School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Arielle Baldwin

SPA/MPA '21

Since earning her MPA in 2021, Arielle Baldwin worked for the advocacy nonprofit Time’s Up and thinktank Third Way before moving on to the Federation of American Scientists, where she now serves as senior project associate. “I get to talk to esteemed government officials, talented researchers, and innovators daily,” she said. “At that level, being able to evolve an idea into a project, and, eventually, a product, is incredibly rewarding.” She credits SPA for providing her with the tools to succeed in the nonprofit industry. “I gained invaluable knowledge, in rigorous courses, that help me address tough issues with internal and external partners––large and small––to this 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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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
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% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both

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Featured News

AURORA News Image

Announcement ·

AURORA

SPA launches a new model for cultivating national security talent in a challenging era
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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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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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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