Syracuse, N.Y.—Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs ranks #1 in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Public Affairs Schools rankings. This year, Maxwell shares the top ranking with Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

The Best Public Affairs Schools rankings are based solely on surveys of deans, directors and department chairs representing 270 master’s programs in public affairs and administration. The survey has been administered 12 times over 27 years; the Maxwell School has ranked #1 in every survey except one.

“As the first school of its kind, Maxwell’s reputation is built on a tradition of innovative excellence by our social science, public administration and international affairs faculty and the school’s alumni,” says David M. Van Slyke, dean of the Maxwell School. “I’m delighted that their work receives the recognition of our peers and proud to be part of the NASPAA community of scholars dedicated to advancing the discipline and preparing the next generation of public service leaders.”

In addition to the overall rank, the school ranked highly across a wide range of subspecialties within public affairs, retaining top positions in Public Management and Leadership (#1), Nonprofit Management (#2), and Public Finance and Budgeting (#2), and—notably—moving up from #11 to #6 in Environmental Policy and Management.

Public Affairs Subspecialty Rankings

#1 Public Management and Leadership

#2 Nonprofit Management

#2 Public Finance and Budgeting

#3 Information and Technology Management

#6 Local Government Management

#6 Environmental Policy and Management

#7 Public Policy Analysis

#9 International Global Policy and Administration

#14 Urban Policy

#15 Social Policy

Adding to its significant research and teaching expertise in environmental policy—including faculty affiliated with its Center for Environmental Policy and Administration and the Ajello Professorship in Energy and Environmental Policy, the Maxwell School recently added a new undergraduate double-major program in Environment, Sustainability and Policy, and a new named professorship—the Pontarelli Professor of Environmental Sustainability and Finance. In August 2021, Jay Golden was appointed the inaugural professor, launching the Dynamic Sustainability Lab at the Maxwell School to examine the impacts of new technologies, policies and strategies aimed at meeting sustainability commitments.

Also this year, the Maxwell School launched new accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs, in which highly qualified undergraduates can apply to earn a professional master’s degree from one of Maxwell’s highly regarded programs: a master of public administration (M.P.A.) or master of arts in international relations (M.A.) with just one additional year of study inclusive of an internship.

“As the Maxwell School approaches its 100^th anniversary in 2024, we continue to look for ways to develop knowledge, innovate our teaching and lead across public affairs issues,” says Van Slyke. “In the coming months, I look forward to announcing new research initiatives that address pressing issues and support our shared mission to make a better world for all.”

About the Maxwell School

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University is the nation’s top-ranked school for public affairs, having earned the #1 spot in the U.S. News ranking in every survey year except one. The school offers highly regarded professional programs in public administration and international affairs as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees across the social sciences, and signature interdisciplinary undergraduate programs in policy, civic engagement, environmental sustainability and international relations. It is home to 13 interdisciplinary research centers focused on topical areas within public affairs. With campuses in Syracuse, New York, and Washington, D.C., and academic partnerships around the globe, the Maxwell network provides access to a world of opportunity. For more information, please visit maxwell.syr.edu.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible. For more information, please visit  www.syracuse.edu.