School of Public Affairs

School of Public Affairs
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Cam Napier

Cam Napier arrived at SPA with a general passion for policymaking but an undefined focus. “SPA exposed me to a variety of perspectives, helped me hone in on my newfound interest in climate and environmental policy, and connected me with professionals in the field,” he said. He credits courses with Profs. Khaldoun AbouAssi and Dan Fiorino for this inspiration, which led to his appointment as climate impact analyst at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. “My work always keeps me on my toes,” he said. “One day I’m calculating avoided emissions for an offshore wind project in Kenya and the next I’m focusing on improving climate resiliency for the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka.”

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

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Featured News

Patty Caballero speaks at the 2026 AU Commencement.

Alumni ·

To the Class of 2026, You Don't Walk This Path Alone

AU Alumni Board President Patty Caballero's Commencement Address
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Photo by Jeff Watts.

Achievements ·

Ambition, Empathy, and Authenticity: Distinguished Speakers Inspire Class of 2026

Nearly 2,700 graduates embraced the charge to lead with curiosity and find meaning in service during American University’s 151st commencement in Bender Arena
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Alison Jacknowitz

Announcement ·

Alison Jacknowitz Named Dean of AU’s Top-Ranked School of Public Affairs

The interim leader and long-serving public administration and policy professor will step into the permanent role on June 1.
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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