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Ameerah Thomas

Ameerah Thomas looks to impact criminal justice reform, using her skills to affect policy change for those most vulnerable. She converted an internship through the Pathways Program into a full-time position at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Office of the Inspector General, reviewing allegations of waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct among federal law enforcement agencies. “DOJ is one of my dream [employers],” she says. “The work with oversight in the justice programs gives me a glimpse into the system, including corrections, and reinforces all the things I was able to learn in the classroom.” Thomas also credits AU’s vast alumni network for providing her with contacts in her field and exposure to current efforts.

AU SPA Ranked No. 9

Announcement ·

American University’s School of Public Affairs Is Ranked No. 9 Overall in New U.S. News & World Report Rankings

American University’s School of Public Affairs receives its highest U.S. News & World Report ranking since the publication began rating public affairs programs in 1995.
Full Story


Alison Jacknowitz

Introducing Alison Jacknowitz as our Interim Dean!

We are pleased she will lead our school in the 2024-25 academic year.

Message from the Dean

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
in
in
0%
93% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both
Top Employers
  • U.S. House of Representatives
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • Guidehouse
  • U.S. Government Accountability Office
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • U.S. Navy
  • U.S. Secret Service
  • U.S. Senate
  • EAB
Learn More >


Featured News

Professor Cynthia Miller-Idriss

Announcement ·

American U. Professor Awarded Carnegie Fellowship for Research in Political Polarization and Violence

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Chief Vision Officer and Founding Director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab at American University, has received Carnegie Fellowship, a prestigious grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
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Goldman and Hollis

Achievements ·

SPA’s Center for Environmental Policy Announces 2025 William K. Reilly Leadership Award Winners

Announcing the 2025 William K. Reilly Leadership Award winners
Full Story

Melissa Kilmer (left) and Jane Palmer (right)

Social Policy ·

Safe(r) Spaces?

SPA professor and student examine whether campus sexual assault prevention programs increase student comfort with accessing related resources.
Full Story

Specialty Rankings

number 12

for Public Policy Analysis

by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 13

in Public Finance & Budgeting

by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 22

in Urban Policy

by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

Contact Us

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AU School of Public Affairs 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States