Pursue Public Affairs & Policy studies with the Rockefeller College advantage

Acknowledged by US News & World Report as one of the ‘top schools in the country,’ Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University at Albany, SUNY is proud to provide aspiring students with high-quality degrees. As a national leader in public affairs education, Rockefeller prepares the dynamic leaders of today and helps them to shape tomorrow’s most impactful public policies.

Due to UAlbany’s academic advantage and strategically-located academic environment, many learners choose the University to pursue graduate study. While Rockefeller College has several different degree offerings, there are two professional programs that are particularly popular among Rockefeller students. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) nurtures the development of technical, managerial, and analytic expertise, urging students to examine ethical and responsible uses of discretion in the pursuit of both personal and organizational performance. With Rockefeller’s comprehensive core curriculum in public affairs and a diverse selection of electives, learners soon evolve into advanced analysts, managers, and leaders. The program offers diverse concentration areas, including public management, non-profit management, public finance, government information management, health policy, environmental policy, human resources management, and homeland security, among others.

Harsha Ramchandani

An advocate for the MPA program is student Harsha Ramchandani. “I chose to attend Rockefeller College because the concentration track I wanted to pursue, information strategy and management, is ranked third in the country and the MPA program overall is ranked among the top 20 nationally,” she says. “I also liked the structure of the program as it requires students to intern a minimum of 480 hours, engaged in work that’s relevant to their coursework. It’s a great opportunity to gain real-world insight into the process of policymaking and implementation.”

Additionally, the Master of International Affairs (MIA) delves into international relations theory, policy analysis, economics, practical knowledge, and quantitative management methods. Through a wide range of internship and capstone project experiences, students can opt to work with international development, public finance, and public affairs organizations. Furthermore, the program offers opportunities in global security, diplomacy and global governance, and global public management.

If you’re looking for a school that’s actively engaged in finding you the ideal internship, then Rockefeller College is the right place. You’ll love to know that 80 percent of MPA and MIA internships are paid at an average rate of $15 per hour. Plus, with thriving career support on hand, 100 percent of 2016 MPA graduates were employed or in further graduate study within nine months of graduation. These astonishing statistics certainly boost Rockefeller’s reputation and prove the efficiency of its academic assets. Not only do staff members play a crucial part in securing your future success, there is also a supportive alumni network to encourage career development and help you to make connections with prominent professionals.

As part of the distinguished State University of New York collective, Rockefeller College at the University at Albany is just a short drive or train ride to major cities such as Boston, New York City, and Montreal. For future work placements, this is a strategic location. You’ll get the chance to explore high-profile companies in the surrounding region as you carry out your studies.

Frazer Lonie

“Albany is a great location for an international student to be based — the city has plenty going on,” says Frazer Lonie, a Rockefeller MIA student. “My experiences outside of the classroom have allowed me to focus my goals and to understand the skills that I require to achieve these goals. Through the Office of Career and Professional Development and the Rockefeller College alumni network, I gained a Graduate Assistant position in the Policy and Program Development Unit with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). ” As Lonie demonstrates, the University’s dedication and location helped him to secure a prominent placement in the public sector.

In comparison to other top-ranked schools, Rockefeller’s tuition rate is quite affordable. The University understands the modern day struggle of financing a degree and provides students with opportunities for fellowships and graduate assistantships. Another financial advantage is the cost of living. Since this is considerably lower than the standard rate in many other major cities, the University at Albany is an inexpensive study hub located in one of largest seats of government in the United States.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you would qualify with limited experience, the definite answer is yes! Even if you have no professional experience, Rockefeller will equip you with the finest education and professional development opportunities to guide you to the career of your choice. Additionally, if you struggle with understanding English, there’s plenty of intensive language training on offer. With university-level support for international students, these programs are designed for everyone.

For business analyst Ray Wang, Rockefeller was an outstanding college choice. As she explains, “Rockefeller College is where I found my personal values and developed my abilities to play a role in the community. The College is a place to meet people who value things in the same way; to join a cohort that is dedicated to making contributions to society; to know that you are not the only one who is aiming to change the world little by little. I flew thousands of miles from the other side of the world to get to Rockefeller, but I still felt at home.”

For students like Ray, it’s the combination of nationally-ranked programs, a central study location, and valuable internship opportunities that create the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy advantage.

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