School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
School of Public Affairs Kerwin Hall building
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(202) 885-2940

spa@american.edu

¹ú²úСßÏÅ®School of Public Affairs 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

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Mufarrj Alusbaiy SPA/MS '23

MS Terrorism & Homeland Security Policy

"Studying at SPA was a game-changer, significantly shaping my perspective and approach to homeland security policy… The curriculum provided a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and homeland security, and expert faculty guidance equipped me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a meaningful contribution to the field. As an international student, my experience was immensely enriching and enlightening."

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, ¹ú²úСßÏŮ’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 ·

¹ú²úСßÏŮ’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 ¹ú²úСßÏÅ®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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Front of Kerwin Hall

Graduate 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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#SPACyber: Policy Studies in Cybersecurity

#SPACyber is a practitioner informed, research driven hub of cyber curriculum, thought leadership, and engagement.

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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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Featured News

Nicole Darnall

Announcement ·

¹ú²úСßÏŮ’s Kogod School of Business, School of Public Affairs Appoint Eminent Scholar Chair in Sustainability

The dual appointment between American’s Kogod School of Business and School of Public Affairs marks the first joint endowed chair in the university’s history.
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Headshot image of Nicole Darnell

Announcement ·

¹ú²úСßÏŮ’s Kogod School of Business, School of Public Affairs Appoint Eminent Scholar Chair in Sustainability

The dual appointment between American’s Kogod School of Business and School of Public Affairs marks the first joint endowed chair in the university’s history.
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TaLisa Carter

Social Policy ·

Skin in the Game

SPA professor and alumna examine how skin tone impacts perceptions of physical attraction.
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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