ABOUT SPA

Mission and Vision

SPA is New York's only public institution dedicated to public affairs.

What does it take to advance the public interest?

It takes clarity of vision, compassion, commitment and diversity. It takes a broad view of public affairs. It takes a nimble, interdisciplinary approach to teaching, research, professional development and service programs. It takes rigorous scholarship and a distinguished faculty. It takes an expanding network of relationships across sectors. It takes an enduring tradition of preparing students to be the very best public servants.

As we strive to advance public service education, we draw upon the legacy of Baruch College at The City University of New York, a public institution of higher education uniquely devoted to the administrative sciences.

For students, this is significant for a number of reasons.

It situates our school within a long-standing tradition of academic excellence at New York City's oldest public college.
It positions us to engage with operational and policy matters that affect the future of the city.
It keeps the quality high and the tuition reasonable.
It attracts an extraordinarily diverse body of students who share a commitment to public service.
And perhaps most important, it helps us deliver on our promise of success and access, sophistication and engagement, and keeps us focused on always learning, always evolving, always pushing ourselves to do better and do more.

Our Mission

The mission of the School of Public Affairs and its degree programs is to enhance the performance of governmental and nonprofit institutions in New York and the nation in the interest of effective and equitable public service and public policy in a diverse society. Using insights from theory, research, and practice, we are a multidisciplinary community of scholars engaged in teaching, research, and outreach to achieve this mission. We place special emphasis on educating responsive and accountable leaders who combine managerial expertise, creative and critical thinking, and rigorous analysis in the formation and execution of public policy. The School also serves as a site for debate and reflection on issues of public importance to New York and the world beyond.

Adopted by the School of Public Affairs, December 13, 2012.

Click Here for the School of Public Affairs' complete strategic plan.