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You are here: American University School of Public Affairs Admissions Graduate Admission Requirements
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SPA: Graduate Admissions
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States
Admission Deadlines
Please note that the GRE requirement for all SPA master’s degree (on-campus and online) and certificate programs is optional.* Official GRE test scores will continue to be required for all SPA Ph.D. programs, no exceptions. ÌýÌý
*OptionalÌýmeans an applicant may submit an official standardized test score (GRE) for consideration in an effort to strengthen their file. If you wish to include a GRE test score as part of yourÌýmaster’s degree or certificateÌýapplication, please emailÌýspaapp@american.edu. SPA’s admission team will hold your file until the score is available and uploaded prior to advancing it for admission consideration. Ìý
SPA encourages all master’s degree (on-campus only) applicants toÌýregister for an application coaching sessionÌýto help improve the quality of their file.
Application Deadlines
Master’s Degrees (On-Campus), BA/MA Combined Degree Programs, & Graduate Certificate Programs
Fall Admission
| Domestic Applicants | International Applicants* |
|---|---|
|
February 15Ìý- Priority deadline for first round consideration for Fall merit awards.ÌýÌý |
February 15Ìý- Priority deadline for first round consideration for Fall merit awards. May 1Ìý- Final deadline for international master's applicants |
Spring Admission
| Domestic Applicants | International Applicants* |
|---|---|
|
November 1Ìý- Priority deadline for first round consideration for Spring merit awards.ÌýÌý |
November 1Ìý- Final deadline for international master's applicants. November 1Ìý- Priority deadline for first round consideration for Spring merit awards. |
After the posted deadlines, applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the respective term or degree program is full. If you are interested in merit aid consideration, we strongly encourage you to submit your application before the priority deadline.
BA/MA combined programs are open to current AU undergraduate students only.
*The final international student deadlines refer to applicants who require a new F-1 or J-1 visa. Current international students at another academic institution in the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa can be admitted after these dates and will transfer their SEVIS record to American University. For more information on the SEVIS transfer-in process and/or international student deadlines, contact spaapp@american.edu.
Executive Master’s Degree
- June 1
- Priority deadline for Key Executive Leadership MPA merit award consideration, fall admission.
After the posted deadlines, applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the respective term or degree program is full. If you are interested in merit aid consideration, we strongly encourage you to submit your application before the priority deadline.
Executive programs have different application procedures-the websites for each program will tell you more.
PhD Programs
- December 15, 2024
- Fall Deadline (Fall Admission ONLY)
JD/Master’s and LLM/Masters Dual Degree Programs with the Washington College of Law (WCL)
Since the dual degree programs require applications to both the School of Public Affairs and the Washington College of Law, the admission requirements for both schools must be met, including the application deadlines. Please refer to for their priority deadlines. Please click here for SPA priority deadlines.
Need Help Applying?
Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions for application tips and instructions.
Still Have Questions?
Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) at 202-885-6230 or spagrad@american.edu. We're here to help!