American University's School of Public Affairs (SPA) is an R-1, internationally regarded institution, and one of the top schools for public policy and public affairs. To help celebrate our 90th birthday, read on for nine facts about SPA.

1. Ranked #9:
SPA appears consistently in the top 10 public affairs schools in the U.S. News & World Report graduate school rankings, rising to #9 in 2025, its highest-ever placement. It remains the #1 public affairs program in Washington, D.C.

2. Wrapped in National History:
Founded during the Great Depression to implement FDR’s “New Deal” legislation and connect academia with public service, SPA has been a hub for policy-related research and teaching for 90+ years.

3. Located in Washington, D.C.:
Situated in the nation's capital, SPA offers unique access to internships, research opportunities, and engagement with policymakers, as well as world-class museums, cultural experiences, and nightlife.

4. Interdisciplinary Approach to a Scholar-Practitioner Model:
SPA integrates various disciplines, including public administration; public policy; government; data science; and justice, law and criminology, to address complex public policy challenges. Faculty members are both educators and experienced practitioners, providing students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. 

5. Emphasis on Experiential Learning:
SPA provides immersive experiential learning through internships, applied research, policy projects, and programs like the SPA Analytics and Management Institute (SAMI), equipping students with practical skills to lead multidisciplinary teams. For example, students in our masters of public administration and policy program may complete both a capstone experience and an internship.

6. Wide Range of Degree Programs:
SPA offers six undergraduate and 11 graduate programs, including specialized offerings like CLEG (Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government), which is an interdisciplinary undergrad offering, and a Master’s of Science in Terrorism and Homeland Security. 

7. Focus on Building Careers in Public Service:
SPA's mission is to prepare students for careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

8. Home to Research Centers, Labs, and Journals:
SPA houses 14 centers, institutes, and labs, such as the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL), which takes a public health, non-carceral approach to preventing extremism. The school hosts five scholarly journals.

9. Significant Alumni Network:
With over 23,000 alumni, SPA offers students and graduates a strong international network across degree programs and sectors.