Graduate School Discussion
Topics
|
Ask AdmissionsConsultants |
|
|
Low GRE, great ap otherwise |
|
|
Overseas Education |
|
|
Readmission to Grad School |
|
|
1 Affirmative action is scammed/abused |
Free Newsletter Sign-Up!
|
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.
| School | Notes |
|
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 |
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 |
|
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 |
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. |
|
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 |
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. |
|
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 |
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. |
|
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 |
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 |
|
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 |
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 |
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.
|
Maximize your graduate school admission chances with AdmissionsConsultants!
Book Recommendations
|