Table of Contents1 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

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

2

“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 govern-ment action. Public policies may regulate behavior, organize bureaucracies,

distribute benefits, or extract taxes –or all these things at once.” -Thomas Dye-

President 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 ad-

vice about the graduate admissions process.

1 Introduction

3

Good Luck!&

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

Compared to a law or business degree, MPP de-gree programs are particularly focused on prepar-ing you for a career in the public sector. The degree is noteworthy for the following features:

• A broad-based training in subjects like econo- mics, policy analysis, management (including financial management), and professional com- munications• 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 ad-mitted to both programs separately. Schools struc-ture their joint degree programs differently, so be sure to check the website to learn about the cur-riculum 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)

• 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 mas-ters 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 differ-ence?

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 Wash-ington, the MPA is very similar to the MPP degree.

What is a Master of Public Policy Degree?

4

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

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 fo-cuses on the systematic analysis of public policy and the decision processes associated with them.

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 MPAVS.economics leadership

management

policy Execution

statistics

policy research

policy analysis

MPPs&

MPAsqualify formany of the same

jobs!

some coursework in introductory economics and statistics. Some schools may recommend addi-tional coursework. For instance, the University of Michigan also recommends introductory calculus, and Princeton asks applicants to list all prior class-es 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 AnalysisMicroeconomicsPolicy Analysis

Professional EthicsProgram Evaluation

Education Policy Environmental Policy

Int’l Development National Security PolicyNon-Profit Management

Policy Analysis Political Communication

Program Evaluation

Public Decision-MakingPublic Finance &

BudgetingQuantitative & Qualitative

Research MethodsStatistics

Public Finance and Budgeting

Public Health Policy Regulatory Policy

Science and Tech Policy Social Policy

Tax Policy Urban Policy

Aside from the core, many programs offer students the ability to concentrate in a particular issue area (kind of like your major in college). MPP students can also take graduate classes outside of their de-gree 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 concen-tration areas include:

What is the typical background of someone who pursues a MPP degree? Are there prerequisites?

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 sci-ences will be an advantage, but it is by no means required; MPPs have all sorts of majors. Many stu-dents 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, busi-ness or journalism, to name a few.

It is recommended but not required that you have

5

2 What is a Master of Public Policy Degree?

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 admis-sion 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 govern-ment, 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 sav-ing 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:

45Kmedian

$35,000 - 53,844range

Policy Analyst 60Kmedian

57,500 - 74,500range

Consultant, Business

40Kmedian

$40,000 - 55,000range

Program Admin. of Non-Profit 52Kavg.

$51,630 - 67,114range

Entry-Level Federal Position (GS 9)(based on DC-MD-VA-WV-PA locality pay)

53Kmedian

$48,750 - 56,250range

Purchasing Manager

51Kmedian

$43,750 - 56,163range

Management Analyst

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

Common MPP Positions & Salaries

60Kmedian

$33,000 - 66,500range

Executive Director of Non-Profit

89Kavg.

$89,033 - 115,742range

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

60Kmedian

$55,000 - 70,000range

Dir. of Program Management, Human Services

88Kmedian

$79,525 - 97,750range

Human Resources Director

Additional Resources

Student Loan Repayment CalculatorYou can use this calculator to compute your esti-mated monthly loan payment depending on your loan balance, interest rate, and how quickly you wish to pay off your loans.

Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you have Federal student loans (Direct Stafford Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, or Direct Consolida-tion Loans), you may be eligible for loan forgive-ness. 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, emer-gency management, military service, public safety and law enforcement, public health, public educa-tion, public interest legal services, and employees of tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

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

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 Bu-reau of Labor Statistics, the Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of ca-reer information designed to provide valuable assis-tance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. The Handbook is revised every 2 years and describes working conditions, the train-ing and education needed, earnings and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.

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

3 Where do MPP’s Work?

Who Are Some Notable MPP’s?

David Wilhelm

Ann M. Veneman

Robert Zoellick

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

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

President of the World Bank, Former Deputy Secretary of StateMPP 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 Na-tional 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 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 An-nan. 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 Univer-sity 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

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

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:

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

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Michelle Rhee

Kevin J. Martin

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

Former Chairman of the FCCMPP from Duke University

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 class-

room 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

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 desig-

nated 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. govern-ment 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 op-

portunities for developing countries.Source: http://transition.fcc.gov/commissioners/previous/martin/biography.html

Meet some GovLoop members with MPP Degrees:

Also...

And Don’t Forget...

Aneesh Chopra Federal Chief Technology Officer, MPP from Harvard University

Denise Forte Dir. of Education Policy, House Committee on Education and Labor, MPP from George Washington University

Heather Higginbottom Former Deputy Dir. of the White House Domestic Policy Council, MPP from George Washington University

David Medina Deputy Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama, MPP from Harvard University

Nancy Sutley Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, MPP from Harvard University

Anthony Williams Former Mayor of DC, MPP from Harvard University

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

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

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 DirectorOrganization: National Institute of Health, Office of Hu-man Resources

Educational Background: MPP from the Humphrey Insti-tute, University of Minnesota

Current Title: Management AnalystOrganization: Department of Veterans Affairs

Educational Background: MS in Public Policy and Man-agement, Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College

Bev Godwin

Ryan Androsoff

Dave Ueijio

Rachel Lunsford

4 Who Are Some Notable MPP’s?

9

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 Syra-cuse 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 ac-cepted. Here are a couple of factors to consider when narrowing it down:

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 particu-larly 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. Con-sider the school size compared to the number of people working the career office, especially if you want more per-sonalized 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 experi-ence. A class network that challenges you is also the one that provides you with new perspectives, personal ex-periences, and different approaches. Many of your fellow students may have worked or are currently working in fields that interest you; they are poten-tial resources for you during your job search.

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 high-light. A strong alumni network is usu-ally a key ingredient in getting the job you want after graduation.

Cost

Unlike a Ph.D, most students do not receive fund-ing 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 pay-ment. Loans, savings, calculations of living expens-es 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 pri-vate universities. Private schools may have greater scholarship money available than public universi-ties, though this is not always the case either.

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

10

Scholarships & On Campus Jobs

Some schools offer merit scholarships or teaching or graduate assistantships. In order to be consid-ered for merit aid, you may need to fill out addi-tional application materials. Do your research early since these applications may involve additional essays and recommendation letters. Also, univer-sity employees get a tuition benefit, so you may consider getting a job on campus to defray costs.

Location

Location can be more important than you might initially think. Although it’s “only” two years, mov-ing 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:

Geography

Career Opportunities

Transportation

Cost of Living

Family/Spouse

Hobbies/Special Interest

Urban

No Car

Roommates

My hobbies can wait

It’s just me

Specific internships

Rural

Yes Car

No Roommates

My skiis are already packed

I have kids/spouse

Not specific

Cities offer lots of great amenities, but the cost of liv-ing is often higher.

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

How much is rent? Are you willing to live with a room-mate (or room-mates) to cut costs?

Do you have hob-bies, like surfing or rock climbing or salsa dancing, that may not be available in certain areas? Although you’ll be spend-ing 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.

Will you be tak-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?

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

“ “Although you’ll be spending a lot of time studying, you’ll be a hap-

pier, more productive person if you make time to do the things you love

on the side.

5 How Do I Get an MPP?

11

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 ap-ply, 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, be-cause 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 reli-able metric. Here are some ways to figure out if a program is especially strong in your interest area:

• See what professors are doing. What are they re- searching/publishing? Where did they work be-

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

“ These can be tough questions, but you should at least keep them in the back of your mind when consider-ing 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/Sta-tistics 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 statisti-cal information. Some schools place a greater em-phasis 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 quanti-tative 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 University of Michigan, for example).

12

Part-time, FULL-TIMe, or a Combo?

Most programs take 2 years to complete as a full-time 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 intern-ships, 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 part-time 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.

Figuring Out Your Priorities

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.

5 How Do I Get an MPP?

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, work-ing full-time while also juggling

class can be pretty hectic. It may make it difficult to meet other students, create mean-ingful relationships with your

professors, become involved in student organizations, or other-wise “have a life.” Additionally, some schools have part-time programs that are separate

from the full-time program, so you may not interact with full-time students or the professors

that teach them.

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 poli-cy programs are relatively small, there are great opportunities for making close connections with your fellow students and profes-

sors 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.

Some policy programs, particu-larly those located in Washing-

ton, 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. In-

ternships 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.

Find the schedule that works best for you. Would you rather attend school...

Part-Time Full-TimeFull-Time & Part-Time

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.

GovLoop MPP Guide 2011

14

Talk to current students and professors about-

their focus areas. They are usually more than happy to talk about their passions.

Request an “infor- mational 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.

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.

+ + +

The Application Process FAQs

What are the admission require-ments?

This will vary by school, but in general, you can expect to submit a basic application form, re-sume, 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 dual-degree 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 go-ing 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 rea-sons 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 require-ments for your personal statement. You will need to do at least some tailoring to match your state-ment 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 rec-ommendation, and the debate rages over whether it is best to use academic or professional refer-ences. 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 appropri-ate 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 mat-ter 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.

5.2 The Application Process FAQs

15

Well-Ranked MPP ProgramsLike 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.

6 Well Ranked MPP Programs

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Syracuse University, Syracuse, NYHarvard University, Cambridge, MAIndiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, INPrinceton University, Princeton, NJUniversity of Georgia, Athens, GAUniversity of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CAUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence, KSUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MIUniversity of Southern California, Los Angeles, CACarnegie Mellon University, Pittburgh, PADuke University, Durham, NCNew York University, New York, NYUniversity of Chicago, Chicago, ILAmerican University, Washington, D.C.Columbia University, New York, NYGeorge Washington University, Washington, D.C.Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.University at Albany – SUNY, Albany, NYUniversity of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CAUniversity of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MNUniversity of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, NCUniversity of Texas – Austin, Austin, TXUniversity of Washington, Seattle, WAUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WIArizona State University, Phoenix, AZ

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4.54.34.34.14.14.143.93.93.83.83.83.83.73.73.73.73.73.73.73.73.73.73.73.6

SchoolRankScore

{out of 5}

Additional ResourcesBackground on the MPP degree

The National Association of Schools of Public Af-fairs and AdministrationIncludes resources on MPP/MPA programs, career resources, and profiles of current MPPs and MPAs.

NASPAA’s Interactive MPP GuideVideo introduction to the MPP degree.

Information for international studentsResources from NASPAA for intenational students wishing to pursue an MPP or MPA.

Video Interview with Michelle RheeRhee discusses why she chose an MPP degree over a law degree.

Help with the Application Process

The Grad CafeMessage board for current and prospective gradu-ate students. Includes a forum for public affairs schools and user-submitted admissions data.

Heather JarvisHeather Jarvis is an expert on student loans, in-cluding public service loan forgiveness.

Connect with Current MPPs

MPP and MPA GovLoop Group

MPP and MPA LinkedIn Group

Jobs and Internships

Jobs.GovLoop.comEach week we uncover the top Federal jobs,saving you time in your quest for the best gig. New jobs every Sunday.

USAJOBsJob listings for the federal government.

Avue Central Federal jobs portal, including listings that may not appear on USA JOBS.

Brad TraverseJobs and internships on Capitol Hill.

IdealistPublic-serviced oriented jobs, internships, and vol-unteer opportunities.

International City/County Management Associa-tion’s Job CenterICMA’s Job center houses current job openings for local government professionals, nonprofit organiza-tions and universities.

HillZoo JobsJobs and internships on Capitol Hill.

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

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

Student Educational Employment (STEP) and Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)The STEP provides Federal employment oppor-tunities 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 pro-gram and career goals. Students in the SCEP may be non-competitively converted to term, career or career-conditional appointments following comple-tion of their academic and work experience re-quirements.

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7 Additional Resources