College of Charleston MPA program recognized among nation’s best
April 7, 2026
The College of Charleston Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program has been named among the nation’s best in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Public Affairs Schools rankings.
The program is recognized nationally among public affairs programs and is part of a select group accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) in the region.
“This recognition reflects the strength of our faculty, our students and the work happening every day in and beyond the classroom,” says Tim Callahan, interim dean of the Graduate School. “We’re proud of the successes and impacts
The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on peer assessments from academic leaders at accredited institutions nationwide, offering a measure of how programs are viewed across the field of public affairs.
The College’s M.P.A. program has been preparing public service leaders for decades, combining coursework in public policy, governance and organizational leadership with hands-on experience through partnerships with local governments and nonprofit organizations.
Located in historic, downtown Charleston, the program benefits from a region where growth, infrastructure, and environmental change intersect, giving students direct exposure to real-world challenges.
Through partnerships with local governments, nonprofits and the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities, students work on real planning and policy challenges, gaining experience that extends beyond the classroom.
“Through dedicated instruction and mentorship, MPA students acquire theoretical knowledge, practical application, research skills and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them to serve as public, nonprofit, and private-sector leaders,” says LaTasha Chaffin, director of the MPA program. ”Upon graduation, our students hold influential positions throughout the tri-county area, the State of South Carolina and across the nation.”
The program also offers a concurrent degree pathway with the College’s Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, allowing students to combine public administration with expertise in environmenta
Graduates pursue careers across government, nonprofit organizations, and public-facing roles in the private sector, contributing to the communities they serve.
In addition to the M.P.A. program’s recognition, U.S. News & World Report recognized the College of Charleston among the nation’s Best Business Schools, with its MBA program ranked among the top in the country and both the Executive MBA and Master of Science in Accountancy programs appearing in inaugural national rankings.
For more information about The Graduate School at College of Charleston, visit go.charleston.edu/grad.
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston’s mission is to provide students with a world-class education in the arts and sciences, business and technology, engineering and health sciences. Students have more than 150 majors and minors from which to choose — and they often choose to combine several—and complement their academic courses with overseas study, undergraduate research and internships for a truly customized education.
Nearly 12,000 students choose the college for its unique urban, mid-sized university feel. The College, home to undergraduates from across the country and around the globe, provides a creative and intellectually stimulating environment where students are challenged and guided by a committed and caring faculty of distinguished teacher-scholars. The city of Charleston serves as a living and learning laboratory for student experiences and opportunities for career development. The university bridges the old with the new in a setting that is truly extraordinary — where historic character and forward-looking innovation come together to shape a distinctive and inspiring environment for learning. A College of Charleston education focuses on discovery and personal growth, as well as preparation for life, work, and service to our society.
