RAND School of Public Policy

The RAND School of Public Policy stands as a unique institution for graduate study, directly integrated with the world-renowned RAND Corporation. Known for its rigorous, research-based approach to public policy, the school is where aspiring leaders and analysts are trained to "Be the Answer" to complex societal problems. Students engage in hands-on research from day one, contributing to real-world policy solutions under the mentorship of leading experts.

Tracing its roots back to 1970 as the RAND Graduate Institute (RGI), the school has evolved significantly. Initially founded to offer a distinctive Ph.D. program, it became the RAND Graduate School in 1987 and later, in 2004, was renamed to honor Frederick S. Pardee, a pivotal figure as a former RAND researcher and philanthropist. The school's journey reflects a commitment to adapting and expanding its influence, a legacy championed by its founding dean, Charles Wolf Jr., who guided it for nearly three decades.

Academically, the RAND School excels in fostering specialized expertise through impactful initiatives. It launched the Pardee Initiative for Global Human Progress in 2013, focusing on critical international development issues, and followed with the John and Carol Cazier Environmental and Energy Sustainability Initiative in 2014. These programs, alongside the recent introduction of a Master of Technology Policy and expanded offerings on its Washington campus, underscore the school's dedication to addressing contemporary challenges. Its partnership with UCLA further enriches the academic landscape, providing students with broader collaborative opportunities.

For prospective students and their families, the RAND School offers an unparalleled graduate experience defined by its direct link to policy research. Students are not just learners but active contributors to policy formulation. The vibrant student body is highly engaged, as evidenced by their successful vote to unionize in 2023, showcasing a community committed to shaping their educational and professional environment while striving to make a tangible difference in the world.