About the John Glenn College of Public Affairs

To Inspire, Develop and Support Leaders in Public Service

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs works to improve public governance and policymaking through education, research and professional development. 

We prepare students for careers in government, nonprofits and corporate consulting and embrace Senator John Glenn's commitment to inspiring citizenship and developing leadership.

Download the Glenn College Strategic Plan.

Academic Programs
Professional Development Programs

Marine. Astronaut. Senator. Educator.

Sen. John Glenn dedicated his life to serving others. His legacy continues in the Glenn College today, where we inspire future generations of public leaders and provide them with tools to make the world a better place.

Learn about John and Annie Glenn

16th

No. 16  Ranked 16th nationally among the 271 public affairs schools in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School Rankings.

No. 1  A full 41 spots above the next highest-ranked Ohio program, the Glenn College is the only public affairs program in Ohio ranked in the top 50 schools.

No. 22 ShanghaiRanking places The Ohio State University’s public administration research 22nd in the world, and 8th in the United States, for collaborative, high-quality and impactful scholarship.

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96%

96% of our undergraduates are employed or are in graduate/professional school within six months of graduation.

100% of Glenn College MPA, In-Career MA and dual-degree graduates are employed or are in graduate school within six months of graduation.

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Top 10%

Seven of the Glenn College’s graduate specialties have been placed among the ranks of the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report: public management and leadership (7), nonprofit management (9), local government (18), social policy (19), public policy analysis (20), urban policy (22) and public finance (25).

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Leading Public Affairs Education

The faculty at the Glenn College provides an excellent educational experience by embracing diverse perspectives and challenging students to think analytically while generating solutions to critical public problems.

Board of Distinguished Visitors

Michael B. Coleman  -  Director, Business & Governmental Strategies, Ice Miller

  • Louis Beck  -  President, Union Savings Bank
  • Ravi Bellamkonda  -  Executive Vice President and Provost, The Ohio State University
  • Barbara Benham  -  Executive Vice President/Chief Public Affairs Officer, Huntington Bank
  • Sherrod Brown  -  United States Senator
  • Dan Crippen - Former Director, Congressional Budget Office
  • Michael Gillette  -  Executive Director, Humanities Texas
  • David Glenn  -  Son of Sen. John and Annie Glenn
  • Lyn Glenn  -  Daughter of Sen. John and Annie Glenn
  • Greg Lashutka  -  Senior Consultant, Findley Davies
  • Rob Portman  -  United States Senator
  • Sheila Ronis  -  President, The University Group, Inc.
  • Randy Smith  -  Vice Provost - Academic Programs, The Ohio State University
  • Charles Wise  -  Founding Director, John Glenn School of Public Affairs
  • Guy Worley  -  Past CEO/President, Columbus Downtown Development Corp.

Honorary Doctorate Recipients

The Ohio State University and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs recognize dedicated community leaders through the award of honorary doctorates in public service, public administration and public affairs. 

Honorary Doctorate Recipients