Is Emory or American University better for a career in public policy?

American’s School of Public Affairs gives undergraduates a clearly structured home for public policy, political science, justice, and government study. Its D.C. setting makes it easier to build a policy résumé before graduation through semester-long internships, networking events, guest speakers, and part-time roles that would be harder to access from most campuses. That proximity is particularly valuable for students interested in federal policy, campaigns, international affairs, lobbying, regulatory work, or national nonprofits.

Emory can be an excellent preparation for policy work, especially for a student who wants rigorous academics and may be drawn to health policy, social policy, global development, or quantitative research. Emory’s strengths in public health, and Atlanta’s civic and nonprofit ecosystem can create meaningful opportunities. However, students often need to be more intentional about finding policy internships, including pursuing summers in D.C. or elsewhere.

For a career in public policy broadly, American University provides the more direct undergraduate pipeline because its curriculum, campus culture, and location are built around policy engagement. Emory is the stronger choice only when its particular academic advantages, especially public health and research-oriented policy interests, matter more to you than having immediate D.C. access.