School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Ben Schumann

SPA/MPP '23

Ben Schumann, a Manager, Data & Research at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), 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.”

#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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Alison Jacknowitz

Introducing Alison Jacknowitz as our Interim Dean!

We are pleased she will lead our school in the 2025-26 academic year.

Message from the Dean

SPA is Hosting PMRC 2026!

The American University School of Public Affairs is thrilled to host the Public Management Research Conference (PMRC) 2026 next June right here in Washington, D.C.—the heart of public affairs and policy.

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

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Featured News

SPA Lunch and Learn

On Campus ·

Classrooms as “Nurseries” for Citizenship: SPA Faculty Bridge Career Readiness and Civic Life

During the final 250+ at American Lunch and Learn of the spring semester on April 14, panelists discussed scholarship with real-world impact.
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Taha Vahanvaty and Ethan McBride

Achievements ·

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Meet AU’s 2026 President’s Award Winners

Ethan McBride, SPA/BS ’26, takes home the university’s highest undergraduate honor for his accessibility advocacy, while Taha Vahanvaty, SPA/BA ’26, is the inaugural recipient of the President’s Award for Civic Engagement.
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Jack Pavia. Photo by Ethan Kaufmann, SOC/BA '26

Political Science ·

The Ultimate Capstone: AU Senior Sets Sights on Connecticut State House

Jack Pavia, SPA/BA ’26, is trading the classroom for the campaign trail as the political science major joins a wave of Gen Z voices entering the political arena.
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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