Ford School
#4
Public affairs (overall)
2025 U.S. News and World Report
Public policy leaders - rooted in service
Develop creative solutions and make a lasting impact with our Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) programs.
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Become the leader you've always wanted to be and work to create meaningful change in public policy and affairs that impact our communities and the world. The Ford School equips you with essential knowledge and real-world experience to lead with confidence and vision.
Immerse yourself in the rigorous curriculum of either our Master of Public Policy (MPP) or Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program, along with hands-on learning opportunities with world-class faculty. Gain the skills and expertise needed to address the most pressing challenges
Turn your passion for service into meaningful action. Get ready to lead the institutions and organizations that will shape our public policies for decades to come.
The Ford School is unique in that you can feel both completely at home yet challenged to push beyond your comfort zone to think and engage more deeply than you ever thought you could. At Michigan, I believe you find unparalleled passion and a deeply held commitment to discover, achieve, and most importantly, to serve."
Chelsea Davis
(BA '15/MPP '19)
The Ford School's Master of Public Policy and Public Affairs Rankings
Highlighting our excellence in various aspects of public policy and public affairs:
Ford School
#1
Social policy
2025 U.S. News and World Report
Ford School
#2
Public policy analysis
2025 U.S. News and World Report
Ford School
#2
Health policy and management
2025 U.S. News and World Report
Ford School
#5
Environmental policy
2025 U.S. News and World Report
Ford School
#12
International global policy
2025 U.S. News and World Report
Discover Our Master of Public Policy and Master of Public Affairs Programs
Choose from our dynamic programs designed to prepare you for impactful careers in public service:
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
- Online MPA – Coming in January 2026
These programs emphasize interdisciplinary learning, practical experience, and a commitment to the public good.
Why Choose the Ford School?
Situated in one of the world’s premier research universities in one of America’s best college towns, the top-ranked Ford School of Public Policy is large enough to satisfy diverse intellectual and policy interests—and small enough to offer a warm, supportive, inclusive educational community.
Our curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to influence policies that impact neighborhoods, countries, and global communities. Our faculty are not only prominent scholars but also accessible and enthusiastic mentors. With a hands-on approach that emphasizes practical experiences, we ensure our students are well-prepared to emerge as effective and inspired leaders in the field of public policy.
Ford School graduates find rewarding careers in various sectors. Explore careers in public policy and career pathways that our alumni have pursued.
Research & Impact
Explore some of our interdisciplinary research centers.