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(202) 885-2940

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AU School of Public Affairs 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

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Public Administration: Key Executive Leadership (MPA)

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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."

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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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

Announcement · April 9

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

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Featured News

Technology · October 22

ICYMI . . . Meta Launched Instagram Teen Accounts

Six things to know now about new protections on a platform used by a majority of teens ages 13 to 17.
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Public Management and Leadership · October 24

Bureaucratic Efficiency or Democratic Participation?

SPA professor examines how the public views tradeoffs among administrative values.
Full Story

Announcement · October 29

Momentum in Focus at the 2024 President’s Circle Celebration

Alumna and trustee Margery Kraus, SPA/BA ’67, MA ’72, was honored with the Cyrus A. Ansary Medal at the annual event for AU’s most committed donor-advocates.
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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