SPA is ranked number 13
among public affairs schools, highest in D.C., by U.S. News & World ReportDepartments & Research Centers
Contact Us
Phone: (202) 885-2940
Graduate programs: spagrad@american.edu
Undergraduate programs: aupublicaffairs@american.edu
Public Affairs, School of
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States
Departments
In the past 80 years, SPA has created a culture of lasting impact-to empower those who seek knowledge, to conduct and apply research, to build a bridge between academic thought and policy planning, and to inspire change at every level. Today with more than 1,600 students and 23,000 alumni, SPA continues to tackle complex issues with thoughtful research that educates, informs, and promotes change across a multitude of fields.
Department of Government
Whether you are a graduate student aspiring to advance your career, or an undergraduate inspired by the power and workings of government, the degree programs and certificates in SPA's Department of Government will give you the skills and knowledge you need today to become one of the leading political practitioners of tomorrow.
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Department of Justice, Law & Criminology
Issues of justice, points of law, security concerns. We read about them every day in the headlines. They stream across our screens. At SPA's Department of Justice, Law & Criminology, we give you the tools you need to tackle today's critically important challenges in criminal justice and criminology, terrorism and homeland security, and justice and law.
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Department of Public Administration & Policy
Complex public challenges demand strong, capable leadership. The nationally ranked, programs in SPA's Department of Public Administration & Policy equip you with the fundamental skills and competencies to craft real solutions to real-world challenges in public policy and administration. Our multifaceted, interdisciplinary approach encompasses the analytical reasoning, contextual knowledge, effective communication, and comprehensive understanding our students need to lead with distinction in organizations that serve the public good.
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Washington Semester Program
UnlockÌýyour potential with American University's Washington Semester Program. Experience aÌýlife-changingÌýjourney that willÌýempower youÌýwith newfound self-confidence, connect you toÌýinfluential leaders and decision makers, and equip you with the skills to make aÌýmeaningful impactÌýin the world.Ìý
For overÌý75 years, our program has set theÌýgold standardÌýfor DC internships and immersive seminars in the dynamic heart of our nation's capital. Join our prestigious community ofÌý50,000+ alumniÌýand become a part of our rich legacyÌýofÌýexcellence.
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Research Centers
Research centers and institutes within the School of Public Affairs draw on the scholarship and expertise of SPA faculty. These centers offer scholarly collaboration and exchange in the areas of politics, campaigns, public finance, public administration and policy, and justice. Their work is shared with the AU and Washington, D.C.Ìýcommunities, as well as across the nation.
We Know Success
Six months after graduation,
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Analytics and Management Institute
Created to further prepare SPA graduate students to work in and lead multidisciplinary teams after graduation.
Center for Congressional & Presidential Studies
The Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies provides an integrated teaching, research, and study program focusing on Congress and the presidency and the interactions of these two basic American institutions.
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Center for Data Science
The Center for Data ScienceÌýsupports research in the production, analysis, and storage of 21st Century data types.
Center for Environmental Policy
The Center for Environmental Policy aims to improve the nation's ability to address environmental challenges through effective governance.
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First Ladies Initiative
American University's
Legacies of America's First Ladies initiative and conference series features distinguished guests - first ladies, former presidents, and first families, White House staff, scholars, authors, members of the media - who highlight the significant contributions these women make by using their platform to advocate for issues, promote change, and improve our society.
Justice Initiatives
Our Justice Initiatives support SPA's mission of applying the tools of scholarship and professionalism to the design and management of public programs in law and criminal justice.
Metropolitan Policy Center
MPC's mission is to understand the intersections among various social, economic and political processes, operating at various levels, that influence metropolitan and urban landscapes. MPC employs mixed methods to uncover, explain and propose solutions to important 21st century metropolitan and urban challenges including: affordable housing, economic development, racial and ethnic diversity, social service provision, and urban and regional governance.
Peace & Violence Research Lab
The Peace & Violence Research Lab supports undergraduate and graduate research on topics related to peace and political violence.
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Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab
The Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) is an applied research lab created to develop evidence-based initiatives to prevent political polarization and violent extremism. In a field primarily focused on security and law enforcement, we take an upstream, public health approach aiming to prevent extremism using non-carceral solutions.
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Political Theory Institute
The Political Theory Institute encourages the serious study of the great questions of political theory and rings the insights of political theories to bear on current issues and events.
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Project on Civic Dialogue
Student led, student facing
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Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research
The Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research serves as a bridge between the academic and policy worlds, advancing scholarly research that addresses pressing issues and concerns.
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Women & Politics Institute
The Women and Politics Institute provides practical and academic training to women that encourages them to become involved in the political process and facilitates research by faculty and students that enhances our understanding of the challenges and opportunities women face in the political arena.
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