Longtime faculty member and respected economist left a lasting mark on GW through scholarship, mentorship and leadership.
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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 and sustainability policy.
In Memoriam: Joe Cordes
We are saddened to share that Professor Joe Cordes has passed away.
His loss is huge for our community.
Joe was foundational in creating our TSPPPA community. He served as Associate Director as well as Director of our School, and earlier as Chair of the Economics Department and as Associate Dean for CCAS.
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#16 in Public Affairs Schools
TSPPPA's 2025-2026 rankings by U.S. News and World Report:
International/Global Policy & Administration: 6
Public Management & Leadership: 9
Homeland Security & Emergency Management: 9
Public Finance and Budgeting: 13
Overall Public Affairs: 16
Social Policy: 16
Nonprofit Management: 17
Public Policy Analysis: 23
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
Federal Downsizing Impacting Your Career?
The CCAS Dean's Award provides a 20% tuition discount + application fee waiver for current or recently dismissed federal employees seeking an advanced Master's degree. Apply today for Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 enrollment!
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
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