School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Ellis Scherer

SPA/MS '23

“At SPA I was privileged to learn from some of the most brilliant and experienced minds in public service,” says Ellis Scherer. “My professors not only provided me with all the tools necessary to thrive in my career, but also inspired my desire for success through their passion and commitment to educating the next generation of professionals.” Today, Scherer is a policy analyst at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, where he works on broadband and spectrum policy shaping the future of U.S. connectivity, innovation, and communications security.

#12 Overall for Public Affairs

Achievements ·

American University’s School of Public Affairs is Ranked No. 12 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report

This is the seventh consecutive year that SPA ranked among the top 5 percent of public affairs schools in the country, and the sixth year in a row that the school has held the distinction of the highest rated school in Washington, D.C.
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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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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,
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% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both

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Featured News

The Eagle statue on campus surrounded by green trees.

Achievements ·

Philanthropy Activates Campus-Wide Opportunities

Alumni and donors enabled AU to exceed its goal and raise over $61 million in FY26 for vital student support, faculty excellence, and campus initiatives.
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Updated Sonya Purcell Headshot

Political Science ·

Where Numbers Meet Narrative

For Sonya Purcell, CAS-SPA/BA ’28, data is not just analysis—it’s a language for understanding and transforming society.
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Professional News ·

AU in the News: Week of August 7

Your weekly roundup of faculty expertise, student achievements, leadership perspectives, and top campus initiatives.
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Specialty Rankings

number 11

for Public Policy Analysis

by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 12

in Public Finance & Budgeting

by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 18

in Social Policy

by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings