Message From the Dean

Welcome to the NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service! I am delighted to serve as the Dean of NYU Wagner during this time of tremendous change and opportunity.  

I often say, as public servants, we run to the fire. At NYU Wagner, we recognize that a career in public service means tackling problems head-on—and it’s a challenge we eagerly embrace.  

As a professional graduate school, we strive for excellence in all we do, equipping our students to turn their passion into action. Through a rigorous and interdisciplinary core curriculum that includes courses such as management and leadership, public policy, microeconomics, financial management, and statistical methods, students build a strong foundation of the analytical skills needed for public service leadership. 

Our specializations then allow our students to hone in on the issues that matter most to them—including housing and land use policy, health management, data visualization and AI strategies, impact investing, and more. And all Wagner courses are taught by expert faculty with both timely research topics, like Medicaid policy changes, and on-the-ground experience, like serving as the commissioner of the New York City Department of Finance, to ensure our students have both the theoretical and practical skills to thrive. 

Our location in the heart of New York City only adds to the boundless opportunities that are only a subway ride away—like City Hall, globally recognized healthcare systems, the nation’s top philanthropies, and the United Nations, to name just a few. Studying in one of the most vibrant and connected cities in the world allows students to network with industry professionals in countless fields, intern and work for organizations tackling the most timely issues, and be at the forefront of local, national, and international political action. There’s no place like it. 

In my own career, I have worked with many Wagner alumni who all have one thing in common—they get things done. Graduating from Wagner means you’re not only well prepared for the workforce, but you’ve got access to a network of 15,000+ alumni and career counseling for life. 

I pursued a career in public service because I love a challenge. My challenge now, as Dean of NYU Wagner, is to ensure that our students are ready and willing to run to the fire, to lead, and to serve.  

We have exciting, challenging, and important work ahead. Let’s get started. 

Best, 
Polly Trottenberg
NYU Wagner Dean and Global Distinguished Professor