The Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy was established by the State University of New York in 1960 to provide educational preparation for academic and public service careers, to undertake research on significant public problems and issues, and to assist in the continuing professional development of government executives. It became a constituent school of the University at Albany in September 1967. The College has an enhanced interdisciplinary approach to its public policy mission.
The College is engaged in three major and related activities: education, research, and service. Its educational program consists of extensive graduate curricula in political science, public administration, and public policy. The College offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts in political science and in public affairs and policy; the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in political science and in public administration and policy; and the degree of Master of Public Administration. Undergraduate programs are offered in political science and public affairs.
The College participates in certificate programs in Planning and Policy Analysis, Public Sector Management, Non-Profit Management, and Women and Public Policy. The research activities of the College are designed primarily to strengthen and support its academic function, as well as to make useful contributions to a better understanding of government, the economy, public policy, and social behavior.
The following centers are affiliated with the school: The Center for Policy Research, The Center for Legislative Development, and the Center for Women in Government.
The service activities of the College offer appropriate assistance to the people, organizations, officials, and governments of New York State and the United States, and foreign government and international organizations in meeting the responsibilities of contemporary citizenship and governance. This assistance includes special courses, conferences, workshops, and institutes for private citizens, organizational memberships, and public officials; research and consultation for private organizations and governmental agencies; and publications for the dissemination of knowledge to general and special clientele. Students in graduate programs may undertake internships at all levels of government and in the private nonprofit sector gaining valuable experience, professional credentials, and the opportunity to subsidize graduate education.
A graduate student in the College must meet the requirements and standards of the School and of the University and be governed by their regulations. See Admission and Graduate Requirements for further details.