The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University once again received top honors in U.S. News and World Report’s reputational survey of graduate schools of public affairs. Maxwell has been ranked #1 since the category was created in 1995.

“We are very proud to remain so well regarded among our colleagues and peers,” says Dean James B. Steinberg. “It is a tribute to the dedication of our outstanding faculty, staff, alumni, and students.”

At the core of Maxwell’s stellar reputation in public affairs is its master of public administration (MPA) degree program, created more than 90 years ago as the nation’s first such professional program. Maxwell is the only graduate school whose professional programs in public administration and international affairs (PAIA) are integrated with social science departments.

“This connection to the broader interdisciplinary social sciences provides critical analytical training necessary for tackling complex problems across organizations, society, and the world,” says David Van Slyke, Associate Dean and Chair of the PAIA department.  “As a result of this rigorous blending of theory, policy, and practice, our graduates emerge well-positioned for success across disciplines and our alumni are recognized as top leaders in their fields.”

The U.S. News public affairs program rankings are based on a survey of deans, directors, and department chairs representing 272 master of public affairs and pubic administration programs nationwide. Respondents were asked to rate the academic quality of the master’s programs. This year, the Maxwell School shares the number one ranking with Indiana University-Bloomington.