School of Public Affairs' rankings for public administration research rise to No. 2 in nation, No. 4 in world

Arizona State University’s School of Public Affairs has climbed to No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 4 globally for research on public administration, according to the 2020 Shanghai University Academic Rankings announced June 29.

ASU's national ranking places it in front of institutions such as Ohio State University, Harvard and the University of Southern California.

In 2019, the school held the No. 3 and No. 7 positions, respectively.

“There is no doubt we have key thought leaders and gatekeepers in public administration,” said School of Public Affairs Director and Foundation Professor of public policy and management Donald Siegel. “Our world-class faculty constitute a potent mix of highly productive junior scholars and distinguished senior scholars who helped define the field, including seven fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration. We also serve as the editorial home of the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, edited by Professor Mary Feeney,” Siegel said.

“Our prowess in research complements our programmatic excellence, as evidenced by the school’s seven top 10 rankings in specialized fields of public administration and public policy in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, more than any university in the U.S., except Indiana University. Congratulations to our faculty on this remarkable achievement.”

The school, part of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, continues to expand on its reputation as a national and global leader in research and programming, said Watts College Dean Jonathan Koppell.

“I congratulate the faculty of the School of Public Affairs for this remarkable recognition. They are building the already-excellent reputation of ASU as one of country’s and the world’s best schools of public affairs,” Koppell said. “It is really important to also recognize that this achievement is paired with a non-negotiable commitment to a diverse student body and deep community engagement focused on addressing our most vexing problems. This exemplifies the values and mission of Watts College.”