At the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration (TSPPPA), we believe that informed and engaged citizens can improve every sector of society. Part of George Washington University’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, TSPPPA has more than 60 years of history offering the highest quality graduate education in public policy, public administration and environmental resource policy.
In our top-ranked degree programs, students gain knowledge, networks and experience that advances their careers in government, nonprofit and business and build interdisciplinary toolkits that are relevant to all sectors.
$1.7M
provided in financial awards to students each year
95%
graduates employed, not seeking a job or in school within 6 months of graduation
4,200
alumni working in wide-ranging fields across the globe
80+
career programs hosted
each year
Register for summer courses today! Satisfy prerequisites or complete requirements for your degree while making progress toward graduation.
WHAT WE DO
LOCATION
Enjoy and leverage TSPPPA's unique Washington, D.C. location — blocks from the White House — while you enhance your professional qualifications for work anywhere.
EXPERTISE
Our faculty are sought-after experts and gifted teachers. They are caring mentors and advocates who thrive on helping our students succeed.
CAREER OUTCOMES
We offer tailored professional advancement programs and lifelong services for students and alumni at all career stages seeking meaningful work.
CARING COMMUNITY
We are fiercely committed to an equitable, collaborative learning environment, meaning students have a voice in leadership roles and professional development opportunities.
TAILORED EDUCATION
Customize your degree to your life — and your public service aspirations — with part-time options, night or daytime courses and a personalized capstone program.
#12 in Public Affairs Schools
TSPPPA's 2023 rankings by U.S. News and World Report:
Global Policy: 6th
Homeland Security and Emergency Management: 7th (tie)
Public Management and Leadership: 8th (tie)
Health Policy: 9th (tie)
Public Finance and Budgeting: 11th
Overall Public Affairs: 12th (tie)
Public Policy Analysis: 17th
Non-Profit Management: 18th (tie)
Urban Policy: 18th (tie)
Social Policy: 20th
OUR PROGRAMS
100+
alumni volunteers helping the school each year
#4
median salary ranking for MPA graduates of top public affairs schools, GradReports
18
graduate degree and certificate options
100%
top U.S. public affairs journals with TSPPPA faculty as editors/authors
“The MPA program gave me a real glimpse of the type of work I can expect as a public servant. For me, it was important when I chose a graduate program that I was learning skills that could be immediately applied in my career, and I find myself doing this every day.”
Alivia Roberts
MPA '20
Political Appointee, U.S. Department of Justice
MAKING HEADLINES
Alumni Spotlight
Simon McNorton, MPP '13
Simon McNorton works at the UK's Department for International Development, where he oversees risk management and effective delivery of the UK's humanitarian support for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
New and Noteworthy
TSPPPA Ranks among the Best in Country
Columbian College’s Trachtenberg School increased its overall standing among public affairs schools in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of the nation’s top graduate programs.
Letter to Masters and Combined Degree Students
Dear masters and combined degree students,
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