Apply to Pardee RAND
Consider Pardee RAND for your next strategic move.
Diane Baldwin/RAND
Pardee RAND is backed by the brainpower and resources of RAND, a nonprofit research institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis.
Our MNSP students take classes taught by RAND national security policy experts in an applied research setting, quickly building the knowledge they need to advance their careers.
Our M.Phil. and Ph.D. students work side-by-side with RAND experts as members of interdisciplinary research teams, creating a real impact on policy while earning their degree. They graduate with a deep analytic toolkit, knowing they are ready to tackle the hardest policy challenges—because they already have!
Why Pardee RAND?
At Pardee RAND Graduate School, we welcome exceptional students from diverse backgrounds. Our programs include:
- Master of National Security Policy (MNSP): Emphasizes knowledge and analytical skills to address complex security challenges and formulate effective national security policies
- Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Policy Analysis: Equips students with the skills to conduct policy research and analysis to develop effective public policies
- Doctorate (Ph.D) in Policy Analysis: Prepares students to conduct advanced research and develop innovative solutions to complex policy challenges
What We Look for in Our Applicants
All applicants must:
- Be available for in-person study at our Santa Monica or Washington campuses
- Have completed a bachelor's degree (advanced degrees and/or work experience preferred for Ph.D. applicants)
Are you driven to change the world? If so, Pardee RAND might be the place for you.
Admissions Deadlines
Applications will go live in October. Sign up to be notified when they are available.
Our master’s degree programs have no application fee.
| Deadline | Notification | Decision Due |
|---|---|---|
| December 5, 2024* | Early February | April 15, 2025 |
| January 23, 2025 | Mid-March | April 15, 2025 |
| April 3, 2025 | Early June | Early July |
| June 12, 2025 | Mid-July | Mid-August |
*The Ph.D. has one deadline: December 5. Ph.D. applications submitted after December 5 will be considered for the M.Phil.
Learn More!
- Attend admissions events (virtual and in-person options available)
- Receive early feedback on your candidacy: Submit a pre-application
- Take a virtual tour of our Santa Monica campus
Contact us
Visit our contact page and send us a message.
Meet Our Admissions Student Ambassadors
Receive early feedback on your candidacy
If you are interested in receiving preliminary feedback on your candidacy prior to investing your time in the 2022 admissions process, please consider submitting a pre-application.