SPP Brochure 8-04 - Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy ...

4 ABOUT THE SCHOOLLife at the Ford Schoolof public policy decisions. The program is quite flexible,providing training that focuses on economic, political,organizational, and quantitative analysis. Students areencouraged to develop areas of specialization and havethe extensive resources of the University of Michiganfrom which to develop their programs of study.The faculty, many of whom hold joint appointmentswith other academic departments, is among the strongestin the field. Faculty members are distinguished by theiracademic research and enthusiastic teaching as well as bytheir active participation in the practice of public policy.With a student body of about 165 Masters studentsand 35 Ph.D. students, the School is large enough to offerdiversity of intellectual and political interests while smallenough to be friendly and comfortable. The full range ofgraduate coursework at the University of Michigan is availableto Ford School students. Michigan has a strong traditionof interdisciplinary work and students are encouragedto follow that tradition in pursuing their policy interestsin areas that range from Asian Studies to Urban Planning.A foundation of core courses in the School preparesstudents for the elective portion of their graduate work.In addition to rigorous academic training, the FordSchool believes students should learn about the realworld context in which policy decisions are made andimplemented. Students are offered a variety of classroomand hands-on opportunities to work in government andcommunity organizations, developing a sense of the manyfactors that converge in policymaking.Distinguished policy practitioners are frequent visitorson campus. Diplomats, elected officials, and public mangersfrom around the world all bring their perspectives to theschool through special courses, guest lectures, classroomvisits, and discussion sessions.The informal and friendly atmosphere of the Schoolencourages students to get to know one another, the faculty,and the school’s alumni. From this rich mix of experience,students learn about the policymaking world and areextremely well prepared to enter that world as skilledand effective participants.The Ford School is home to an energetic studentbody that takes an active role in the life of the School,organizing activities that range from community serviceprojects to hosting policymakers, to social activities.Students also play an important role in the governanceof the School, serving on the Admissions, Curriculum,and Executive Committees.FORD SCHOOL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONSAssociation for Public Policy, Learning, andEducation (APPLE)Community Service OrganizationEnvironmental Policy Student GroupInternational Policy Students AssociationMichigan Journal of Public AffairsSocial CommitteeStudent Affairs CommitteeStudents of Color in Public PolicyWomen and Gender in Public PolicyTo learn more about student organizationsat the school, visit our website,www.fordschool.umich.edu and followlinks to the prospective students section.WWW.FORDSCHOOL.UMICH.EDU