Department of Government

Whether you are a graduate student aspiring to advance your career, or an undergraduate inspired by the power and workings of government, the degree programs and certificates in the Department of Government in the AU School of Public Affairs will give you the skills and knowledge you need today to become one of the leading political practitioners of tomorrow.

Our curriculum draws from the breadth and depth of resources across American University, providing our students with the training and skills essential to analyzing political activity and behavior and understanding systems of government. Our programs combine expertise and scholarship in political science, political communication, and more focused areas such as women and politics.

Through our rich curriculum, unique ability to connect students with experts, and prime location at the center of the action, the Department of Government opens the door to our political system and prepares you to compete and lead in the government arena.

Find your future here—join us.

person using tablet for research

SPA Research

Our faculty delve into complex and pressing issues of our time.

Learn more

The Good Friday Agreement: Where Are We Now?

SPA Assistant Professor Kimberly Cowell-Meyers facilitates a discussion on The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 with Brendan O'Leary and Alan Renwick, both members of the Working Group on Unification Referendums on the Island of Ireland. O'Leary and Renwick present their interim report assessing pathways forward on this important and timely question.

Latest News

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.
Full Story

Submitted photo from Michael Worley.

Political Science ·

Meet the Political Strategist Whose Firm Is Setting Records in Miami

Michael Worley, SPA/BA ’12, helped elect the city’s first woman mayor and first Democrat in nearly 30 years
Full Story

Elizabeth Suhay with Book Cover

Political Science ·

A Dream, Fractured

SPA Professor on why and how the battle over economic inequality divides America
Full Story