School of Public Affairs

During a transformative AU study abroad experience in Brussels, a rigorous program involving travel to Ukraine and Bosnia and an internship at the Institute for Economics and Peace, Martinez developed a fascination with European politics. Eventually, her AU skills and experiences led to a job as a project coordinator and research assistant with the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia team at the D.C. think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
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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, �鶹��ý’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

�鶹��ý’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

Discover Your Future with AU

Working, Grad School, or Both

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Featured News

Achievements · August 28

Fantastic Voyage: Three Eagles land Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship

An AU student has won the award every year since its inception
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Achievements · September 4

SPA Welcomes New Faculty in 2024-25

The School of Public Affairs (SPA) at �鶹��ý is pleased to welcome 11 new faculty members.
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Government & Politics · August 22

AU SPA’s Women & Politics Institute Is Permanent Home to Gender on the Ballot

Support from Barbara Lee Family Foundation Ensures Important Dialogue on Gender in Politics Will Continue
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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

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Undergraduate

Majors

Undergraduate Certificates

Graduate

Master's (On-Campus)

Master's (Online)

Doctoral (On-Campus)

Graduate Certificates (On-Campus)

Executive

Degrees (On-Campus)

Executive Certificates (On-Campus)

Sissy Martinez SPA/BA '21, MS '22

SPA is Turning 90!

Introducing Alison Jacknowitz as our Interim Dean!

Featured News

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