The Hobby School has joined an elite class of schools committed to public service education around the world. After a multi-year application process and rigorous peer review, the Hobby School Master of Public Policy program has received official approval for accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) through August 2029. NASPAA is the global standard for excellence and the recognized accreditor of graduate degree programs in the discipline.

The road to accreditation took a concerted effort captained by Hobby School joint faculty member Elizabeth Anderson-Fletcher and the commitment of M.C. Sunny Wong, associate dean of graduate studies, and Scott Mason, program director of academic advising. University of Houston President Renu Khator, former Provost Paula Myrick Short, Hobby School board members, alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters played important roles in preparing and presenting the school’s accomplishments and vision to the NASPAA site visit team in the spring.

The Hobby School has grown from a calculated vision to a thriving resource for public policy education and research in the region. We are keeping pace with the needs of our lawmakers and policy watchers by providing an interdisciplinary, nonbiased educational approach to data and statistical analysis – the core of our mission. The visiting NASPAA site visit assessment and the commission members’ endorsements underscore our commitment to that mission.

This milestone also marks a new starting point as we prepare for the fall 2022 semester. We welcome the second class of public policy undergraduates, our new public leadership minors and the sixth cohort of our graduate students, while our alumni prosper, new faculty members settle in and our advisory board and administration attract community leaders and talented professionals. The accreditation honor sparks new energy for a refreshed commitment and renewed dedication to the work ahead. I want to thank all of you for your part in helping the Hobby School realize this vision.

Jim Granato

Dean, Hobby School of Public Affairs