Rising to the Top: Rankings
We are proud to announce historic achievements in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings. For the first time, the Wilder School has been recognized as the nation's sixth-leading institution for Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to academic excellence and innovation in public affairs.
This year, the Wilder School continues to be ranked among the nation's top schools:
- Ranked No. 39 in the top 40 Graduate Schools of Public Affairs
- Ranked No. 6 in Homeland Security Programs
- Ranked No. 33 in Public Management and Leadership Programs
The Wilder School is recognized for exemplary commitment in four areas recognized by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education.
Fall Entry Application Deadlines
Undergraduate
- First-year applicants who submit their application and all necessary application materials by Jan. 15 are guaranteed a decision by April 1.
- Transfer applicants who submit their application and all necessary application materials by March 17 are guaranteed a decision by May 1.
Graduate
- Criminal Justice, M.S. and certificate - February 1 (early decision deadline); April 1 (priority deadline); May 1 (final deadline)
- Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, M.A. and certificate - May 24 (early decision deadline); June 28 (priority deadline); July 18 (final deadline)
- Public Administration, P.A., M.P.A/J.D. and certificate programs - February 1 (early decision deadline); April 1 (priority deadline); May 1 (final deadline)
- Urban and Regional Planning, M.U.R.P, M.U.R.P./J.D., and certificate programs - February 1 (early decision deadline); April 1 (priority deadline); May 1 (final deadline)
- Public Policy in Administration, Ph.D. - December 15 (financial aid consideration); January 30 (final deadline)
Spring and Summer Entry Application Deadlines
Graduate
- Criminal Justice, M.S. and certificate - December 1 (deadline extended); Summer: NA
- Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, M.A. and certificate - Spring October 7 (early decision deadline); November 4 (priority deadline); December 2 (final deadline); Summer: February 5 (early decision deadline); March 15 (priority deadline); April 20 (final deadline)
- Public Administration, M.P.A., M.P.A/J.D. and certificate programs - Spring: December 1 (deadline extended); Summer: February 1
- Urban and Regional Planning, M.U.R.P, M.U.R.P./J.D., and certificate programs - Spring: December 1 (deadline extended); Summer: N/A
- Public Policy in Administration, Ph.D. - Spring and Summer: N/A
Explore our degree programs
We offer interdisciplinary undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs at the intersection of scholarship and governance.
Undergraduate programs
At the Wilder School, we’re big enough to offer bold opportunities and small enough to provide true connections with our faculty experts, alumni network and school community.
Graduate degrees
United by a common drive to improve people’s lives through public leadership and public policy, we transform ideas into real-world solutions.
Certificate programs
Whether you imagine yourself tackling renewable energy, health disparities or criminal justice reform, we can help elevate your career in public service.