Best Public Affairs Programs (US)

The U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best graduate schools for public affairs programs serve as a significant benchmark for prospective students aiming to pursue careers in public service, policy-making, or administration. According to the 2009 edition of the rankings, Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs stands at the forefront, earning the top spot for its exceptional graduate programs. Maxwell School's reputation for producing highly skilled graduates with expertise in public affairs has placed it firmly at the number one position in the rankings, making it a sought-after destination for students passionate about public service.

The ranking reflects Syracuse University's continued dedication to providing world-class education in public affairs. The Maxwell School offers a wide array of programs, including the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), the Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.), as well as a comprehensive Ph.D. program. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, the school blends policy analysis, management skills, and leadership development into its curriculum. The faculty members at Maxwell School are recognized for their groundbreaking research in public policy, governance, and administration. These factors contribute to its top ranking in the U.S. News survey, where it consistently stands out in areas like research productivity, faculty quality, and overall academic reputation.

Not far behind Syracuse, two prestigious institutions, Harvard University and Indiana University–Bloomington, share the second spot in the 2009 rankings. Both universities are highly regarded in the field of public affairs and have earned their places as leaders in shaping policy education worldwide. Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government is renowned for its cutting-edge research, influential public policy programs, and esteemed faculty members. Offering a range of graduate degrees, including the M.P.P. and M.P.A., Harvard’s public affairs programs are globally recognized for training future leaders in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. With a focus on leadership, ethics, and public policy analysis, Harvard’s programs have consistently produced a strong alumni network that plays a central role in government and international organizations.

Indiana University–Bloomington’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) is another powerhouse in public affairs education. SPEA is highly regarded for its focus on both public administration and environmental policy. Its graduate programs in public affairs are tailored to meet the needs of students aspiring to work in government agencies, nonprofits, and international organizations. The school’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to gain expertise in various areas of public policy, including environmental protection, health, and urban planning. Indiana University–Bloomington’s reputation as one of the leading institutions in public affairs education is supported by its commitment to research, faculty excellence, and a rigorous curriculum.

Ranked jointly for 4th place in the U.S. News & World Report 2009 rankings, Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs is a distinguished institution that offers a unique combination of academic rigor and real-world applicability. The Woodrow Wilson School is known for its top-tier graduate programs, including the Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.) and the Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.). Princeton’s commitment to global policy issues, social equity, and governance makes it a premier institution for those looking to make a substantial impact in public service. The school’s faculty includes leading scholars in areas such as international relations, economics, and political science, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education in public affairs.

In addition to Princeton, the University of Georgia also shares the 4th place ranking, making it a strong contender in the field of public affairs education. The University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs has a reputation for producing well-rounded graduates who are well-equipped to handle complex issues in governance, public policy, and administration. The school’s focus on practical, hands-on learning, combined with a rigorous academic curriculum, ensures that students are prepared to tackle the challenges they will face in their careers.

Other universities that have earned top spots in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings include the University of California–Berkeley, ranked 6th, and the University of Kansas, the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, and the University of Southern California, all ranked 7th. The University of California–Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy is widely recognized for its innovative programs in public policy and administration. The school’s emphasis on public service, equity, and policy analysis has made it a leader in preparing students to work in government, nonprofit organizations, and international agencies. The University of Kansas is known for its interdisciplinary approach to public affairs, offering students the opportunity to specialize in areas such as nonprofit management, public administration, and environmental policy. The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor is another top-tier institution, with a distinguished reputation for producing leaders in the public and private sectors. Its Ford School of Public Policy is known for its outstanding faculty and rigorous programs, which prepare students to address complex public policy challenges. The University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy is also highly regarded for its innovative programs in urban planning, public administration, and nonprofit management.

Several other schools round out the top 10 in the rankings, including Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College, Duke University, New York University, and the University of Chicago, all tied for 10th place. Carnegie Mellon’s Heinz College is renowned for its interdisciplinary programs, which combine technology, management, and policy. The college’s strong focus on public policy and administration, coupled with its cutting-edge technology programs, makes it a leader in the field of public affairs education. Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy is similarly highly regarded, with its programs focusing on policy analysis, management, and leadership. New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service offers programs that emphasize social policy, nonprofit management, and urban affairs, making it an attractive choice for students interested in working in these fields. The University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy is known for its strong focus on data-driven analysis and policy research, producing graduates who are equipped to handle complex issues in governance, economics, and public policy.

The rankings provided by U.S. News & World Report offer valuable insight into the strengths of public affairs programs across the country. Institutions like Syracuse University, Harvard University, and Indiana University–Bloomington lead the pack, with a shared commitment to providing students with a high-quality education in public policy, administration, and international affairs. The rankings also highlight the diversity of programs and approaches available to students, from the interdisciplinary focus at schools like UC Berkeley and Carnegie Mellon to the strong emphasis on global issues at Princeton and Harvard.

These rankings not only provide students with a guide to choosing the right graduate program for their career aspirations but also offer a snapshot of the evolving landscape of public affairs education in the United States. The schools that appear at the top of the rankings continue to innovate, offering programs that are tailored to the needs of the 21st century, preparing students to address the complex social, economic, and political challenges that will shape the future of public service. With a strong focus on leadership, policy analysis, and governance, these institutions are instrumental in developing the next generation of public affairs professionals who will go on to make significant contributions to society at the local, national, and international levels.

Ranking of Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs:
1. Syracuse University
2. Harvard University
2. Indiana University–Bloomington
4. Princeton University
4. University of Georgia
6. University of California–Berkeley
7. University of Kansas
7. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
7. University of Southern California
10. Carnegie Mellon University (Heinz)
10. Duke University
10. New York University
10. University of Chicago
14. American University
14. Columbia University
14. George Washington University
14. Georgetown University
14. SUNY–Albany
14. University of California–Los Angeles
14. University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
14. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
14. University of Texas–Austin
14. University of Washington
14. University of Wisconsin–Madison
25. Arizona State University
25. University of Maryland–College Park
27. Florida State University
27. Georgia State University
27. University of Nebraska–Omaha
27. University of Pittsburgh
27. Virginia Tech
32. Johns Hopkins University
32. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey–Newark
32. University of Colorado–Denver
32. University of Kentucky
36. Cornell University
36. Ohio State University
36. Texas A&M University–College Station
36. University of Arizona
36. University of Missouri–Columbia
41. Northern Illinois University
41. University of Delaware
41. University of Illinois–Chicago
41. University of Pennsylvania
45. Cleveland State University
45. George Mason University
45. Indiana University-Purdue University–Indianapolis
45. Naval Postgraduate School
49. Portland State University
49. University of Connecticut
51. Brigham Young University–Provo
51. CUNY–John Jay College
51. Georgia Institute of Technology
51. North Carolina State University
51. Pennsylvania State University–Harrisburg
51. University of Utah
57. Auburn University–Main Campus
57. Brown University
57. CUNY–Baruch College
57. Florida International University
57. Louisiana State University–Baton Rouge
57. Monterey Institute of International Studies
57. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey–New Brunswick
57. University of Maryland–Baltimore County
57. University of Missouri–St. Louis
57. University of North Carolina–Charlotte
57. University of North Texas
57. University of Oregon
57. University of Texas–Arlington
57. University of Texas–Dallas
57. Virginia Commonwealth University
72. Uni of Alabama–Birmingham
72. Uni of Massachusetts–Amherst
72. Uni of Missouri–Kansas City
72. Uni of Oklahoma
72. Uni of South Carolina–Columbia
72. Uni of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
72. Wayne State Univ
72. Wichita State Univ
80. Auburn Univ–Montgomery
80. Binghamton Univ
80. College of William and Mary
80. Florida Atlantic Univ
80. Kansas State Univ
80. San Francisco State Univ
80. Uni of Baltimore
80. Uni of Illinois–Springfield
80. Uni of Louisville
80. Uni of Tennessee–Knoxville
90. California State Univ–Los Angeles
90. Northeastern Univ
90. Pepperdine Univ
90. San Diego State Univ
90. Uni of Central Florida
90. Uni of Massachusetts–Boston
90. Villanova Univ
90. Washington State Univ
90. West Virginia Univ
90. Willamette Univ
Source: U.S. News & World Report 2009 Edition