Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government ranks in the top 10 public policy, public affairs specialty, and social policy programs according to U.S. News & World Report's annual study. The Kennedy School offers courses in management, leadership and decision sciences; policies and institutions analysis; international and global affairs; international trade/finance; democracy and politics; crime and criminal justice; labor and education; urban development, housing and transport; government and business policy; political economy/development; not-for-profit; and journalism, politics and public policy. Optional classes at MIT-urban planning, MIT's Sloan School of Management, and Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy add to Harvard's depth and breadth. Joint degrees with Harvard Business and Law Schools, or simultaneous enrollment in Harvard Medical or Divinity Schools, gives the highly motivated a larger toolbox to change the world.
Kennedy School's Mid-Career Program welcomed actor Ashley Judd to the MC/MPA Program in 2009. The program admits professionals with 7+ years of work experience. The world class alumni network, which includes such figures as Mexican President Felipe Calderón (MC/MPA 2000, Kennedy School of Executive Education 2003), offers the opportunity to make great connections.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College School of Public Policy & Management among the top ten public affairs programs. The school's particular strengths are information and technology management, public policy and analysis, health policy analysis and management and environmental policy, analysis and management. Degrees include: Master of Science in Public Policy, Master of Science in Health Care, Master of Science in Entertainment Industry Management, Master of Public Management, Master of Arts in Management, Master of Information Systems Management, Master of Information Security and Master of Information Technology. Joint/dual programs with Carnegie Mellon's Medical Management program attract medical finance, administration and operations executives. The school has customized programs for students with ultra-specific objectives and a campus in Adelaide, Australia.
Top-ranked Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs attracts half its students from over 100 countries through degree partnerships with London School of Economics, Berlin's Hertie School of Governance, Singapore's National University and Paris's Institut d'Etudes Politiques. Degrees include Master of Public Administration, Economic Policy Management, Master of International Affairs and Master of Public Affairs in Environmental Policy. A specialized international MPA program provides intensive focus on developing social structures and countries.