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Discussion
Topics
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Public Affairs
Master’s programs in public affairs and public policy train people for careers in government, the non-profit sector,
academia, and some parts of the business world. Programs vary widely in focus and method. Prospective applicants should
research programs carefully to make sure they are suitable for their interests, needs, and abilities before making a commitment.
Factors to consider are what concentrations a program is strong in (urban studies, international relations, health policy,
public finance, etc.); what approach the program takes (does it stress quantitative analysis, theoretical work, case
studies, etc.); and whether or not it will prepare you for further academic work. Programs with a strong professional
focus may not be your best choice if you think you may someday want to go on to a doctoral program.
The following table lists some of the top rated public affairs programs at U.S. colleges and universities. For more information
about graduate study in public affairs, see the lower part of this page.
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The Woodrow Wilson School of Public and
International Affairs
Princeton University
Robertson Hall
Princeton, NJ 08544-1013
Tel: (609) 258-4800
Email: wwswww@princeton.edu
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Master of Public Affairs (MPA) (2 yr FT)
Favors applicants with grounding in economics or mathematics
App. deadlines: Dec 15
Master of Public Policy (MPP - mid-career) (1 yr FT)
App deadline: Dec 15
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The Maxwell School of Syracuse University
290 Eggers Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
Tel: (315) 443 - 2252
Email - for MPA info: Janet Feathers
Email - for MA-PA info: maxexed@maxwell.syr.edu
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Master of Public Affairs (MPA) (2 yr FT)
M.A. in Public Administration (MA-PA - mid-career) (1 yr FT)
App. deadlines vary by by program. Contact the program for details.
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The John F. Kennedy School of Government
Harvard University
79 John F. Kennedy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tel: (617) 495-1100
Email: admissions@ksg.harvard.edu
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Master in Public Policy (MPP) (2 yr FT)
App. deadline: Jan 7 (earlier applications encouraged)
Master in Public Administration (MPA - mid-career) (1 yr FT)
App. deadline: Rolling admissions, Feb-March; March 4 final deadline.
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The School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Graduate Programs Office
Indiana University
1315 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
Tel: (800) 765-7755 (toll free) or (812) 855-2840
Email: speainfo@indiana.edu
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Master of Public Affairs (MPA) (2 yr FT)
MPA/MS in Environmental Science (2 yr FT)
App. deadline: Feb 1
Requires undergrad level work in math and statistics.
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The Goldman School of Public Policy
The University of California, Berkeley
2607 Hearst Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94720-7320
Tel: (510) 642-4670
Fax: (510) 643-9657
Email: gspp-admissions@uclink.berkeley.edu
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Master of Public Policy (MPP) (2 yr FT)
App. deadline: Dec 15
For 2004, accepted 55 out of 457 applicants
Avg GRE: quant 710, analytical 720, verbal 650
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The School of Public and International Affairs
The University of Georgia
101 Candler Hall
Athens, GA 30602-1615
Tel: (706) 542-4114
Fax: (706) 583-0095
Email: Meredith Nelson, Degree Program Assistant
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Master of Public Administration (2 yr FT)
App. deadline: July 1 for fall start; Nov 15 for spring
MA in Political Science (2 yr FT)
App. deadline: June 1 for fall start; Nov 15 for spring
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As our table suggests, a number of different degrees are offered in public affairs. Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of
Public Policy (MPP) degrees train people for management careers in the public sector. They generally focus on organizational
behavior and management, and on policy processes, and usually require two years of full-time study. A wide range of
specialized degrees, such as the Master of Public Finance and Master of Public Health, are also available, as are joint
degree programs that lead to both an MPA or MPP degree and a degree in law, business, public health, international
relations, etc. (Students interested in international relations should also consult our international relations programs page.)
Many universities and colleges offer MPA and MPP degree programs that are tailored to the needs of working professionals.
Part-time programs, which often offer evening and weekend classes, are one option. Accelerated degree programs for mid-career
professionals, which can
be completed in one year of intensive, full-time study, are another. Many programs also offer shorter-term certificate programs
and non-degree study.
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