The Ford School difference

Top-ranked policy school, world-class university
Ranking and awards

The Ford School at the University of Michigan is a community dedicated to the public good. We inspire and prepare diverse leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policymaking to take on our communities' and our world's most pressing challenges.

There may be no greater honor than to have a school bear your name. Such recognition means all the more when it comes from an institution that you love, and when it is dedicated —not to me personally—but to the cause of public service to which I have devoted most of my life."

President Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) on the occasion of the dedication of Joan and Stanford Weill Hall, October 13, 2006. 36th President of the United States: AB '35 and HLLD '75, University of Michigan

Our community

The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is a top-ranked policy school located within one of the world’s premier research universities—in one of America’s best college towns. Our accessible and distinguished faculty hold a disproportionate number of awards and honors for their game-changing discoveries, exceptional teaching and mentoring, constructive policy engagement, and more.

Renowned scholars. Enthusiastic teachers and mentors.

While our faculty have wide and interdisciplinary research interests, they share a commitment to engaging policymakers; addressing the challenging issues of our time; and inspiring future generations of policymakers, leaders, and public servants.
Faculty expertise

Study at a world-class university

Ready access to top-ranked programs and the intellectual, cultural, and social resources of the University of Michigan and its impressive alumni network—the largest living alumni body in the world.
World-class university

Distinguished University Professors

3

This is the highest appointment at the University of Michigan.

Named professorships

12

Many others recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom.

Social policy

#1

A recognition held for more than a decade. U.S. News & World Report, 2020
Research & Impact

Resolving tough challenges, embracing promising opportunities

Our community makes transformational discoveries. And they’re deeply engaged in the world of practice.
Our research & impact

A growing, powerful network

With more than 3,000 living alumni in public service and leadership positions around the world, the Ford School alumni network is committed to the public good—and to cultivating the next generation of leaders.

Your career

Ford School alumni are managing multimillion-dollar support programs for farmers in Afghanistan. They're crafting market regulations at the Federal Reserve Bank. They're directing successful gubernatorial political campaigns. They're improving health policy in East Africa. And they're leading national land and water conservation efforts for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Be inspired.
Careers in public policy

Giving back

Long after graduation, Ford School alumni remain deeply involved with the school as volunteers, helping current students define their career interests and build their skills and professional networks.
Alumni