My career has shown me that policy goes beyond theory; it profoundly impacts people’s lives. I may not have taken a traditional path, but I’ve remained focused on the issues that matter most to me. The skills acquired at McCourt form a strong foundation, and your integrity and purpose will steer your journey throughout your career.

Bre Jefferson, MPM ’23, NUF Fellow

McCourt Impacts

The Center of the Policy World

McCourt’s downtown location in our nation’s capital provides students with unprecedented access to the policy research, experts, conversations and opportunities they crave to accelerate and deepen their professional impact.

Explore Our Campus

Research and Impact

We are a diverse community of problem solvers, committed to moving bold ideas to action.

Our Research
#4in International Policy and AdministrationU.S. News and World Report
#10in Public Policy AnalysisU.S. News and World Report

Meet Our Students

Student Stories
Headshot of Breah Dean

I chose McCourt for the diverse and collaborative cohort, for the unbeatable networking opportunities in DC, and for its prestige

Breah’s Story
Headshot of Kevyanna Rawls

“The McCourt School of Public Policy is a premier program with outstanding research professors and there was no other institution as developed, thoughtfully curated, and intentional in my areas of interest.”

Kevyanna’s Story
Headshot of Diana Rivas

“The best part of my experience so far has been being academically challenged in a community of passionate and experienced professionals.”

Diana’s Story

“I wanted to pursue a degree that offered a strong quantitative foundation, in-demand technical skills like data science, and a connection to the policy world where I was working.”

Maggie’s Story

Experience McCourt

McCourt students are impatient changemakers who don’t want to wait until they graduate to have a positive impact. They actively apply classroom learning through dynamic experiential opportunities—global residencies, spring break policy immersions, internships and hands-on policy labs—that transform theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions.

These experiences don’t just complement academic study; they accelerate it, allowing students to test ideas, build professional networks and develop the practical skills essential for effective policy leadership. At McCourt, learning extends far beyond the classroom into the field where change actually happens.