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Undergraduate students may plan their academic programs to meet personalized learning objectives. Recognizing that a multidisciplinary education is required to meet the ever changing nature of the public affairs profession, advisors encourage students to take courses in other academic units.
Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program
This rigorous program offers students the opportunity to complete the undergraduate degree in three years with a cohort of other motivated and passionate students dedicated to the study of politics, policy and law. The intensive year-round curriculum provides an added emphasis on analytical research and writing as well as enhanced experiential learning programming and faculty mentorship.
Students in the Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program (PPL):
- Complete the undergraduate degree in three years;
- Take PPL core requirements as a cohort;
- Participate in year-round enrichment programs;
- Pursue summer experiential learning such as internships and an optional study abroad program;
- Develop advanced research and writing skills;
- Receive mentorship on academic and career goals;
- Receive support from program faculty, staff, and SPA alumni with career/internship placement.
Leadership Program
The SPA Leadership Program, a four-year undergraduate program, offers students the knowledge, skills, and experience to prepare them for leadership roles in public service. It is designed to develop a corps of students at American University who have the skills and commitment to make a positive difference in their communities and the world. The program creates a dynamic learning environment by bringing together students with shared interests and goals through its courses, seminars, community service projects, and activities.
Creating opportunities for experiencing firsthand how our nation’s policy is developed and implemented, the program broadens students’ understanding of the nature of American politics. To prepare students for lifelong participation in all aspects of public service, the program fosters their leadership, teamwork, negotiating, communications, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
The Leadership Program is based on the belief that every person has leadership ability and that democracy requires responsible action by everyone, not just those in positions of authority. By teaching theories of leadership, the public policy-making process, ethics, social justice, and community service, the program stresses the importance of principled, creative, results-oriented leadership based on core values.
Students who complete the 15-credit four-year program are awarded a Certificate in Advanced Leadership Studies. Incoming first-year students in the School of Public Affairs are invited to apply to the program. For more information, visit www.american.edu/spa/leadership. |
