Program Overview

Master of Public Policy

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at The George Washington University, offered through its Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, is designed to prepare students to delve into the data and details of public policy while exploring the theories and rationales behind government policies.

Overview

The curriculum of the MPP program strikes a balance between the theory and practice of public policy, as well as contemporary policy issues. Students complete a common core and select elective coursework in a field of study tailored to their unique interests and career objectives. Potential fields of study include:

• Budget and public finance
• Education policy
• Environmental policy
• Health policy
• National security policy
• Philosophy and social policy
• Program and policy evaluation
• Public-private policy and management
• Science and technology policy
• Social policy
• Urban policy
• International development management

Students also have the option to design their own field of concentration. Classes for the MPP are held on the University's main Foggy Bottom campus, with many classes scheduled in the evenings to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. Full-time students typically complete the 40-credit program in two years, including one summer, while part-time students complete the program in three to four years.

Admissions

Admission to the MPP program requires:

• Admission deadlines:
  • Fall: April 1 (February 1 for priority fellowship consideration)
  • Spring: October 1 (late applications accepted on a case-by-case basis for students who do not require an F-1 or J-1 visa)
• Standardized test scores:
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required for all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction.
  • Minimum scores for the program are:
    • Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0
    • TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based
• Recommendations: Two (2) recommendations are required
• Prior academic records:
  • Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.
  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to the online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.
  • If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided.
• Statement of purpose:
  • In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field.
  • Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans.
  • Discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application.

Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

• The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
• 40 credits, including:
  • 19 credits in required core courses
  • 6 credits in tools courses
  • A minimum of 9 credits in a policy field
  • 6 credits in elective courses

Course List:

• Required:
  • Policy core:
    • PPPA 6000: Perspectives on Public Values
    • PPPA 6002: Research Methods and Applied Statistics (taken for 3 credits)
    • PPPA 6007: Microeconomics for Public Policy I
    • PPPA 6008: MPA/MPP Capstone
    • PPPA 6011: Politics and Policy Analysis
    • PPPA 6013: Regression Methods for Policy Research
    • PPPA 6014: Microeconomics for Public Policy II
  • Tools of analysis:
    • Two courses selected from the following:
      • PPPA 6005: Public Budgeting, Revenue, and Expenditure Analysis
      • PPPA 6015: Benefit-Cost Analysis
      • PPPA 6016: Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation
      • PPPA 6020: Decision Modeling for Public Policy
      • PPPA 6021: Data Visualization
      • PPPA 8022: Econometrics for Policy Research
      • PPPA 8023: Mixed Methods in Research Design
• Field of study/electives:
  • Students must complete a policy field of at least 9 credits.
  • The remaining 6 credits required for the degree may be taken in that field or used as electives to include additional tools courses or courses in other fields in their program of study.

Combined Programs

The MPP program offers several combined degree options:

• Dual Master of Public Policy and Graduate Certificate in budget and public finance
• Dual Master of Public Policy and Graduate Certificate in data science
• Dual Master of Public Policy and Graduate Certificate in nonprofit management
• Dual Master of Public Policy and Graduate Certificate in regulatory policy and practice
• Joint Master of Public Policy and Juris Doctor

These combined programs allow students to expand their knowledge and skills in specific areas, enhancing their career prospects and professional development.