What are some of your school's core values and how do they come across in the courses and programs that you offer?
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is built on core values of public service, evidence-based policy, and inclusion, all of which are integral to our educational offerings. The Ford School is the #4 overall public policy school, #1 in social policy, and #2 in public policy analysis by U.S. News & World Report. Our top-ranked status reflects our commitment to a rigorous, social science-based curriculum. We cultivate a learning environment that encourages critical engagement with real-world policy challenges, interwoven with multidisciplinary perspectives. Courses are designed to teach students not only theoretical principles but also the practical application of policy analysis, incorporating hands-on simulations and case studies.
What types of programs do you offer?
The Ford School offers a comprehensive suite of programs to meet the diverse needs of students at various stages of their careers:
Undergraduate Programs: Our Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy provides a foundational understanding of public policy, melding social science research with public affairs.
Graduate Programs: Flagship programs like the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) focus on developing advanced skills in policy analysis, management, and leadership.
Doctoral Programs: The Ford School’s joint PhD programs combine public policy with top-ranked disciplines like economics, political science, or sociology. These programs offer rigorous coursework in theory and methods, generous funding, extensive research training, and interdisciplinary policy analysis. Graduates are equipped to pursue research careers in social science while addressing critical public policy questions.
Certificate Programs: The Science and Technology in Public Policy (STPP) graduate certificate at the Ford School provides U-M master's and doctoral students from any field with 12 credit hours of coursework. Students gain skills to analyze and influence science and technology policy, preparing them for diverse careers in government, NGOs, industry, and academia.
How are you helping to prepare students for careers in public service?
Preparation for careers in public service at the Ford School involves a multi-faceted approach combining academic rigor, practical skill-building, and leadership training. Courses emphasize competencies in policy analysis, program evaluation, and data-driven decision-making. Hands-on learning opportunities, including policy simulations and case studies, provide real-world experience. Our Career Services offer tailored support including personalized counseling, networking events, and workshops on resume building and interview techniques. Our vast alumni network, active globally, provides mentorship and guidance, ensuring that our graduates are not only knowledgeable but also well-connected. All Ford School master's students can work with certified executive leadership coaches. MPP students receive coaching during their summer internships, while MPA students are coached through required coursework.
Coaches help students navigate workplace challenges, build leadership skills, and increase confidence and goal-setting, leading to better communication and professional growth.
What opportunities are available to students to get work experience while learning?
The Ford School offers extensive opportunities for practical, hands-on experience through internships, consultancy projects, applied policy labs, and research assistantships. Programs like the Diplomacy Lab and the International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise provide platform experiences, often involving collaboration with high-profile organizations. Student-Initiated Projects (SIPs) and Extended Research Projects (ERPs), which earned recognition from the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) for innovative programming, offer intensive, real-world problem-solving experiences with NGOs, think tanks, and government agencies.
What is something unique about your institution?
The Ford School stands out for its interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to public policy education. Leveraging the University of Michigan's vast resources, we offer a holistic educational experience that encompasses diverse policy domains such as law, health, and economics. Our Weiser Diplomacy Center (WDC) and International Policy Center provide unique global experiences, partnering with the U.S. State Department, American Academy of Diplomacy, and other esteemed institutions. These centers have hosted nearly 200 events with global leaders since 2019, enriching the learning environment with real-world insights.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Prospective students should aim to capitalize on the myriad opportunities available at the Ford School. Engage deeply with our multidisciplinary courses, actively participate in experiential learning, and connect with our esteemed faculty, who are leaders in their fields. Network with peers, alumni, and professionals to build a robust foundation for your career. Open yourself to diverse policy areas and embrace the comprehensive training provided by our programs, which equip you to address a broad spectrum of policy challenges, from local issues to global concerns.
Anything else you'd like to add?
We pride ourselves on our strong sense of community and commitment to public service. The Ford School continually strives to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policymaking. Moreover, the school's location in Ann Arbor, consistently ranked as a top place to live, offers a vibrant, enriching environment conducive to both personal and professional growth. We are dedicated to shaping public policy leaders who will make significant global impacts.