RAND School of Public Policy

Step into the RAND School of Public Policy, a premier graduate institution where the motto "Be the Answer" isn't just a slogan, but a guiding principle for solving the world's most pressing challenges. Born from the esteemed RAND Corporation, this school offers a unique educational experience deeply integrated with real-world research. It's a place where students don't just learn about policy; they actively contribute to its development, working alongside leading experts to forge data-driven solutions that impact global society.

Originally established in 1970 as the RAND Graduate Institute, the school has evolved, reflecting its growing influence and the philanthropic spirit of its supporters. Renamed in 2004 to honor Frederick S. Pardee, a pivotal RAND researcher and benefactor, it carries a legacy of intellectual rigor and dedication to public service. Under the visionary leadership of founding dean Charles Wolf Jr., who served for nearly three decades, the school built a reputation for pioneering interdisciplinary approaches to public policy education.

Academically, the RAND School is a powerhouse of innovation. It boasts specialized initiatives like the Pardee Initiative for Global Human Progress, launched in 2013 to tackle international development, and the John and Carol Cazier Environmental and Energy Sustainability Initiative, established in 2014. The curriculum has expanded to include cutting-edge programs like the Master of Technology Policy, reflecting the changing landscape of policy challenges. Strong partnerships, including those with UCLA, further enrich the academic environment, providing students with diverse research and learning opportunities.

Student life at the RAND School is dynamic and engaging. With programs now offered on the Washington campus, students have even more avenues for impactful engagement. The graduate student body demonstrated its active voice by voting to unionize in 2023, a testament to an engaged and collaborative community striving for collective betterment. This environment fosters critical thinking, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to making a tangible difference in public policy, preparing graduates to truly "Be the Answer."