Syracuse, N.Y., March 30, 2021—Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs ranks #1 in the nation for public affairs according to the annual U.S. News & World Report reputational survey. The School also received high marks across a wide range of subspecialties within public affairs, recognized with five subspecialty rankings in the top five.

“We’re pleased to receive the recognition of our peers and proud to serve with them as part of the global Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration committed to the public good,” says David M. Van Slyke, dean of the Maxwell School. “Last year was not only a stark reminder of why we do what we do; it was a wake-up call that we all must work even harder to increase representation in public administration and leadership and to center equity, inclusion and justice across issue areas—among them public health, rule of law, the economy, climate change and more.”  

Among specialty areas, Public Management & Leadership remains ranked #1, with the areas of Non-Profit Management and Public Finance & Budgeting also remaining as #2 ranked. The School now ranks #2 in Information Technology Management, #4 in Local Government Management, #7 in Public Policy Analysis and #7 in International Global Policy & Administration.

“This recognition is a testament to the quality and dedication of our faculty, staff, students and alumni who conduct meaningful research and forge solutions to a breadth of pressing issues unfolding both globally and locally,” noted Van Slyke.

The U.S. News public affairs program rankings are based on a reputational survey of deans, directors and department chairs representing 285 master’s programs in public affairs and administration, with a response rate of 63.6 percent. The survey has been administered 11 times over 26 years; the Maxwell School has ranked #1 in every survey except one.

About the Maxwell School (@MaxwellSU)
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 nearly every survey year. The School offers highly regarded professional programs in public administration and international affairs as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees across the social sciences, policy studies and international relations; and it is home to 11 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.

About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.