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Pace’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program has been recognized by the U.S. News & World Report (USNWR)’s 2025 rankings as one of the Best Graduate Public Affairs Schools, an increase in 61 spots since 2019, and reflecting the Public Administration Department’s growing impact in public service education through the excellent work of faculty and students.

 “While USNWR is one of the many indicators to measure the quality and reputation of our public affairs education, earning this important milestone is a huge accomplishment for our small but mighty department,” said Gina Scutelnicu Todoran, PhD, chair and professor of the Public Administration program.

The STEM-designated, interdisciplinary MPA curriculum at Pace offers flexibility across sectors such as government, healthcare, and nonprofits, and the program was one of the first in the nation to integrate experiential learning and a strong public service focus. Hands-on experiences allow students to gain practical skills, engage in policymaking, build professional networks, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Scutelnicu-Todoran, also chair of the Northeast Conference on Public Administration (NECoPA), and recent recipient of the 2025 Rita Mae Kelly Distinguished Research Award, has collaborated over the years with MPA Professor and Interim Associate Provost Rebecca Tekula, PhD, to drive meaningful change in various communities through grants and external Pace partnerships.

Examples include a nearly $30,000 grant by the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies to assess the financial status of approximately 75 New York State agencies under its umbrella; conducting a new comprehensive survey targeting the Latino community, with the Hispanic Advisory Board, and under the leadership of Westchester County Executive George Latimer; and identifying, along with other MPA faculty, mental health, counseling, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services needed in lower Westchester through a partnership with The Community Fund.

MPA student-faculty research has also enabled students to turn real-life research into impactful advocacy, with the program’s alumni, such as Andrea Grenadier ‘16, succeeding in rewarding careers that demonstrate the value of the program.

With its enrollment continuing to grow, we expect to see many more students and alumni thriving in careers in the public sector where they will make significant contributions to the world we live in.