School of Public Affairs
RIT’s School of Public Affairs prepares students to navigate the complex political, economic, and ethical challenges of the 21st Century.
Programs and courses provided by the School of Public Affairs offer interdisciplinary perspectives on important national and international issues and opportunities for students to work directly with our research-active faculty.
Our focus on systems-level analysis of complex problems and professional communication skills prepares students for a range of career outcomes in business, government, law, consulting, and non-governmental organizations at the national and international levels.
$4.8M
Research Funding FY25
Total value of award actions within specified dates on awards with a PI in the School of Public Affairs
1,750+
Students
Enrolled in degrees, minors, or immersions offered by the School of Public Affairs
49
Faculty
Featured Work and Profiles
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MaKayla Oscar finds purpose in global study, community, and growth at RIT
MaKayla Oscar is leaving RIT with more than a degree, she is leaving with a clearer sense of purpose, a stronger sense of self, and a deeper understanding of how meaningful change often begins with...
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Biomedical Engineering + Master's in Science, Technology, and Public Policy Equips Recent Grad for Impact
2025 grad now serves as a field service engineer for a company driving the scale of genomic information to advance human health.
Read More about Biomedical Engineering + Master's in Science, Technology, and Public Policy Equips Recent Grad for Impact -
Economics Alum's Research Shows Economic Impact of Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century, affecting communities around the world from changing agricultural productivity to infrastructure damage and mortality from...
Read More about Economics Alum's Research Shows Economic Impact of Climate Change -
Jane Research Fellowship Supports Crime Data Research with Powerful Impact for Rochester Region
Hayder Alhafedhi In the fight against a range of crimes from common theft to violent aggravated assault or murder, how do law enforcement agencies determine where to focus their resources for the most impact? Once a...
Read More about Jane Research Fellowship Supports Crime Data Research with Powerful Impact for Rochester Region
Latest News
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June 18, 2026
What Did The Green Revolution in India Do To Farm Size-Productivity Relationship?
Basis Point Insight publishes a commentary by Amit Batabyal, the Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics and head of the Department of Sustainability, examining how India’s Green Revolution influenced the relationship between farm size and agricultural productivity.
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June 8, 2026
The fascinating connections between cigarette addiction and educational attainment
Rochester Business Journal publishes a commentary by Amit Batabyal, the Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics and head of the Department of Sustainability, exploring new research on the two-way relationship between cigarette addiction and educational attainment, and how tobacco policy may influence long-term educational outcomes. (This content will require a subscription to read.)
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May 19, 2026
Is India’s Teacher Knowledge Gap Quietly Undermining Learning?
Basis Point Insight features a column by Amit Batabyal, the Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics and head of the Department of Sustainability, examining how gaps in teacher subject knowledge in India may be affecting classroom learning outcomes and educational equity.