Truman School of Government and Public Affairs

At the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs, students are equipped to lead with purpose. Inspired by President Truman’s commitment to public service, democratic governance, and global engagement, the School brings together policymakers, community leaders, scholars, and students to confront pressing political and policy challenges.

Offering nationally accredited, highly ranked programs in political science, public administration, public policy, and global affairs, the Truman School prepares graduates to strengthen the effectiveness of government, nonprofit, and private-sector institutions.

Formed in 2019 through the merger of the Truman School of Public Affairs and the Department of Political Science, the School offers a distinctive model within public affairs education—one that integrates rigorous political science with applied public service training to support democratic dialogue, ethical leadership, and practical policy solutions.

Our interdisciplinary approach leverages the strengths of our diverse faculty and student-faculty collaborations to conduct rigorous, timely, and consequential research. We facilitate public dialogue through partnerships with governments, nonprofits, and community groups, through community forums, roundtables, and lectures that facilitate public dialogue. Our students have numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and capstone projects with state, local, international governments, and nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations.  

Our faculty produce consequential research focused on strengthening democracy, promoting peace and human rights, informing public policy, improving the performance of public and nonprofit administration, and promoting equitable economic and political opportunities. Our Institute of Public Policy conducts timely, independent, non-partisan research and analysis to inform public policy and benefit all Missourians. Our research is funded by NEA, NIH, foundations including Spencer, and Russel-Sage.  

Our graduates find success in careers in  government, nonprofits, law, business, public relations, campaigns and lobbying, international organizations, research institutes, think tanks, and academia.