The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs has once again secured the top spot in the most recent rankings by U.S. News & World Report for Best Public Affairs Schools.
Syracuse University, home to the Maxwell School, has maintained its position as the leading institution in this field. Maxwell has consistently achieved this recognition, having been ranked first in 13 out of the 14 years that peer surveys have been conducted. Moreover, the school continues to excel in various subspecialties.
David M. Van Slyke, the dean of the Maxwell School, expressed his gratitude for the acknowledgment, emphasizing the school’s commitment to nurturing students to become impactful public servants, leaders, and scholars. He highlighted the importance of preparing individuals who can positively influence their communities and the broader global landscape.
The rankings for Best Public Affairs Schools are determined through assessments provided by deans, directors, and department chairs from 271 master’s programs in public affairs and administration. These evaluations, based on a 5-point scale, establish the overall ranking of each school. Additionally, respondents have the opportunity to nominate institutions for excellence in different subspecialties, influencing the final rankings.
Since the inception of the graduate program rankings in public affairs by U.S. News in 1995, the Maxwell School has consistently held the top position, with the exception of one survey. This year, the school stands out in subspecialty categories such as Environmental Policy and Management, Health Policy and Management, and International Global Policy and Administration, among others.
The Maxwell School, founded in 1924 with the vision of promoting American citizenship, has adapted over the years to address evolving global challenges. Through research initiatives spanning various critical areas, including environmental sustainability, law and security, and democracy and journalism, the school remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and solutions.
Noteworthy is the recent launch of a joint degree program in collaboration with another institution, aimed at cultivating leaders well-equipped to tackle sustainability challenges on a global scale. This initiative underscores Maxwell’s commitment to interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex issues such as environmental sustainability, international security, and poverty alleviation.
As the Maxwell School commemorates its centennial milestone, the focus remains on fostering innovation, critical thinking, and leadership to drive positive change. The continuous evolution of the school’s curriculum and research agenda reflects its enduring commitment to addressing the pressing issues of today and tomorrow.