The #2023APPAM Fall Research Conference will feature some fantastic sponsors from across the policy research spectrum. Today we're shining a spotlight on College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, SUNY.
What types of programs does your school offer?
Talented students come to Rockefeller College for the knowledge and tools to make a difference in the world. Offering undergraduate, masters and doctoral level degree programs in public administration, public policy, political science, criminal justice, and international affairs, as well as graduate certificate programs, we pride ourselves on preparing dynamic leaders who will shape the public policies of the future.
How has your school changed in the last ten years?
Celebrating 75 years of excellence in 2022, Rockefeller College has consistently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top schools in the country. Within the field of public affairs, Rockefeller is ranked in the following specialties:
* 5th in Information and Technology Management
* 7th in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
* 17th in Nonprofit Management
* 17th in Public Management and Leadership
* 18th in Local Government Management
* 22nd in Public Finance and Budgeting
Over the past 10 years, Rockefeller has made earning a degree even more accessible by offering online, part-time, and full-time options. Students can study in the heart of the New York State capital or remotely from anywhere.
Why should students choose your school or program?
Undergraduate and MPA programs at Rockefeller College prepare students to excel as policy analysts, government administrators, as well as strategic leaders in areas such as information technology or finance of public and nonprofit institutions. Within public policy courses, students learn how to use quantitative and qualitative skills to conduct high-impact policy analyses, how to communicate effectively about complex policy issues, and how to navigate the political process as it pertains to policy making. Students complete individualized professional internships to practice applying and honing their new skills within the public or non-profit sector.
Our doctoral program prepares students for a successful research career by providing advanced education and mentoring in theory-driven interdisciplinary social science. Our faculty are committed to training doctoral students in how to produce original research to help solve systemic public problems. Located in the heart of the Capital Region of New York State, students of all levels have unique access to state government, and access to the many cultural and natural attractions of the surrounding community.
If you are hiring, what makes your school a great place to work?
Our faculty bring diverse approaches to studying critical public policy challenges within the U.S. and internationally. The Department of Public Administration and Policy includes experts in health policy, education policy, environmental policy, social policy, digital governance, public financial management, nonprofit management, homeland security and public management, among other fields. We are located in the capital of New York State and have opportunities to collaborate closely with state government to conduct publicly-engaged research and policy outreach. As educators at a public university serving a diverse student population, we also have the opportunity to work with highly-motivated students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We value collegiality and inclusion and provide generous support and mentoring to junior faculty.
What is your teaching/research divide?
The University at Albany is an R1 institution — a doctoral university with very high research activity. Within the University, the Department of Public Administration and Policy is especially active in their engagement with national and international research communities. We also highly value quality teaching in our undergraduate and graduate programs. Most faculty teach a total of four courses per academic year, with the remainder of their time spent pursuing research or engaging in activities in service to the department, university, profession, or community. Informally, this amounts to 50% of time spent on research, 40% on teaching, and 10% on service for tenure-track faculty.
What is your undergraduate/graduate divide?
In recent years, we have on average about 100 undergraduate students majoring in Public Policy and Management, approximately 150 students enrolled in the MPA program, approximately 30 students enrolled in graduate certificate programs, and approximately 35 students enrolled in our PhD program.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Follow your passions to make a difference in the world. Rockefeller College will help you learn from national and internationally recognized experts, network with our outstanding alumni, and make the connections you need to succeed.
What is something unqiue about your institution or program?
The University at Albany has added 27 new faculty positions — three of them in Rockefeller College — specializing in artificial intelligence, marking the next critical phase in the University’s ambitious plan to incorporate elements of AI teaching and research across all academic programs. AI Plus is UAlbany’s holistic approach to integrating teaching and learning about AI across our academic and research programs to ensure every graduate is prepared to live and work in a world radically changed by technology in the coming decades.