What are some of your school's core values and how do they come across in the courses and programs that you offer?
At the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration (TSPPPA), we believe that informed and engaged citizens improve every sector of society. Part of George Washington University’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, TSPPPA has more than 60 years of history offering the highest quality graduate education in public policy, public and nonprofit administration, and environmental policy. Trachtenberg School students and alumni have learning experiences inside and outside the traditional classroom to foster their ability to analyze, innovate, reflect on values and trade-offs, understand and contribute to research and evidence-based solutions, and lead in diverse and changing situations.
What types of programs do you offer?
We offer numerous graduate programs: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), MA in Environmental Resource Policy, PhD in Public Policy and Administration and graduate certificate programs in Budget and Public Finance, Contexts of Environmental Policy, Environmental Resource Policy, Regulatory Studies, and Nonprofit Management. We also offer several options for students to combine Trachtenberg degrees with other George Washington University degrees and/or certificates, for example, in the areas of law, data science, project management, emergency management, and business. In addition, we offer a doctoral program for full-time and part-time students. We do not offer an undergraduate degree, but have a program for select GW undergrads to accelerate their education to achieve both a master's and undergraduate degree in five years.
How are you helping to prepare students for careers in public service?
The George Washington University's Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration (TSPPPA) prepares hundreds of graduate students each year for futures in public policy, public administration, environmental resource policy and much more. Founded in 2003, TSPPPA is part of GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and serves as a focal point for public affairs education, research and public service at the university. TSPPPA ranks among the top public service programs in the world, with some of the brightest minds in the public affairs field among our faculty. Located just a few blocks west of the White House and with a diverse network of alumni around the world, the Trachtenberg School offers a superior education for students seeking careers with meaning, purpose and success. We offer career services for life and students and alumni engage in a variety of joint activities, expanding their knowledge and networks.
What opportunities are available to students to get work experience while learning?
At the Trachtenberg School, we are unwavering in our dedication to advancing students’ public service aspirations throughout their entire career journey. Trachtenberg’s lifelong career services for students and alumni, enriched by expert advisors, an expansive employer network, and an engaged alumni community, support professional journeys. With an active LinkedIn Group, TSPPPA-specific job and internship board, and highly personalized advising - including career exploration at every professional level, resume reviews, LinkedIn advice, interview preparation and salary negotiation - we are here for our students and alumni every step of the way!
Trachtenberg Students gain real-world public service experience while studying at GW. Rather than write a thesis or take a comprehensive exam, masters students at the Trachtenberg School complete a team-based Capstone project for a client integrating their prior coursework as their culminating experience. The pro bono projects result in a written report and a formal presentation of research results to both the external client and Trachtenberg School community.
Students also have the opportunity to be involved in numerous student groups and organizations to further their professional development and gain professional experience. Examples include the Policy Perspectives student-run journal, Women’s Leadership Fellows Program, Minority Leaders Program, Student Chapters of ICMA and Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, and the Trachtenberg Student Organization.
Almost all of our students have employment and/or an internship related to their career objective that complements their Trachtenberg program. In addition to the Capstone course, they have numerous opportunities to use their course assignments for real-world projects. Students put skills and knowledge they learn in courses into action, bringing their real-world experiences to classroom discussions.
What is something unique about your institution?
Just a few blocks west of the White House in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Trachtenberg School offers a diverse network of alumni around the world, and provides a superior education for students seeking careers with meaning, purpose and success. Alumni at all career levels and in all sectors stay engaged with the school, helping support current students’ professional journey.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Before starting a graduate program, know why you want to pursue the degree. It will help you push through challenging times and make choices among program and extra-curricular offerings. Seek career services early and often. Engage in the networks available to you through your school connections. Be honest about what you can afford and request financial support if needed, from your program and other sources.
Anything else you'd like to share with our members and #2024APPAM attendees?
We are continually innovating to make sure our program is tuned to current realities of public service and also helps our students be forward-thinking and life-long learners. We recently added new certificate offerings, redesigned our environmental policy MA program, and added exposure to new and evolving analytical tools. Students now have even more ability to stand out among their peers in the areas of regulation and sustainability, among other professional areas.