Master's Degrees

SPA is recognized as one of the nation's top public affairs schools, ranked in the top 20 for schools of public affairs by U.S. News & World Report. Our students thrive in all economic sectors-public, private, and non-profit.

We follow the scholar-practitioner model. Our faculty are distinguished educators and scholars who serve as mentors and interact closely with their students in and out of the classroom. SPA's programs prioritize building students' theoretical foundation, developing practical skills, and training graduates to apply those skills in the workplace.

AU is situated in the recognized epicenter of the public affairs field, where leaders in public administration and policy; government; and justice, law, and criminology practice their crafts. Our students resumes gain credibility as they choose to study, work, and live in dynamic Washington, D.C. Our class schedules cater to both full- and part-time enrollment and offer flexibility to accommodate students' internships and jobs.

SPA offers 25 degree and certificate programs

  • Ten master's degrees, including one executive program, and two online
  • Three doctoral programs
  • Seven non-degree specialty certificates
  • Five master's dual degrees with Washington College of Law

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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Data scientist with glasses

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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Military members working on cybersecurity task

MS Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security - Online

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

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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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