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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 resource policy.

Our Rankings
Best Grad Schools US News and World Report: Public Affairs, 2023-2024

#10 in Public Affairs Schools

TSPPPA's 2023-2024 rankings by U.S. News and World Report:

Global Policy: 6th (tie)
Homeland Security and Emergency Management: 6th
Public Management and Leadership: 8th
Health Policy: 10th
Public Finance and Budgeting: 10th
Overall Public Affairs: 10th (tie)
Public Policy Analysis: 18th
Non-Profit Management: 15th (tie)
Urban Policy: 10th (tie)
Social Policy: 18th (tie)


Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 17–27

Registration is open for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences 2023 Open House! The online event includes program-specific information sessions and opportunities to engage with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.

TSPPPA will be hosting information sessions for prospective graduate students on Thursday, Oct. 19 and Thursday, Oct. 26.

Registration and Details


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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.

 

By the Numbers

$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

 

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.


OUR PROGRAMS

Highlights

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

 

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“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

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.