Internships
The school encourages qualified students to work for course credit as interns in governmental, political, non-profit, and private organizations. These internships are designed to give students practical involvement in political processes or action programs. For example, a student might work for a member of Congress, the Department of State, the Department of Justice, or for other organizations directly concerned with public policy.
Independent Study
The School of Public Affairs encourages students to engage in independent study projects related to their fields of interest. These projects include reading, research, and field work in the Washington area arranged directly with a faculty member.
Study Abroad
AU Abroad offers the opportunity for students to study abroad and gain full American University course credit. All students are encouraged to learn and work in another culture. Students may spend a semester or year at prestigious universities in over 40 countries, spanning six continents. In addition, international study tours led by faculty members are offered during semester breaks and summer sessions. For more information and a full listing of AU Abroad programs, go to www.auabroad.american.edu/.
Educational Resources
Computer-aided instruction and research are encouraged and facilitated by a variety of technical resources. The university operates quantitative teaching and research laboratories to introduce students to the use of computers, statistics, and mathematical methods in social research and management applications. These labs are staffed with graduate assistants who tutor new users and provide professional consulting to experienced users.
Honorary Societies
The school recognizes both academic and professional achievement by students and alumni through membership in national honorary societies. Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, founded in l920, is open to selected undergraduates and graduate students majoring in political science or international relations.
Alpha Phi Sigma is the national honor society for criminal justice. It recognizes scholastic excellence by undergraduate and graduate students in the justice field. Sigma Phi Omega, the university’s prelaw honor society, is open to all qualified undergraduate students, sophomore and above.
Pi Alpha Alpha is the national honorary society for public affairs and administration. The School of Public Affairs has one of the 18 charter chapters. Graduate students completing their programs are invited to join if they meet the academic standards set by the chapter.
Undergraduate majors are also eligible for Phi Beta Kappa.
Career and Professional Opportunities
A public affairs education prepares students for a variety of careers. Graduates serve public, non-profit, and private organizations where they assist in creating, analyzing, and/or implementing policy alternatives. Some teach public administration, political science, justice, public policy, and related courses at universities, colleges, or secondary schools. Others seek opportunities in private sector professions not formally related to their degree programs. Alumni are serving as city managers, lawyers, management analysts, investigators, legislative assistants, lobbyists, budget or systems analysts, newspaper editors, research associates, professors, policy analysts, and appointed and elected government officials. |
