School of Public Policy
Change the World. It’s our Policy.
Why Public Policy
Guided by a commitment to the public good, the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland educates the next generation of leaders in government, nonprofit organizations, international development and the private sector. Our mission is clear: to advance public policy and leadership, foster engaged citizens and strengthen democratic institutions.
As we embark on the next chapter of the School of Public Policy's journey, our commitment to advancing the public good remains unwavering—and we invite you to join us in this vital effort.
Our Momentum
#27
graduate public affairs program
U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs
#3
graduate public affairs program: homeland security specialty
U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs
#13
graduate public affairs program: public finance and budgeting specialty
U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs
Why now
“Change the World. It’s our Policy” is more than just our tagline—it is the guiding principle of everything we do. At the School of Public Policy, we are building more than programs. We are building a community of leaders who never lose sight of the people at the heart of policy. We are proud to stand at the forefront of shaping bold, values-driven solutions for our world’s most urgent challenges. We are committed to advancing knowledge, building leaders and strengthening communities in service of the public good.
But we cannot do this alone. To realize the full promise of our strategic initiatives, we need the partnership of visionary donors, foundations, corporations and allies who share our belief in fearless ideas and fearless action. By investing in our students, faculty and programs, you are ensuring that Policy Terps are prepared to take on humanity’s grand challenges with integrity, innovation and compassion.
We invite you to join us on our journey Forward. Together, we can change the world.
At the Center of the Policy World
Our location near Washington, D.C., and Annapolis gives students unmatched access to policymaking at every level. They learn from faculty whose expertise informs debates on the global stage, and from practitioners who write the very policies our students study.
Our Priorities
What Your Support Makes Possible
The challenges ahead are complex. The need for ethical, innovative leaders has never been greater. Your support is what transforms vision into action.
Artificial intelligence, quantum systems, cybersecurity and climate resilience are reshaping our world faster than policy can keep pace. UMD is uniquely positioned to lead in technological advancement and in the governance of emerging technologies that serve the public good by expanding opportunity, improving lives and strengthening democracy.
Tech Policy for the Public Good
Today’s challenges transcend borders. Our new Global and Foreign Policy major is the on-ramp to this field, preparing students to think critically, act globally and lead with integrity. A new institute will be a hub for interdisciplinary research, programming, and convening that positions the university as a leader in global policy.
Global and International Policy
Anchored in SPP, the Do Good Institute has already transformed UMD into the nation’s first Do Good Campus, empowering students to launch nonprofits, scale social ventures and integrate impact into their careers. Strengthening the connection between the Institute and SPP’s programs and initiatives in tech policy, social policy and civic engagement, will highlight the natural synergies between doing good and serving the public good.
Do Good
Democratic institutions in the United States and around the world face unprecedented challenges: declining trust, rising polarization and new threats in the digital age. At the same time, there is extraordinary energy among young people and communities to reimagine and revitalize democratic practices. The School of Public Policy is uniquely positioned to harness this momentum and serve as a cross-sector hub for research, training and action that strengthens democracy and promotes civic engagement.
Social Impact and Leadership
Leaders & Champions
Lily Fleischmann ’25
Advocacy moves hearts. Policy changes lives.
Ethan Brown, MPM ’97
There are many good policy schools that will teach you how to work in the system, but if you want to work on the system, you come to College Park.
JaKyah Beatty, MPP ’24
I learned that effective policymaking requires a nuanced understanding of local contexts, as well as the ability to navigate complex international relationships.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks, MPM ’93
The education that I received not only prepared me for my first job after graduating, but continues to inform me, today, nearly 30 years after leaving College Park.