The Graduate School of Public Administration, founded in 1970, provides professional and academic programs for those in the public sector and those who intend to research and teach in the field of public administration. The program promotes the ability to analyze the political, social, economic and normative aspects of complex political problems and understand the historical, cultural and institutional contexts of public policies.

The school offers a Master's degree and a non-degree certificate in eight fields of specialization. For admission to the Master's program, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent and pass the entrance examination. An applicant for the non-degree certificate program also needs a bachelor's degree for admission.

The Graduate School also launched the Yonsei Senior Executive Program(YSEP) in March, 1984. It is a post-graduate program for high-ranking officials who actively participate in the decision-making process in organizations such as the local government, the National Assembly, the military, the media and private enterprises. YSEP is a short-term educational and training program designed to develop the comprehensive insight into public affairs that is required of public sector leaders.