Find Your Graduate Degree

Learn more about our master's, doctoral, and certificate programs.
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Your degree will prepare you to tackle today’s critical challenges

The School of Public Affairs prepares our students to be part of the next generation of experts in the fields of public administration and policy; government and the political arena; and justice, law, and criminology. Our degree programs and certificates equip you with the fundamental knowledge and competencies to craft practical solutions to real-world challenges in the government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, nationally and internationally.

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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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Master's Degrees (On-Campus)

There may be select courses delivered online.

Caleb Brown

MA Political Communication

Learn the essence of politics through the interplay of message content, delivery media, and audience analysis.

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Abby Korb

MA Political Science

Intellectual curiosity fuels this multidisciplinary program of exploratory, critical thinkers.

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Arielle Baldwin

Master of Public Administration

Our program gives you the tools to meet complex public challenges with strong, capable leadership.

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Ben Schumann

Master of Public Policy

This program shapes policy analysts and changemakers of the future.

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Dakota Engel

MS Justice, Law & Criminology

Tackle today’s critically important challenges at the intersection of justice and law.

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Ellis Scherer

MS Terrorism & Homeland Security Policy

From tactical approaches to strategic solutions.

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MS Data Science

Build your skill set in data science with this shared degree program, offered by SPA and the AU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

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Executive Program (On-Campus)

There may be select courses delivered online.

Key Executive Leadership

Key Executive Leadership MPA

The latest knowledge, values, and skills that will build your personal leadership capacity.

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Online Degrees

Online Master of Public Administration & Policy

Master of Public Administration & Policy - Online

Build your foundations in policy analysis and management.

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MS Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security - Online

Influence policy in national security, law, cybersecurity, and political violence.

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Doctoral Programs (On-Campus)

PhD in Justice, Law & Criminology

PhD Justice, Law & Criminology

Prepare for university teaching and research, and a career as an authority and leader in these fields.

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PhD in Political Science

PhD Political Science

Dive deeply into the policy and politics of official Washington and produce meaningful research with profound impact.

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PhD in Public Administration

PhD Public Administration & Policy

Produce methodologically sound, socially relevant research that makes important contributions to knowledge and theory.

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Dual Degree Programs (On-Campus)

There may be select courses delivered online.

JD/MPP in Law and Public Policy

JD and Master of Public Policy

Gain a broad grounding in public analysis, program evaluation, and policy implementation.

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LLM and Master of Public Policy

LLM and Master of Public Policy

Examine the integral relationship of law to public policy, administration, and management.

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JD/MPA in Law & Public Administration

JD and Master of Public Administration

Examine the integral relationship of law to public administration and management.

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LLM and Master of Public Administration

LLM and Master of Public Administration

Ideal for attorneys who hope to innovate in the political, government, or nonprofit realms.

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JS/MS in Justice, Law & Criminology

JD and MS Justice, Law & Criminology

Cross-disciplinary study of how law intersects with theories of justice and justice systems.

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Graduate Certificates (On-Campus)

There may be select courses delivered online.

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Certificate in Public Financial Management

Increase your skillset in the public finance sector with this certificate.

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Certificate in Public Management

Ideal for professionals who want to advance their skillset in public management.

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Certificate in Public Policy Analysis

Certificate in Public Policy Analysis

Hone your skills in public policy analysis with this certificate.

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Certificate in Women, Policy & Political Leadership

Ideal for professionals working in policy, politics, and leadership.

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Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Ideal for professionals who want to advance their skillset in nonprofit management.

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Certificate in Leadership for Organizational Change

Certificate in Leadership for Organizational Change

Expand your skills in organizational change with this certificate.

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Certificate in Analytics and Management

Certificate in Analytics and Management

Created to further prepare SPA graduate students to work in and lead teams within multiple disciplines.

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