College Crunch

If you’re considering a degree in public affairs, think about applying to one of these top schools. When it comes to an education in public affairs, they are the best of the best. Each department in this list is a well respected leader in the discipline.

1. Syracuse University

The Maxwell School Department of Public Administration at Syracuse University provides a broad program in public affairs which addresses the complex and evolving nature of the discipline. The department is committed to teaching the skills which will allow graduates to effectively serve in positions within government, private and non-profit sectors and to successfully serve the public. The university endeavors to provide a superior educational program which adapts to the changing nature character of the discipline. The specialized courses offered at the university have become integrated into the public affairs programs offered at many of the other top universities in the nation. The university is characterized by an accommodating and supportive faculty recognized for their expertise in their varied multi-disciplinary backgrounds.

The graduate curriculum in the public affairs specialization is challenging and rigorous. The 40 credit interdisciplinary program prepares students for a career in the public service while instilling essential ethical values. Three graduate degree programs are offered; master of public administration, executive master of public administration and a doctor of philosophy. Areas of specialization and certificate programs are offered to allow students to explore a specific area of focus. The coursework develops professional and leadership skills in the students. Students are encouraged to participate in the student body administration to gain practical experience in the government field. In addition to the student body, the university is host to a number of student activity organizations which provide opportunities to listen to speaker series and others which strive to promote diversity and equality.

2. Harvard University

The Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is dedicated to intellectual exploration and achievement with the intention of serving the public interest. The university endeavors to train informed international public leaders prepared to confront the challenges of complex global policy issues. Graduates of the program will learn to make valuable and effective contributions and to make difficult decisions on vital areas of public concern such as international security and welfare reform. The students are immersed in a diverse environment at Harvard where they learn to cross cultural and intellectual boundaries. Harvard strives to develop new concepts and ideology through its innovative research efforts and provides students the opportunity to engage in meaningful public service projects where they can learn to make leadership decisions while contributing to the community.

The two year interdisciplinary master in public policy degree programs offers a challenging curriculum which prepares graduates for positions in government, non-profit and private sector positions. Students learn skills which will help them develop the essential critical thinking skills required to find solutions to the complicated problems facing leaders around the globe. Students can choose to pursue joint or concurrent degree programs, a master in public administration/international development, or a mid-career master in public administration. The master in public policy develops the practical skills graduates will need to be successful public servants by focusing on management, leadership and analysis. The concurrent degree programs permit students to complete the two degree programs with a reduced number of credits required from both schools allowing the student to finish in a year’s less time.

3. Princeton University

The Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, founded in 1930, are committed to providing a thorough education in government and public service. The program prepares students for careers within the field by developing critical thinking and leadership skills. The university offers a comprehensive view of the complex issues affecting public policy. The university’s twenty world renowned research centers explore the integral questions impacting public policy and are credited with advancing knowledge on matters such as public health, economics and education. Faculty members are experts in a range of disciplines from politics, to sociology to molecular biology. Graduates of the university have become successful leaders in domestic and international public realms.

The degree programs offered at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School include the Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in public policy, Master’s in Public Affairs, Master’s in Public Policy and the Ph.D. in Public Affairs. The undergraduate curriculum focuses on the problems with public policy. Students are able to participate in conferences and task forces where they learn to analyze and explore concerning issues in domestic and international public policy. A thesis is required of all students. The Master in Public Affairs program instills higher level of analytic thinking and analysis to prepare students for more advanced positions in public administration. Graduate students are expected to select a concentration in international relations, development studies, domestic policy or economics and public policy. Workshops designed to provide practical experience in policy discussion panels are a requirement.

4. Indiana University-Bloomington

Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs endeavors to address the countless issues of public concern which affect society both locally and across the globe. The department focuses their research and service efforts on pressing current issues including energy and the environment. Students are trained through academic thought, research experience and practical application of the skills learned through their degree programs. Graduates of Indiana University are prepared to become valuable, knowledgeable public service leaders capable of finding solutions to difficult issues. The 200 faculty members are award winning experts dedicated to both research and teaching; having earned awards in both teaching and research.

The School of Public and Environmental Affairs offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs to interested students. The 120 credit undergraduate majors in public affairs include specializations in the areas of environmental management, legal studies, management, policy studies, public and nonprofit management and public financial management. Each of the degree programs requires students to complete the public affairs and general education requirements along with additional credits in the area of specialization. The Master degree programs in public affairs and the joint master of public affairs/master of science in environmental science provide advanced leadership and communication training and prepare graduates to work efficiently within a team. The master degree programs focus mainly on applied skills rather than theory or research.

5. University of California- Berkeley

The School of Public Policy and International Affairs at the University of California was founded in 1969 and has earned recognition both nationally and internationally for the superior quality of their program and graduates. The University provides a program that immerses students in important issues of public concern to prepare them to become innovative and effective future policy makers. Successful teamwork is an emphasis in the program as it is essential to future success in public affairs. Faculty members encourage students to develop skills in these areas including negotiations and consensus building. Graduates will have a broad understanding of the dynamic and complicated nature of public policy issues and be capable of developing effective strategies for solving problems and implementing policies.

The degree programs in public policy at the university provide a rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum to prepare students for future success in the field. The coursework encompasses the foundational subjects in politics, legal analysis and decision making and the more complex areas of microeconomics and statistical modeling. The five elective courses permit students to explore a particular area of interest; enabling them to develop a specialization. Students are expected to participate in a significant amount of field work to develop practical skills in analytical and critical thinking. Second year students must complete a policy analysis project. Summer internships are offered to expound on the students experience. Concurrent degree programs, doctorate and undergraduate minors are also offered in the public affairs discipline.

6. University of Georgia

The School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia evolved in 2001 from the political science department. Although it is a fairly new addition at the university, the program has earned recognition for its exceptional research efforts and the successful training of their graduates in the areas of public administration and policy. The school strives to provide a relevant and intellectually diverse program which instructs students on the multitude of areas which impact public affairs. The program is consistently updated to remain current on essential topics. In addition to their superior instruction, the department remains committed to serving the public. The 50 full time faculty members include twelve teaching award recipients. Faculty members have earned the ranking as the second most productive in research in the country.

The 41 credit Master of Public Administration and Policy degree program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective in the public, private and government policy arenas. The curriculum develops the essential analytical and communication skills necessary to be productive in public affairs. Students are expected to complete five core courses in public administration and economics, management and research courses, and six elective courses in the focal area of their particular interest. Specialization areas include higher education administration, local government administration, nonprofit management, public budgeting and finance administration, public management organization theory, public personnel administration, public policy analysis and health policy and administration. The program includes opportunities for attaining practical experience through internships and to make important contributions by participating in research projects. Teaching assistantships are also offered.

7. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s School of Policy, Planning and Development is committed to public service through research, education and innovative thinking. The school endeavors to produce real changes addressing the multitude of complex domestic and global issues facing public administrators through collaborative efforts and revolutionary ideas. Public leaders routinely visit the university and offer students the benefit of their expertise and experience. Research is an integral part of the department. The schools internationally regarded research centers are recognized for their productivity and the quality of their work. Faculty members are award winning experts routinely consulted by respected news publications.

The degree programs within the school offer comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculums. Students have the option of selecting from the undergraduate program, five professional master degree programs, two executive degree programs a special masters program for international executives, two doctoral programs and several certificate programs. The masters programs in public administration and public policy provides coursework to prepare graduates for leadership positions in any public, nonprofit or government organization. Students learn to devise and implement policies. The program includes academic coursework, practical experience earned through internships and service projects and research opportunities.

8. University of Kansas

The Department of Public Administration at Kansas University, established in the mid 1900’s, is regarded for its excellence in academics and commitment to public service. The school strives to instill essential leadership and critical thinking and analysis skills in their students to prepare them for management and public policy roles; focusing mainly on local and state level positions. The University of Kansas is dedicated to the advancement of the public good and public service and endeavors to meet these goals by producing graduates ready to offer the benefits of their superior education in a professional or academic capacity. The university is characterized by their high quality teaching and interactive relationship between faculty and students.

A number of degree programs are offered by the University of Kansas in public administration. The 124 credit undergraduate curriculum for a major in public administration requires students to complete 27 credits in upper level public administration coursework which includes six elective courses and three required core courses. The 36 credit Master of public administration degree program cultivates student’s skills in leadership, policy implementation, analysis and intellectual thought while emphasizing ethical action. Students can choose from an intern or a career option, intended for students already working in their field. Required coursework includes eight required courses and four electives intended to allow students to develop a specialization in a particular area. Doctoral and online programs are also offered.

9. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan offers students the benefit of a superior educational experience enriched by a community of dedicated faculty and staff and substantial resources. The school is committed to developing leaders in public policy capable of ethical and effective policy analysis and implementation. Their research efforts are directed towards areas identified as requiring further advancement and modification through public service and academic pursuits in order to serve the public good. The program places emphasis on the social sciences and their interconnected relationship with public policy. The faculty members are dedicated professionals from a broad range of interdisciplinary backgrounds.

The degree programs offered at the university are characterized distinguished for their flexibility and rigorous curriculum. Students have the option of pursuing a bachelor of arts in public policy, master of public policy, master of public administration, a doctorate in public policy or dual degrees earned in the school in conjunction with other schools at the university. Certificate programs in science, technology and public policy are also offered. The undergraduate curriculum includes coursework in the social sciences, economics, political science and public policy addressing the domestic and international arenas. An area of focus must be selected by each student. The two year master degree programs combines coursework in business, law, public health, social work and a number of other areas. Graduate students must also pursue a focal area and are expected to complete an internship.

10. Carnegie Mellon University

The School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University offers a dynamic and current program in the discipline. The school is recognized for its commitment to integrating cutting edge thinking, teaching and technology into their programs. The program combines the traditional schools of thought in public policy and administration with the latest and most advanced educational updates; incorporating issues affecting public interests as they emerge. Graduates from the Carnegie Mellon program are prepared to meet the changing and evolving public policy needs of a complex society and the knowledge of how to use technology to benefit and enhance their efforts. Students have the opportunity to experience and engage in international policy analysis first hand with the university’s exchange programs.

The degree programs in public affairs at Carnegie Mellon offer interdisciplinary, challenging curriculum which prepares students for future endeavors in the discipline. The course work places substantial emphasis on practical skill applications in the areas of policy analyses, management, research methods and information technology with less time spent on theory. The Master of Science in public policy and management offers a two year track, one year track, three semester track and a 21 month track. Students are expected to complete core courses in the areas of policy analysis, management, political science, technology and management, finance and project application. An internship must be completed during the first two years in the program to help develop skills in analysis and quantitative measurement as well as management. A group capstone project must also be completed.