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Ben Schumann

SPA/MPP '23

Ben Schumann, an associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, enjoys developing creative solutions that help modernize government analytics. The former Navy analyst credits SPA with preparing him to create deliverables that support public service goals. “SPA was a great place to polish my technical skills and ensure I had what I needed to work as a data analyst in the federal space,” he said. “I also gained a lot of context and understanding regarding the opportunities and constraints our policymakers and implementers face every day.”

AU SPA Ranked No. 9

Announcement ·

American University’s School of Public Affairs Is Ranked No. 9 Overall in New U.S. News & World Report Rankings

American University’s School of Public Affairs receives its highest U.S. News & World Report ranking since the publication began rating public affairs programs in 1995.
Full Story

Alison Jacknowitz

Introducing Alison Jacknowitz as our Interim Dean!

We are pleased she will lead our school in the 2024-25 academic year.

Message from the Dean

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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Public Servant Planning and Skills Network: New Path, Same Purpose

Public Servant Planning and Skills Network

The Public Servant Planning and Skills Network supports public servants as they navigate unplanned career transitions.

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Discover Your Future with AU

Six months after graduation,
AU
in
in
1%
93% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both
Top Employers
  • U.S. House of Representatives
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • Guidehouse
  • U.S. Government Accountability Office
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • U.S. Navy
  • U.S. Secret Service
  • U.S. Senate
  • EAB
Learn More >


Featured News

Ridgeline International

Achievements ·

AU SPA Partners with Ridgeline International to Develop AI Solutions for National Security Challenges

Faculty and students in the Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy (THSP) Program partner with data privacy firm Ridgeline International to develop new AI-driven solutions to support the homeland security enterprise.
Full Story

person holding puppy

Policy Brief ·

Exploring the Link Between Animal Cruelty and Intimate Partner and Family Violence

An SPA Policy Brief
Full Story

dol harubang statues on the AU quad

International Global Policy and Administration ·

From Passive to Active Victimhood in the Shadow of State Violence

SPA professor examines the role of litigation in the formation of victim identities, in the context of South Korea’s Jeju 4.3 Incident
Full Story

Specialty Rankings

number 12

for Public Policy Analysis

by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 13

in Public Finance & Budgeting

by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 22

in Urban Policy

by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

Contact Us

(202) 885-2940

spa@american.edu

Kerwin Hall on a map

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