Best Public policy schools in the world focus on teaching students about the creation and implementation of policies that affect the public. These policies can range from local issues like transportation or education to global issues such as climate change or international trade.
The best public policy schools in the world offer comprehensive programs that teach students how to analyze, evaluate, and develop policies that address complex social problems. These schools provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective policy analysts, advisors, and leaders.
They often offer courses in economics, statistics, political science, and other relevant fields. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for a career in public policy.
In this content, I will be highlighting some of the best public policy schools in the world based on factors such as academic reputation, research output, faculty expertise, and student success. Whether you are a student seeking to pursue a career in public policy or a professional looking to enhance your skills, this list will provide valuable insights into the top institutions in this field. Let’s get started
Best Public Policy Schools in the World
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Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, offering a wide range of programs across a variety of fields. One of its most renowned programs is the Harvard Kennedy School’s Master in Public Policy (MPP) program.
The Harvard MPP program is designed to train students to become effective leaders in the field of public policy. The program provides a rigorous curriculum that covers topics such as economics, statistics, politics, and law. Students are also taught skills such as communication, negotiation, and decision-making, which are essential for successful policy making.
The MPP program at Harvard is highly selective, with only a small percentage of applicants being admitted each year. The program attracts students from a variety of backgrounds, including government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. This diversity of experience and perspective enriches the learning environment and prepares students for the complex challenges they will face as policy leaders.
One unique aspect of the Harvard MPP program is the opportunity for students to participate in real-world policy projects. These projects allow students to work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to address real-world policy challenges. This hands-on experience provides students with valuable practical skills and helps them build a professional network in the field of public policy.
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (Master’s Degree)
The University of Chicago is one of the best public policy schools in the world and another large private not-for-profit university. It is located in the city of Chicago. Interestingly, it is considered one of the best schools in the United States for a degree in public policy.
Do you know that in the most recent year, roughly 411 students graduated with a public policy degree from UChicago? These graduates earn $11,692. This pay is more than the average college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.
Duke University, Durham, NC
The Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University is another one of the best public policy schools in the world that offers several degree programs in public policy, including a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree program and a Ph.D. program in Public Policy. The Sanford School of Public Policy also offers undergraduate degrees in Public Policy Studies.
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at Duke is a two-year program that provides students with a strong foundation in public policy analysis, leadership, and management. The program includes core courses in economics, statistics, and policy analysis, as well as a range of electives that allow students to focus on specific policy areas such as education policy, environmental policy, and international development.
Duke MPP program also offers students the opportunity to participate in experiential learning opportunities such as policy research projects, internships, and fieldwork. These opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience in the policy-making process and apply the skills and knowledge they have gained in the classroom to real-world policy challenges.
London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a world-renowned institution for social sciences, including public policy. LSE offers a range of programs in public policy, including a Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, a Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, and a Ph.D. program in Social Policy.
The MPA program at LSE is a one-year program designed for mid-career professionals who want to develop their skills and knowledge in public administration and management. The program focuses on developing practical skills, such as policy analysis, project management, and leadership. Students in the MPA program also have the opportunity to take elective courses in areas such as public finance, public sector reform, and international development.
The Ph.D. program in Social Policy at LSE is a great program that prepares students for careers in academia and research. The program provides students with advanced training in social policy research methods, as well as a strong grounding in the theoretical and empirical foundations of social policy.
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cornell University is another one of the best public policy schools in the world. This university is located in the city of Ithaca. It has a large student population. Also, it has an overall ranking of #13 out of 2,241 colleges in the US.
It might interest you that to know that in the most recent data year, about 73 students graduated with a public policy degree from Cornell. These graduates earn an average of $16,514. This is more than the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.
University of California – Berkeley
The University of California – Berkeley public policy program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public service and policymaking. The program provides a comprehensive education in policy analysis, research, and implementation, with a focus on promoting social justice, equity, and sustainability.
Students gain practical experience through internships, capstone projects, and engagement with local, state, and federal policymakers. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work in a variety of fields, including government, non-profits, think tanks, and private sector organizations.
Australian National University
The Australian National University (ANU) public policy program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to become effective policy practitioners. The program focuses on understanding and analyzing complex policy issues, developing and implementing policy solutions, and evaluating their impact.
Students in the program learn through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, including case studies, simulations, and real-world projects. The curriculum covers a broad range of policy areas, including economics, social policy, environmental policy, and international relations.
The program is highly respected and attracts students from Australia and around the world. Graduates of the program go on to work in a variety of fields, including government, non-government organizations, consulting firms, and academia.
Yale University
The Yale University Public Policy Program is a graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in the field of public policy. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the policy-making process and the skills necessary to analyze and develop effective policies. Students are taught to think critically about policy issues and to apply a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
The program offers a range of courses in policy analysis, economics, quantitative methods, and management, among others. Students can choose to specialize in areas such as environmental policy, health policy, international development, and social policy.
The University of Pennsylvania
UPenn is a large private not-for-profit university located in Philadelphia, PA. Do you know this school is ranked #4 out of 2,241 colleges in the US? Well, that is a fact. In the most recent year for which data is available, approximately 31 students graduated with a public policy degree from UPenn.
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI (Doctorate)
This is one of the best public policy schools in the world. U-M is a large public university located in Ann Arbor, MI. It ranks 1st out of 57 schools in Michigan for overall quality. Do you know that approximately 225 students graduated with a public policy degree from U-M?
These graduates earn an average of $3,957. Apparently, this is more per year than the typical graduate in the field.
