Where Policy Leaders Begin
Founded in 1970 as one of the nation’s original graduate schools of public policy, the RAND School of Public Policy prepares students to address complex policy challenges through rigorous analysis, interdisciplinary study, and real-world research. As the graduate school of the RAND Corporation, the school gives students the distinctive opportunity to learn from RAND policy experts and apply their skills to research addressing critical issues in the United States and around the world.
Based in Santa Monica, California, the RAND School offers graduate programs in policy analysis, national security, and technology policy, including master’s, M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees. Students combine quantitative and analytical training with hands-on policy research, developing the skills to evaluate evidence, understand complex problems, and translate research into practical solutions. This experience prepares graduates for careers across government, research organizations, nonprofits, the private sector, and other institutions working to improve public policy and decision-making.
Inside the RAND School Experience
Student Stories: A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure in Public Policy
Student Stories: An Applied Research Environment Like No Other
Student Stories: Immersed in Real-World Policy Research
Why RAND School of Public Policy
#10
In Public Policy Analysis
(U.S. News & World Report, 2026 rankings)
97%
Of graduates transition to employment or continuing education within six months
40+
Disciplines and majors are represented by incoming RAND School students.
175
Teaching and mentoring faculty members, who are also practicing researchers.
