CommPRO Editorial StaffThe Schar School’s “security studies” program is ranked No. 2 in the country according to the March 12 survey in U.S. News and World Report.While the ranking is for "security studies" programs, that term encompasses three of the Schar School’s strengths:

• The master’s degree program in International Security, led by Ellen Laipson;
• Emergency management trainings led by Tonya Neaves; and
• The Michael V. Hayden Center that focuses on intelligence and policy issues.

Last year, this same survey ranked the School No. 3 in the country in this same area.“We continue to do what we do well, which is deliver a classroom experience grounded in both theory and practice in the field,” Schar School dean Mark J. Rozell said. “Our program is made up of full-time faculty who are both scholars and practitioners. Students see that investment by the school in their success.”The public policy analysis program also came in at No. 32, and the public affairs program ranked No. 47.Overall, George Mason University has 11 graduate programs ranked amongst the top 50.For information about the Master’s in International Security, see this site. For Emergency Management, see here. The Hayden Center website is here.

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“Truth on Trial” is just one of a series of forums put on by the Schar School of Policy & Government, whose panelists are among the most influential legal, communications, and media experts in the country. The February 26 “Truth on Trial” forum follows two extremely well-attended (live and online) moderated events launched last summer.The intensity of the political divide is making it harder than ever for brands and non-profits to cut through the clutter and get their message out. They are being pushed to take positions on controversial issues. How are legal issues intersecting with the need to tell their story? What are best practices to cut through the clutter?  How is this effecting the political, media and communications landscape?