School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
Front of Kerwin Hall, School of Public Affairs
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Adalyn Watkins SPA/MPA '26

When Watkins arrived in D.C. in June 2023 as a fellow with the Roosevelt Network, the city spoke to her. “I feel like D.C. is a playground where I'm able to learn, explore, and try different things,” she shared. “At SPA, I'm looking forward to building community around people who want to see change in the world.” The communications major looks to apply an interest in public speaking to issues at the intersection of public administration, policy, and education, with long-term goals of holding office and/or heading a nonprofit. Watkins recently accepted a full-time position with the U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council, where she helps create educational and economic opportunities in different countries.


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 University’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 University’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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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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SPA Explains The 2024 Election

A compilation of events, scholarship, and videos from SPA Faculty surrounding the 2024 US Presidential Election.

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Discover Your Future with AU

Six months after graduation,
AU
in
in

% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both

Top Employers
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Featured News

Jane Palmer

Criminology ·

"Survivor-Defined Justice"

SPA professor explores the civil legal needs of sexual assault survivors.
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New WPI Poll

Announcement ·

She Votes: From Issues to Impact

Women in Politics Institute released results of its new 2024 Poll "She Votes: From Issues to Impact."
Full Story

PEER Center

Announcement ·

New PEER Center at AU to Advance Equitable Postsecondary Education Outcomes

AU and The George Washington University launch a new Postsecondary Equity & Economics Research (PEER) Center that will research policies to improve the affordability and outcomes of postsecondary education in the United States.
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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