Message from the Dean
Lisa M. Lynch
Dean and Maurice B. Hexter Professor of Social and Economic Policy
Welcome to the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. For over fifty years we have redefined the field of social policy through the academic programs we offer, the cutting edge research conducted by our faculty and research staff, and the public engagement of our scholars, staff and students. The Heller School's focus is on producing research knowledge needed by the next generation of scholars and producing skilled practitioners of social policy and management. This happens within a learning environment that attracts students and faculty from more than 60 countries around the world. At the heart of the Heller School is its interdisciplinary approach to both graduate education and applied social science research.
Our educational mission is to prepare passionate and committed individuals from around the world with advanced knowledge and skills for significant roles in social change. Whether a student takes on that challenge through leading nonprofit organizations, conducting significant research to inform social policy, mediation in conflict areas of the world, or policy analysis, the Heller curriculum, practicum and internship experiences prepare students for roles they will encounter throughout their careers.
The ability to craft workable solutions within complex organizational, community and governmental contexts are skills that no Heller student leaves without. Graduates leave the Heller School with a network of lifelong contacts, and the capacity to make a difference not only through their idealism but also through sophisticated analysis of society's most complex problems.
Our faculty and researchers are recognized leaders in their field and are currently engaged in over $11 million of sponsored research. Some of the issues that Heller faculty and researchers currently work on include the financing of health care services; the intersection of health, behavior, and systems of care; best practices and innovations in the delivery of social services targeted at children, youth and families; rising inequality and persistent poverty; the re-invention of labor market institutions for an aging population; establishing new approaches to achieve sustainable international development; and developing new frameworks to address intercommunal and societal conflicts.
The sum of being in an intellectually challenging yet supportive and tolerant atmosphere with talented faculty and students working collectively to solve society's most pressing problems results in a vibrant community unequaled by a traditional academic experience. I invite you to spend some time on our website learning more about Heller and to come and visit us in person at one of our scheduled events or graduate program informational sessions.
Thank you for your interest in the Heller School for Social Policy and Management!
Lisa M. Lynch, Ph.D.
Dean and Maurice B. Hexter Professor of Social and Economic Policy