RAND School of Public Policy

The RAND School of Public Policy stands as a unique private graduate institution, deeply embedded within the renowned RAND Corporation's research ecosystem. It offers an unparalleled environment where students don't just study public policy – they actively shape it. True to its motto, "Be the Answer," the school equips future leaders with the analytical tools and practical experience necessary to address the world's most pressing challenges, translating complex research into actionable solutions.

Established in 1970 as the RAND Graduate Institute (RGI), the school has a rich history of evolution and expansion. It underwent significant transformations, including its renaming in 2004 to honor philanthropist Frederick S. Pardee, a former RAND researcher. More recently, the school was renamed to the RAND School of Public Policy, reflecting its expanded offerings, notably a Master of Technology Policy, and a stronger presence on its Washington campus. The enduring legacy of its founding dean, Charles Wolf Jr., who led the institution for 27 years, continues to inspire its commitment to excellence in policy education.

Academically, the RAND School excels in fostering innovative, interdisciplinary research. Key initiatives, such as the Pardee Initiative for Global Human Progress launched in 2013, focus on critical international development issues. The John and Carol Cazier Environmental and Energy Sustainability Initiative, started in 2014, further underscores the school's dedication to tackling urgent global problems. Students benefit from this research-intensive environment, learning directly from RAND experts and contributing to projects that have tangible societal impact.

For prospective students, the RAND School offers an immersive, graduate-level experience. Its unique integration with the RAND Corporation means students are at the forefront of policy analysis. The school also leverages partnerships, including those with UCLA, to enrich academic opportunities. A testament to its engaged student body, graduate students successfully voted to unionize in 2023, actively participating in shaping their educational and professional future. Graduates emerge not just with degrees, but with a robust skillset and the confidence to truly "Be the Answer" in the public policy arena.