Message from the Dean

Policy education is now at a historic crossroads. The end of the Cold War, the devolution of political power, the rise of the global economy and the Internet have changed the playing field dramatically. All the assumptions on which the original policy schools were based -- economic and political nationalism, "Washington knows best" attitudes, the belief that science alone would give you the answers -- no longer correspond with the realities we face today.

The School of Public Policy and Social Research was created in 1994 to meet the need for a new approach to policy education, to policy research, to public service, and to advising policy makers. Our distinctive approach emphasizes solving problems across boundaries whether those boundaries separate the non-profit or for-profit sectors, political viewpoints, cultures, or countries. Today, most policy problems need to be solved at the seams -- along these boundaries where different sectors meet, or even collide -- not at the center.

We have created an environment rich in diversity, flexibility, innovation and, above all, quality. Building on the academic excellence for which UCLA is internationally known, the Master of Public Policy program is designed for highly motivated, exceptional students from all backgrounds looking for a combination of scientific analysis of the highest caliber and careful attention to social and political values, of rigorous classroom training and real-world experience.

We provide a superior political education as well as a superior analytical one to enable students to ask the right questions and look beyond the old boundaries that have defined policy debates in the past. We train students to deal with shifting alliances and shared power, emphasize the importance of coalition-building, and help develop conflict resolution and mediation skills. We value diversity among our students – a stimulating mix of ethnicity, gender, age, life experience, and outlook – as an essential part of the educational experience. Our students know they will graduate with the training and the skills needed to work anywhere: in government, for a private company, for a non-profit organization or as a university scholar.

The chance to be part of a new policy school, one that is committed to setting a new direction for policy schools -- not just in research and education, but in action, in making a real difference in people’s lives, whether they live here in Los Angeles or on the other side of the world -- is a tremendously exciting prospect.

We invite you to join us.

Barbara J. Nelson

Dean

Professor of Policy Studies