The GovLoop Guide To Earning a Masters of Public Policy 2011

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

Table of Contents 1 Introduction........................................................pg.3 2 What Is a Master of Public Policy?..................pg.4 3 Where Do MPPs Work?....................................pg.6 4 Who Are Some Notable MPPs?......................pg.8 5 How Do I Get a MPP?.....................................pg.10 5.1 How-To.........................................................pg.10 5.2 The Application Process...........................pg.15 6 Well-Ranked MPP Programs..........................pg.16 7 Additional Resources........................................pg.17

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1 Introduction

“Public policy is whatever governments choose to do or not do. Note that government inaction can have just as great an impact on society as government action. Public policies may regulate behavior, organize bureaucracies, distribute benefits, or extract taxes –or all these things at once.”

-Thomas DyePresident of the Lincoln Center for Public Service

Thinking about getting a Master in Public Policy (MPP)? The following is a guide designed to help you decide if a Master of Public Policy degree is right for YOU. This guide will introduce you to the MPP degree, including what kind of classes you will take and the kinds of jobs you can expect to land once you graduate. We’ll also highlight some accomplished MPPs and dispense advice about the graduate admissions process.

& Good Luck!

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GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

What is a Master of Public Policy Degree?

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a professional, post-graduate degree that provides training in public policy analysis and program evaluation. The degree typically takes two years to complete if attending school full time or roughly three years part time. An MPP prepares students for careers in all levels and branches of government (federal, state, and local), at non-profit organizations, think tanks, international organizations, government contractors, or with government consulting firms. The MPP curriculum focuses on the systematic analysis of public policy and the decision processes associated with them.

How does the MPP compare with other professional graduate degrees (i.e., MBA, JD)?

Compared to a law or business degree, MPP degree programs are particularly focused on preparing you for a career in the public sector. The degree is noteworthy for the following features: • A broad-based training in subjects like economics, policy analysis, management (including financial management), and professional communications • A low student/teacher ratio in most classes, allowing for considerable individual contact with the faculty • The flexibility to take courses from other schools and departments and pursue joint degree pro- grams with other professional schools

Can I combine my MPP degree with another graduate degree?

The MPP program can be combined with multiple degrees. Usually, students must apply and be admitted to both programs separately. Schools structure their joint degree programs differently, so be sure to check the website to learn about the curriculum and admission requirements. Joint degree programs could be and are not limited to: • Master of Public Policy/Master of Business Administration (MPP/MBA) • Master of Public Policy/Master of Arts in Economics (MPP/MA)

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• Master of Public Policy/Juris Doctor (MPP/JD) • Master of Public Policy/ Master of Science in Foreign Service (MPP/MS) • Master of Public Policy/Master of Arts in Com- munications (MPP/MA) • Master of Public Policy/Ph.D. in Government (MPP/ Ph.D.) • Master of Public Policy/Ph.D. in Psychology (MPP/Ph.D.) Some schools also offer a combined bachelors/ masters program. These programs usually allow students to apply to the MPP in their junior year and start taking graduate courses in their senior year. Students will complete a bachelors and masters in about five years. Some schools that offer a combined BA/MPP include: • • • •

American University George Washington University University of Chicago University of Maryland

MPP vs. MPA: What’s the difference?

The first thing you should know is that the terms MPP and MPA (Master of Public Administration) mean different things at different schools. Some schools only offer one public affairs degree and may use the term MPP or MPA interchangeably.

In some instances, the MPA degree is intended for mid-career professionals (usually 10+ years of working experience). This is true at Harvard and the University of Michigan, among others. At other universities, including American and George Washington, the MPA is very similar to the MPP degree.

2 What is a Master of Public Policy Degree?

While there is a lot of overlap in the curriculum, in general MPP coursework has a greater emphasis on economics, statistics, and policy research and analysis. MPA coursework usually involves taking fewer economics and statistics classes and places greater emphasis on leadership, management, and policy implementation. Each school does things a little differently, so be sure to carefully research their courses on the school website. Perhaps most importantly, MPPs and MPAs qualify for many of the same jobs.

MPP economics statistics policy research policy analysis

VS.

MPA

leadership MPPs & MPAs management qualify for many of the same policy jobs!

Execution

some coursework in introductory economics and statistics. Some schools may recommend additional coursework. For instance, the University of Michigan also recommends introductory calculus, and Princeton asks applicants to list all prior classes in math, economics, and statistics. If you have not studied economics or statistics, consider taking them at a local university or community college in the spring or summer before starting graduate school. See the Admissions section of our guide for more details on the application process.

What kind of classes will I take?

Public policy is inherently interdisciplinary, and the MPP curriculum reflects it. Most MPP programs have a set of core classes that all students must take. Core coursework typically includes, but is not limited to, training in: Cost-Benefit Analysis Microeconomics Policy Analysis Professional Ethics Program Evaluation

Public Decision-Making Public Finance & Budgeting Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods Statistics

What is the typical background Aside from the core, many programs offer students of someone who pursues a MPP the ability to concentrate in a particular issue area degree? Are there prerequisites? (kind of like your major in college). MPP students Most schools will post demographic data on their incoming students, including average age, test scores, GPA, and years of prior work experience.

All of this is going to vary by school, but in general, MPP students have pretty mixed backgrounds.

Having completed coursework in the social sciences will be an advantage, but it is by no means required; MPPs have all sorts of majors. Many students may have worked for a couple years before returning to school, though some may be coming straight from undergrad. MPP programs attract students from a variety of fields – government, nonprofits, education, Peace Corps, military, business or journalism, to name a few.

It is recommended but not required that you have

can also take graduate classes outside of their degree program to augment their education. Classes in the law or business school, or in the political science, economics, education, or public health departments might all be appropriate, depending on what you wish to study. Some sample concentration areas include: Education Policy Environmental Policy Int’l Development National Security Policy Non-Profit Management Policy Analysis Political Communication Program Evaluation

Public Finance and Budgeting Public Health Policy Regulatory Policy Science and Tech Policy Social Policy Tax Policy Urban Policy

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GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

Where do MPP’s Work?

Most people choose a MPP degree because they are committed to public service and enjoy working on problems that affect the public. MPP programs provide professional training for careers in all levels and branches of government (federal, state, and local), at non-profit organizations, think tanks, international organizations, government contractors, or with consulting firms with a government practice.

MPP graduates can shift back and forth between the public, private and nonprofit sector, or between international or domestic work. They can do this because the degree provides a general set of analytical skills that are often transferable across sectors and issue areas.

How much money can I expect to make?

Public policy schools should post employment data and average salary/salary ranges on their admission websites. This will give you a rough sense of what their graduates make and where they work.

You should note that a number of other factors can significantly impact your starting salary. Typically, private sector employers pay more than government, which usually pays more than non-profits.

Additionally, any prior work experience you have will also affect what you might expect to earn after graduation.

Government salary data is made public. Many agencies uses the GS pay scale, which is adjusted for cost-of-living by location. With a masters degree

you can qualify for the GS 9 level. Factors like past work experience will impact whether you can qualify jobs listed at a higher grade. Some agencies and the legislative branch use different pay scales.

One good way to figure out what you might make is to search USAJOBS for positions that you wish to hold once you get your degree.

Am I going to be able to pay off my student loans on that?

So, chances are, you’re not going to get rich saving the world from bad policy. But there are a few options, including Income Based Repayment and loan forgiveness, which can help you manage your debt. Here are some resources that can help you budget for the future:

Common MPP Positions & Salaries Policy Analyst Program Admin. of Non-Profit

40K

$40,000

median

- 55

,000

range

45K

$35,000

median

- 53

,844 range

Management Analyst

51K

$43,750

median

- 56

,163

range

Entry-Level Federal Position (GS 9)

Purchasing Manager

52K

53K

(based on DC-MD-VA-WV-PA locality pay)

$51,630

avg.

- 67, 114

range

$48,750

median

- 56

,250 range

Consultant, Business

60K

57,500 -

median

74,5 00

range

3 Where do MPP’s Work?

Additional Resources Student Loan Repayment Calculator You can use this calculator to compute your estimated monthly loan payment depending on your loan balance, interest rate, and how quickly you wish to pay off your loans.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you have Federal student loans (Direct Stafford Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, or Direct Consolidation Loans), you may be eligible for loan forgiveness. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 established a new program which allows students to discharge any remaining federal debt after 10 years of full-time employment in public service. This covers positions in government, emergency management, military service, public safety and law enforcement, public health, public education, public interest legal services, and employees of tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

Income-Based Repayments If you have Federal loans, you may qualify for Income-Based Repayments (IBR). IBR is a repayment plan that caps your required monthly payment at an amount intended to be affordable

Executive Director of Non-Profit

60K

$33,000

median

- 66

,500

range

Dir. of Program Management, Human Services

60K

$55,000

median

- 70

,000 range

based on your income and family size. All Stafford, PLUS and Consolidation Loans made under either the Direct Loan or FFEL Program are eligible for IBR. Loans that are currently in default, parent PLUS Loans, or Consolidation Loans that repaid parent PLUS Loans do not qualify. IBR is designed for people who have high federal student loan debt relative to their income and family size. You can use the Department of Education’s IBR calculator to estimate whether you would likely qualify for the IBR plan.

Occupational Outlook Handbook Published by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of career information designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. The Handbook is revised every 2 years and describes working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.

Salary Calculator Enter your current salary and choose specific cities and housing preferences to calculate estimated needed salary.

Human Resources Director

88K

$79,525

median

- 97, 750 range

Mid-Level Federal Position (GS 13) (based on DC-MD-VA-WV-PA locality pay)

89K

$89,033

avg.

- 11 5,742 range

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

Who Are Some Notable MPP’s?

MPP graduates serve or have served in many positions within the public sector, at the international, national, state, and local levels. Some notable graduates include:

David Wilhelm

Campaign manager, venture capitalist, former DNC Chair MPP from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government

David Wilhelm is best known for managing campaigns for President Bill Clinton, Senator Paul Simon, Senator Joe Biden and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. As a former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Wilhelm was a 2008 superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention. He supported Barack Obama’s candidacy and informally advised the Obama campaign. Wilhelm is also a venture capitalist who focuses on spurring sustainable economic growth in areas that tend not to receive much investment. He is currently a Fellow at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs and has previously been a Fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_wilhelm

Ann M. Veneman

Former Executive Director of UNICEF, former USDA Secretary MPP from UCBerkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy

Ann Veneman is the former Executive Director of UNICEF, a position she held from 2005 to 2010. Her appointment was announced on January 18, 2005 by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. She served in this position from May 1, 2005. Previously, Veneman was the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, the first and only woman to hold that position. Veneman served as USDA Secretary from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2005. Veneman also holds a law degree from the University of California’s Hastings School of Law and has practiced in Washington, DC and California, including as a deputy public defender. She has also served in other high level positions in U.S. federal and state government, including being appointed California’s Secretary of Food and Agriculture, serving from 1995 to 1999.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Veneman

Robert Zoellick

President of the World Bank, Former Deputy Secretary of State MPP from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government

On July 1, 2007, Robert B. Zoellick became the 11th President of the World Bank Group, which works with 187 member countries. Prior to joining the Bank, Zoellick served as Vice Chairman, International of the Goldman Sachs Group, Managing Director, and Chairman of Goldman Sachs’ Board of International Advisors from 2006-07. In 2005-06, Zoellick served as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. State Department. He was the Department’s Chief Operating Officer and policy alternate for the Secretary of State, in addition to having lead policy responsibility in a number of areas. From 2001 to January 2005, Zoellick served in the U.S. cabinet as the 13th U.S. Trade Representative. He forged an activist approach to free trade at the global, regional, and bilateral levels, while securing support for open markets with the U.S. Congress and a broad coalition of domestic constituencies.

Source: http://go.worldbank.org/IHDUWCAI20

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4 Who Are Some Notable MPP’s?

Former chancellor of D.C. Public Schools MPP from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government

Michelle Rhee

Michelle A. Rhee is an education reformer and former chancellor of District of Columbia’s public schools. She began her career as a Teach for America Volunteer, teaching for three years in one of Baltimore’s lowest-performing schools. In 1997, Rhee founded and began serving as the CEO of The New Teacher Project. Within ten years of its founding, Rhee’s non-profit had trained and supplied urban school districts with 23,000 mid-career professionals wanting to become classroom teachers. Rhee was chancellor of the Washington, D.C. public schools from 2007 to 2010.

In late 2010, Rhee founded StudentsFirst, a non-profit political advocacy organization which works on education reform issues.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Rhee

Former Chairman of the FCC MPP from Duke University

Kevin J. Martin

Kevin J. Martin was nominated to be a member of the Federal Communications Commission by President George W. Bush on April 30, 2001, and was sworn in on July 3, 2001. He was designated chairman by President Bush on March 18, 2005. Martin joined the Commission from the White House, where he served as a Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and was on the staff of the National Economic Council. He also served as the official U.S. government representative to the G-8’s Digital Opportunity Task Force, a government, non-profit, and private sector task force created to identify ways in which the digital revolution can assure opportunities for developing countries.

Source: http://transition.fcc.gov/commissioners/previous/martin/biography.html

Also...

Aneesh Chopra

David Medina

MPP from Harvard University

MPP from Harvard University

Dir. of Education Policy, House Committee on Education and Labor,

Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality,

Federal Chief Technology Officer,

Denise Forte

Deputy Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama,

Nancy Sutley

MPP from George Washington University

MPP from Harvard University

Former Deputy Dir. of the White House Domestic Policy Council,

Former Mayor of DC,

Heather Higginbottom MPP from George Washington University

Anthony Williams MPP from Harvard University

And Don’t Forget... Meet some GovLoop members with MPP Degrees: Bev Godwin

Dave Ueijio

Educational Background: MPP from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Educational Background: MPP from the Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota

Current Title: Director, USA.gov and Web Best Practices Organization: U.S. GSA

Ryan Androsoff

Current Title: Senior Policy Advisor, Web 2.0 Organization: Chief Information Officer Branch, Treasury Board Secretariat, Government of Canada Educational Background: MPP, Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Current Title: Special Assistant to the Director Organization: National Institute of Health, Office of Human Resources

Rachel Lunsford

Current Title: Management Analyst Organization: Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Background: MS in Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College

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GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

How Do I Get an MPP? Most well-established MPP programs are offered through a separate public affairs school. For instance, you may hear people refer to the Maxwell School or the Woodrow Wilson School instead of just Syracuse or Princeton. If you’ve started doing some research on public policy programs, you’ve probably noticed that the core curriculum does not vary drastically among top schools. So how should you decide between schools that look very similar on paper? This section is designed to help you think about which schools you might want to apply to, as well as how to pick between schools if you’ve already been accepted. Here are a couple of factors to consider when narrowing it down: Finally, consider the alumni identity and opportunities to tap the alumni network. Some schools may have a strong global network, while others will be strongest in certain cities. Look into the network each school provides and the graduate profiles they highlight. A strong alumni network is usually a key ingredient in getting the job you want after graduation.

Career and Networking A school’s career center, location, fellow students, and alumni network can all play a role in your future employment opportunities. Schools should publish employment data on their graduates on the admissions website. Review this to get a sense of where people work upon graduating and what they typically earn. Some schools may be particularly strong at placing students at a certain agency, field area, or in the PMF program.

Investigate the resources available through the career center, from job postings to training opportunities. Consider the school size compared to the number of people working the career office, especially if you want more personalized attention.

Look at who your fellow classmates might be. It is usually the students in your cohort that contribute to the uniqueness and value of your experience. A class network that challenges you is also the one that provides you with new perspectives, personal experiences, and different approaches.

Many of your fellow students may have worked or are currently working in fields that interest you; they are potential resources for you during your job search.

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Cost Unlike a Ph.D, most students do not receive funding for masters degrees. Generally, you will need to pay for your degree using student loans, savings or income, or merit awards if you qualify. Make a financial plan outlining different options for payment. Loans, savings, calculations of living expenses or even grants and scholarship are key factors in estimating how much you will need for how long.

Tuition Depending on where you live, a public university may be cheaper than a private one, but this is not always the case. Some schools allow you to qualify for in-state tuition in your second year if you are relocating, but others do not. Out-of-state public tuition can be more expensive than tuition at private universities. Private schools may have greater scholarship money available than public universities, though this is not always the case either.

5 How Do I Get an MPP? Scholarships & On Campus Jobs Some schools offer merit scholarships or teaching or graduate assistantships. In order to be considered for merit aid, you may need to fill out additional application materials. Do your research early since these applications may involve additional essays and recommendation letters. Also, university employees get a tuition benefit, so you may consider getting a job on campus to defray costs.

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Although you’ll be spending a lot of time studying, you’ll be a happier, more productive person if you make time to do the things you love on the side.

Location

Location can be more important than you might initially think. Although it’s “only” two years, moving is expensive and can be stressful. On the other hand, graduate school can be a great opportunity to try out a new city.

You should also think about where you might want to end up after graduation. Some programs are well-reputed nationally or internationally, while others are only well-known within their home city or state. You may want to consider the following factors:

Transportation Will you need to buy/get rid of your car?

No Car

Yes Car

Cost of Living Roommates

How much is rent?

Are you willing to live with a roommate (or roommates) to cut costs?

No Roommates

Family/Spouse It’s just me

Will you be takI have kids/spouse ing a spouse or children with you to graduate school?

Can your spouse get a job in your new location or are you willing to do long-distance?

Hobbies/Special Interest

Geography Urban

Cities offer lots of great amenities, but the cost of living is often higher.

Rural

Career Opportunities Specific internships

Would you like to add internships or work experience at specific institutions that need to be in a specific part of the country?

Not specific

My hobbies Do you have hobMy skiis are can wait bies, like surfing already packed or rock climbing or salsa dancing, that may not be available in certain areas? Although you’ll be spending a lot of time studying, you’ll be a happier, more productive person if you make time to do the things you love on the side.

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The Human Factor Remember, although graduate school is not the same as college, you will still be spending two years with these students, professors, and staff. In fact, many of your classmates might turn out to be your future work colleagues. Some questions you might want to consider: • What is the program size/student-faculty ratio?

• Are professors accessible outside of class? Will they do research with you?

• Do students study or socialize with each other outside of class?

• Do most students have prior work experience before coming to the program?

• Is the administrative staff well-organized and responsive to questions?

• What is the alumni network like?

Visiting for an information session before you apply, sitting in on a class, or attending the accepted student day can tell you volumes about how the school runs and what the students and faculty are like. If you can’t arrange a visit, see if you have any friends or colleagues who are current participants or alumni of the program who will talk to you about their experience.

I know I want to concentrate in __________ policy/work in ________ organization. How do I figure out which school is strong in my interest areas?

Certain schools are more well-known than others for providing especially strong training in particular policy areas. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to figure this out from an admissions website, because all schools will want to tell you that they’re wonderful at everything! U.S. News provides some subspecialty rankings, but this isn’t the most reliable metric. Here are some ways to figure out if a program is especially strong in your interest area:

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GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

These can be tough questions, but you should at least keep them in the back of your mind when considering which schools to apply to and what offer you ultimately accept.

fore they began teaching? (Many policy profes- sors are also practitioners in the field.)

• Does the school have a research institute fo- cused on a certain policy area?

• Talk to or research professionals in the field.

Where did they or their colleagues get their degrees? GovLoop and LinkedIn can be great tools for finding these people.

• Look at employment statistics. Does the school tend to place a lot of students at a particular agency or in a particular field?

I’m not much of a Math/Econ/Statistics person. Is this the right degree for me?

You don’t need to be an economist or statistician to be a successful MPP student. That said, you will need to be able to understand these concepts in school and on the job. The goal of most programs is to teach students basic quantitative tools so they can be smart consumers of economic and statistical information. Some schools place a greater emphasis on the quantitative curriculum than others.

You may wish to apply to schools that have a more applied focus, or you may wish to select a school that’s strong in these areas to build up your quantitative skills.

• Research the curriculum, core classes, and pre- requisites.

• Look at the kind of jobs that students pursue after graduation.

• Get in touch with current students, alums, pro- fessors, etc. to discuss your concerns.

• Some schools have a reputation for having a quantitative focus (University of Chicago and • See what professors are doing. What are they re- University of Michigan, for example). searching/publishing? Where did they work be-

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5 How Do I Get an MPP? Part-time, FULL-TIMe, or a Combo?

Figuring Out Your Priorities

Most programs take 2 years to complete as a fulltime student, and about 3 years as a part-time student. Some full-time programs are designed to allow you to pursue part-time work and internships, while others expect you to devote all your time to your studies. Each of these approaches has their own pros and cons. Also, some programs offer the flexibility of switching between full and parttime status. This can be great if you find yourself overwhelmed or if a part-time job or internship turns into a job offer. See the chart below for a brief overview.

The “best” school for you is a personal decision.

Would you sacrifice to complete a more expensive program at a more reputable school? Or would you be satisfied with a lower-ranked program with full financial support? Do you want to be in a certain location? Do you need to pursue your degree part-time? These can be tough questions, but you should at least keep them in the back of your mind when considering which schools to apply to and what offer you ultimately accept.

Find the schedule that works best for you.

Would you rather attend school...

Part-Time If you are already established in a job you enjoy, you may want to pursue your degree part-time.

This can lower your debt-load because you’ll be earning your regular salary. In addition, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement. However, working full-time while also juggling class can be pretty hectic. It may make it difficult to meet other students, create meaningful relationships with your professors, become involved in student organizations, or otherwise “have a life.” Additionally, some schools have part-time programs that are separate from the full-time program, so you may not interact with fulltime students or the professors that teach them.

Full-Time & Part-Time

Full-Time

Some policy programs, particularly those located in Washington, D.C., offer the flexibility to pursue part-time work or internships while attending school full-time. The upside to this is that you can continue to network and build your resume while getting your degree. Internships can be a good way to try out different fields to see if they might be a good fit for you.

If you are able to land a paying internship or part-time job, you may be able defray some of the cost of your education. However, as with a part-time program, sometimes it’s hard to balance both work and school.

Attending school full-time is definitely faster, but you will no longer be earning income and may need to rely on student loans. Being a full-time student will allow you to be more fully immersed in your studies and student life. Because most policy programs are relatively small, there are great opportunities for making close connections with your fellow students and professors and taking on leadership roles in student organizations.

However, students who have worked for a few years may find the transition back to full-time student jarring or unappealing.

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011 What if I don’t know what I want my concentration to be? What if I’m interested in lots of things?

It’s good to have a general idea of what you might want to do with your degree, but don’t worry if you’re not completely certain where your interest areas lie. The MPP degree gives students a general skill set that can be applied in a lot of settings. The downside is that all those core classes don’t always leave a ton of room to take electives. Try to narrow it down to a few areas and then do some research to help you get the most out of your education.

+

Talk to current students and professors abouttheir focus areas. They are usually more than happy to talk about their passions.

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Request an “informational interview” from a professional already in the field. Reach out through friends or alumni networks and ask if they will grab a cup of coffee with you.

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Try to land an internship at an organization that works in one of your interest areas. Even if you end up hating it, you’ll have learned that it’s not the right field for you.

5.2 The Application Process FAQs

The Application Process FAQs What are the admission requirements?

This will vary by school, but in general, you can expect to submit a basic application form, resume, two to three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, transcripts, and a personal statement.

Some schools may require additional essays, such as a diversity statement or a sample policy memo.

Are there minimum standardized test score requirements?

Unlike law school, where test scores are heavily emphasized, policy schools take a holistic approach to admissions. This means that your GRE scores are reviewed as part of the total application, so there is usually no minimum score or cut-off.

Look at last year’s class profile, usually on the school’s website, to get a sense of what range of scores is acceptable. If you are applying to a dualdegree program, you may be able to substitute scores from another test (GMAT, LSAT, etc.) or you may need to submit scores from both tests.

What should I write about in my personal statement? How am I going to say anything good in 500 words?

Some schools will give you a specific prompt, while others will ask a general question to the tune of, “Why do you want this degree?” or “Why do you think this is the right school for you?” In general, your personal statements should address your reasons for wanting to earn a MPP degree, what you could contribute, both academically and personally to the program, what are your career goals, and how the MPP will help further them.

Each school has slightly different length requirements for your personal statement. You will need to do at least some tailoring to match your statement to each school. You may find it helpful to start with the school that has the longest length requirement and then edit the long version into shorter essays for your other schools.

Is it better to use an academic or professional reference for my recommendation letters?

You will have to submit two to three letters of recommendation, and the debate rages over whether it is best to use academic or professional references. If you are applying to school straight from undergraduate, it is not unreasonable to rely solely on academic references. If you have been out of school for a few years, it may be more appropriate to use a mixture of professional and academic references. There is no magic formula; the most important thing is to select references who can speak well to your academic/professional abilities and personal qualities.

You may also want to consider the time constraints and personality of your letter writer. It doesn’t matter if your recommender writes you the best letter in the world if s/he forgets to mail it. Give them a list of your schools with each deadline and a link to the online submission form and school address.

Do not expect them to keep track of the deadlines for you. Be sure to ask early so they have plenty of time to write you a thoughtful letter and submit on time. Finally, be sure to send them a thank you note or gift for their time.

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6 Well Ranked MPP Programs

Well-Ranked MPP Programs Like many things in life, you should take any academic rankings with a grain of salt. Below are the top 25 public affairs programs according to U.S. News and World Report. You should note that these are based off of a survey of peer institutions and are from 2008, the last time U.S. News ranked public affairs programs. These rankings lump MPP and MPA degrees together, and, as we have discussed earlier, these are not always the same thing. Don’t let rankings color all of your application decisions. If you know you want to study a particular area of policy, live in a certain city, or work at a certain organization, you should factor those things into your decision as well. Nothing can substitute for doing your own research and talking to current students, alums, and people working in the field.

Rank

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#1 #2 #2 #4 #4 #6 #7 #7 #7 #10 #10 #10 #10 #14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #14 #25

School

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN Princeton University, Princeton, NJ University of Georgia, Athens, GA University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Carnegie Mellon University, Pittburgh, PA Duke University, Durham, NC New York University, New York, NY University of Chicago, Chicago, IL American University, Washington, D.C. Columbia University, New York, NY George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. University at Albany – SUNY, Albany, NY University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, NC University of Texas – Austin, Austin, TX University of Washington, Seattle, WA University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ

Score {out of 5} 4.5 4.3 4.3 4.1 4.1 4.1 4 3.9 3.9 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.6

7 Additional Resources

Additional Resources Background on the MPP degree The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration Includes resources on MPP/MPA programs, career resources, and profiles of current MPPs and MPAs. NASPAA’s Interactive MPP Guide Video introduction to the MPP degree.

Information for international students Resources from NASPAA for intenational students wishing to pursue an MPP or MPA. Video Interview with Michelle Rhee Rhee discusses why she chose an MPP degree over a law degree.

Avue Central Federal jobs portal, including listings that may not appear on USA JOBS. Brad Traverse Jobs and internships on Capitol Hill.

Idealist Public-serviced oriented jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.

International City/County Management Association’s Job Center ICMA’s Job center houses current job openings for local government professionals, nonprofit organizations and universities.

Help with the Application Process

HillZoo Jobs Jobs and internships on Capitol Hill.

The Grad Cafe Message board for current and prospective graduate students. Includes a forum for public affairs schools and user-submitted admissions data.

Partnership for Public Service The Partnership for Public Service releases an annual Best Places to Work in Government survey and report.

Heather Jarvis Heather Jarvis is an expert on student loans, including public service loan forgiveness.

Public Service Careers Job listings and career advice for those working in public service.

Connect with Current MPPs

Student Educational Employment (STEP) and Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) The STEP provides Federal employment opportunities to students who are enrolled at least a half-time. The nature of the work does not have to be related to the student’s academic or career goals. The SCEP provides work experience which is directly related to the student’s academic program and career goals. Students in the SCEP may be non-competitively converted to term, career or career-conditional appointments following completion of their academic and work experience requirements.

MPP and MPA GovLoop Group MPP and MPA LinkedIn Group Jobs and Internships Jobs.GovLoop.com Each week we uncover the top Federal jobs,saving you time in your quest for the best gig. New jobs every Sunday.

USAJOBs Job listings for the federal government.

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