About SPA

Imagine coming to a place where the faculty, staff and other students are all committed to helping you reach your higher purpose. 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. At the School of Public Affairs, we've adopted a learning model that allows our students to immediately put into practice what they learned in the classroom. You're going to love the chance to learn in Washington DC. After all, DC is the center of all the fields and areas that we study here in our school. Being in DC has the added bonus of allowing us to bring our nation's leaders right to you here on campus. US News and World Report just ranked us 13, putting us among the top 5% of all Schools of Public Affairs. We're proud that about 95% of our graduates have jobs in their field of study within six months of graduation. Founded in 1934, as a place to train public servants, the school remains committed today to supporting and educating those who choose a life of service. Our programs and faculty will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to go out and have your impact on the world.