Master of Public Administration and Policy

Why choose between policy and administration when you can learn and perfect the core competencies of both disciplines? American University’s online Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) program combines our School of Public Affairs' top-ranked, nationally recognized and NASPAA-accredited MPA and MPP degree programs into one foundational, highly marketable credential.

Located in Washington, D.C., American University places you in the center of government interplay. As a student at American University, you are uniquely positioned for success through our student-centered learning approach paired with the power of American’s extensive alumni network and connections.

Highly-competitive internships through the U.S. Government Pathways program, as well as post-graduation internships in the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program, are common internships our students have during and after their MPAP program.

• For the past two years, American University has produced more PMF finalists than any other university in the country. AU has a 98 percent success rate of its finalists becoming fellows.
• Fellows receive 160 hours of intensive management and leadership training at one or more federal agencies, complete a four-to-six-month developmental assignment, and are eligible for full-time positions upon completion.

Be a Leader in Public Service

American University’s online Master of Public Administration and Policy degree arms you with the skills and knowledge needed to master the interdependency between public administration, policy, and the critical role both play in modern governance. The online MPAP program will help you gain the ability to seamlessly and successfully navigate the government’s numerous stakeholders through coursework focused on:

• Analytics and research
• Problem-solving skills
• Creative thinking
• Communication
• Management and leadership
• Legal, ethical and constitutional consideration in public service

In 2018, U.S. News & World Report America’s Best Graduate Schools ranked American University’s School of Public Affairs:

• No. 18, Top Schools: Public Affairs
• No. 5, Top Public Management Administration Program
• No. 12, Top Nonprofit Management Program
• No. 23, Top Public Finance and Budgeting Program
• No. 26, Top Public-Policy Analysis Program

At American University, our smart, passionate and engaged students and faculty focus their knowledge to create meaningful change. Our strengths in international service and public affairs inspire our sense of social responsibility and a dedication to cultural and intellectual diversity. We’re defined by our global perspective, practical idealism and a dedication to public service.

American University is a private, college-centered research university located in the nation’s capital. It was chartered by the United States Congress in 1893 to build public service, and is now home to a prestigious faculty, guest speakers and visiting world leaders who are influential practitioners and prominent thought leaders.

Join us in creating new opportunities for yourself while you help create a better world. Become part of the network of ambitious achievers, compassionate leaders and socially aware citizens at American University.

American University was recognized by Princeton Review, Best Colleges 2022, with the title of College Gets High Marks and ranked the following:

• #79 Best National School — U.S. News & World Report, American's Best Colleges 2022
• #91 Best Value School — U.S. News & World Report, American's Best Colleges 2022

Online Programs

• Master of Arts in Economics
• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
• Master of Public Administration and Policy
• Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security
• Master of Science in Health Promotion Management
• Master of Science in Human Resource Analytics and Management
• Master of Science in Measurement and Evaluation
• Master of Science in Nutrition Education
• Master of Science in Sports Analytics and Management

Online Student Experience

American University online programs are delivered through a format that’s convenient, flexible and portable. Like on-campus, students talk about their coursework and current issues with classmates, ask instructors questions and turn in assignments, but it’s all done via email, discussion boards, instant messaging and more.

Online courses at American University are as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts and taught by the same connected faculty members, influential guest speakers, and prominent lecturers. Interaction and communication with instructors and fellow students are essential components of the programs and academic success.

Online students have access to many support resources including new student orientation, a 24x7 help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator, financial aid advisers and more.