, we continually search for students who exemplify the spirit of our storied school — future leaders, political advocates, and policy change-makers with a desire to roll up their sleeves and face some of the world's most complex challenges in public policy and administration; government and politics; and justice, law, and criminology.

Our students are driven by a sense of higher purpose — the desire to leave the world a better place. They choose The School of Public Affairs for its academic rigor and reputation and for meaningful and practical experiences, set against the inspiring backdrop of our nation's capital, that will help them realize their full potential.

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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!

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TaLisa Carter Video

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.

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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Featured Graduate Programs

Browse our full list of graduate program options.

Ellis Scherer

MS Terrorism & Homeland Security Policy

From tactical approaches to strategic solutions.

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Certificate in Analytics and Management

Certificate in Analytics and Management

Created to further prepare SPA graduate students to work in and lead teams within multiple disciplines.

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Data scientist with glasses

MS Data Science

Build your skill set in data science with this shared degree program, offered by SPA and the AU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

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Discover Your Future with AU

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

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The SPA Graduate School Advantage

SPA is ranked #4

for Public Management & Leadership

U.S. News & World Report

#3

Public Administration Program Ranking by Students

GraduatePrograms.com

SPA is ranked #4

in Non-Profit Management

U.S. News & World Report