Contact Us
Contact:
Claire Griggs
Director
What is the Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program?
The Politics, Policy and Law (PPL) Scholars Program is a rigorous, multidisciplinary three-year BA program that brings together the complementary disciplines of the School of Public Affairs. The PPL program will introduce you to the principles, practices, and institutions of politics and law from quantitative and qualitative, philosophical, and social science perspectives. The PPL program will prepare you for a challenging and successful career in government, law, public administration and policy, criminal justice, media, non-profit advocacy, or similar profession.
Application Process
How do I apply?
Please see application information to learn more.
I am already enrolled as a full-time AU student. Can I apply to be in the 3-year program?
No. Students are selected for the 3-year program at the time of admission and can only enter the program in the freshman year.
Do you have to complete the program in three consecutive years, or can you take a year off during the course of study?
You must complete your undergraduate and PPL requirements in three consecutive years.
Is it possible to defer my admission and start the program when I start at AU?
Only if you defer for a full year. You cannot defer for a semester and start the program.聽Please review the requirements for applying for a deferral from AU admissions.
Financial Aid
How does PPL affect my financial aid or merit scholarship award?
Three-year students complete eight semesters of study, just like a four-year student, two of which are in the summer. Thus, PPL Scholars are eligible for year-round financial aid. Annual merit scholarships cover the eight semesters. Be sure to work closely with the Financial Aid office to ensure that you submit all financial aid materials (including for summer financial aid) on time.
What is the cost of the 3-year program? Is it cheaper than a 4-year degree?
The cost of attendance for the 3-year degree program is similar to the cost of a 4-year program, since students will be attending the same number of semesters (8 total).
Where should I start looking for financial aid?
Please contact the AU Financial Aid Office.
Can I apply for merit awards or scholarships as part of the 3-year program?
Yes. Students in the 3-year PPL program will still have the opportunity to apply for merit awards and scholarships.
Living Arrangements
Where will I live during the first year?
Students will live in the same dorm聽with other AU three-year scholars during the first year and take part in weekly field learning labs that explore politics, policy, and law using Washington, D.C., as a laboratory. Read more about the Living Learning Community.
Do I have to live with my cohort all three years?
No. After the first two semesters (fall and spring), students are free to live where they choose (and can choose to continue living with other PPL Scholars).
Other Programs at AU
Can I combine PPL with my acceptance to the AU Honors Program?
No. You can apply to both programs, but you will not be accepted to both. Each program is a separate living learning experience that cannot be combined.
If I enroll in PPL, may I participate in the SPA Leadership Program?
Some PPL Scholars choose to combine the PPL three-year BA program with the SPA Leadership Program. Please note that you will apply to PPL when you apply for admission to AU. Admitted students who enroll at AU apply for the Leadership Program during the spring after they have been admitted to AU.
Interested students should consult with both the PPL Director and the Leadership Director before applying.
Can I enroll in both the PPL Program and the University College Program?
No. The UC program is designed to provide a cohort living learning experience for 4-year students.
Please email Faculty Director Claire Griggs at ppl@american.edu or call 202-885-6684.