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

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
#9in Public Policy AnalysisU.S. News and World Report
#9Best Colleges for Future Leaders 2026Time Magazine

Featured Stories

Explore McCourt News
Yasmin Diallo (C'28) stands beneath a cherry blossom tree on the bank of the Potomac River

Discovery & Impact, Student Experience

Capitol Dreams and Hilltop Views: Why I Transferred To Georgetown

Yasmin Diallo (C’28) is a sophomore from Atlanta, Georgia, majoring in public policy within the College of Arts & Sciences and the McCourt School of Public Policy.

June 1, 2026

Graphic showing article clippings superimposed atop individual writing on laptop; text reads

Discovery & Impact, Faculty Research

Policy Insights From McCourt Faculty on Substack

From elections and education to governance and gender, McCourt faculty are offering timely perspectives and scholarship on some of the most pressing topics in public policy on their personal Substacks.

June 1, 2026

Three DC Mayoral candidates stand behind lecterns during debate, seen at profile with background text that reads

Discovery & Impact

McCourt School’s Institute of Politics and Public Service Hosts 2026 DC Democratic Mayoral Primary Debate

The Institute of Politics and Public Service, in partnership with WTTG Fox 5 DC hosted the 2026 DC democratic mayoral debate for the first open seat in 20 years.

May 20, 2026

Meet Our Students

Student Stories
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.