Welcome to the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA)

So, what is the School of Public and Environmental Affairs?

Good question! Our name says a lot about who we are, what we do, and what you can study here.

SPEA was founded as a response to the needs and problems of modern society—needs that were not being addressed by other more traditional schools such as business, arts and sciences, or political science. Our scope is wide, and we address such issues as public finance, nonprofit management, public management, environmental management, policy analysis, health administration, criminal justice and arts administration.

Even better, this year we have welcomed several new faculty members who are already making a difference and leading our school into the future. You can see who they are by going here.

The school’s broadening globalization is already being realized in the expanded programs of studies in several countries around the world through SPEA Overseas Education. Additionally, we are strengthening our research in energy policy, sustainable development, and the prevention of poverty, and building on traditional strengths in public finance, management of nonprofit and public sectors, and arts administration.

Beyond your degree program, SPEA offers many opportunities to enrich your academic career, such as the Honors Program, Washington Leadership Program, Accelerated Master’s Program, and many more. Seek out what speaks to you to expand your experience here at SPEA!

To us, a public or environmental affair is an issue or problem that affects the quality of life on this planet for its citizens. That’s a big list, obviously, and our graduates go on to jobs in many fields—public, private, and nonprofit.