Are you a policy wonk? Do you enjoy diving deep into data and finding solutions to complex problems? Are you passionate about tackling the pressing issues facing society today? A Master of Public Policy degree might be the logical next step in your career.
What is an MPP degree?
A Master of Public Policy degree teaches students to analyze and create policies that address difficult public challenges such as health care, education, environmental sustainability, terrorism, and more. In the MPP program, you will work with quantitative and qualitative data to develop, assess, and evaluate alternative approaches to these issues.
What will I study?
The Schar School offers one of the most flexible and individualized public policy master’s programs available. It includes a core curriculum covering:
- Practice
- Analysis
- Governance
- Economics
A cornerstone of the degree is your ability to pursue a public policy emphasis area. You can select from among 14 predefined areas of emphasis or work with your advisor to craft a tailored focus area that best supports your career goals. A 3-credit professional internship rounds out the coursework.
The program involves a good amount of applied math and data analysis. Be sure to take a look at the core curriculum and decide if the coursework would interest you.
What differentiates the Schar School’s MPP program?
The MPP program at the Schar School provides you with a robust education and helps you gain work experience in the nation’s capital. You can take advantage of the professional internship component of the curriculum and also apply for the new Schar School Partnership for Public Service internship program. The partnership guarantees a 10- to 12-week internship at a federal agency (with a $3,500 stipend) for 10 Schar School students and can lead to full-time employment.
How long does the program take?
The Master of Public Policy program gives you the flexibility to earn your degree on a part-time or full-time basis, online or in person, allowing you to select your course schedule to suit your personal and professional needs.
Typically, the program takes two years if you’re a full-time student or two to three years as a part-time student.
What kind of job can I get with an MPP and how much money will I make?
A public policy master’s degree can open doors to various careers, including:
- Policy Analyst
- Government Official
- Nonprofit Leader
Schar School MPP graduates have found positions in:
- Federal, State, and Local Government
- NGOs
- Nonprofits
- The Private Sector
- Think Tanks and Research Centers
- Consulting Firms
Why the Schar School?
Earning an MPP degree takes focus, dedication, and time. Be sure to do your research to make sure the program is the right fit for you. Here’s a quick list of the Schar School’s advantages:
Location
Study and work at the center of national policy. Located just a few miles from downtown Washington, D.C. in Arlington, VA, the Schar School perfectly positions students for careers in public policy. Faculty with capital-area expertise and connections, combined with unique D.C. internship opportunities, give those in the Schar School public policy program irreplaceable hands-on experience and contacts in the policy world.
Flexibility
The Schar School’s MPP program offers you flexibility— allowing you to create a curriculum suited to your career goals and pursue your degree in the way that best fits you—full time or part time, in person or online.
Experience
Internships obtained through the Schar School help you gain valuable and marketable on-the-job experience. A 3-credit professional internship is part of the MPP program curriculum. The Partnership for Public Service internship program provides a 10- to 12-week internship at a federal agency (with a $3,500 stipend) for 10 Schar School students.
Affordability
Compared to other master’s degree programs, the Schar School offers similar advantages to an exclusive, private school with the resources of a large, public research university—at a fraction of the cost.
Additionally, if you are beginning a master’s or certificate program and live in Washington, D.C., or Maryland, you can qualify for the Regional Pricing Policy. The Regional Pricing Policy tuition rate is equivalent to the in-state rate.
Take the next step in your public policy career and request information about the Schar School’s MPP degree options and programs.