Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Public Policy Program

The Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) is an interdisciplinary degree program that prepares students for work in the analysis, development, and evaluation of public policies. In all levels of government and on a global scale, public needs and limited resources require public policy choices that are economically efficient, socially and technically effective, and politically responsive. Such choices confront policymakers in a broad range of critical issues, including health, education, economic development, public finance, social policy, nonprofit policy, and disaster policy. The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University offers this program, which is a member of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, the principal professional organization for scholars and practitioners in the field of public policy. The school's public policy and public affairs programs have been ranked among the top 20 programs nationwide and among the top 10 for public finance and budgeting, urban policy, nonprofit management, and local government management. The Department of Public Management and Policy provides access to a community of research and teaching scholars with national and international reputations for their expertise and contributions to knowledge and practice across a broad range of administrative processes and policy concerns in the arena of public service. The M.P.P. program is designed to be completed in two years, with 39 hours of graduate coursework, including 21 credit hours of required core courses, 3-6 credit hours of coursework in analytical and financial methods, and 12-15 credit hours in a defined or individualized concentration that must be approved by the program director. The program is offered on the Atlanta Campus, with classes held in the late afternoon and evening, Monday through Thursday, to accommodate working professionals and ensure students have the ability to complete necessary internship requirements during regular business operating hours at local public agencies. The curriculum includes required core courses, analytical or financial methods electives, and concentration courses, totaling 39 credit hours. The required core courses include 21 credit hours of foundational coursework in public policy, while the analytical or financial methods electives provide students with the opportunity to develop specialized skills in areas such as data analysis, budgeting, or financial management. The concentration courses, totaling 12-15 credit hours, allow students to focus on a specific area of interest, such as health policy, education policy, or environmental policy. The program's goals and outcomes are designed to prepare students for careers in public policy analysis, development, and evaluation, with a focus on economically efficient, socially and technically effective, and politically responsive policy choices. The program's curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public policy, including the theoretical foundations of public policy, the role of government in public policy, and the methods and tools used in public policy analysis. The program also provides students with the opportunity to develop practical skills in areas such as policy analysis, program evaluation, and budgeting. The M.P.P. program at Georgia State University is designed to prepare students for careers in a wide range of fields, including government, nonprofit organizations, private sector consulting, and academia. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in analytical and leadership positions in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector companies, applying their knowledge and skills to address complex public policy issues. The program's faculty are renowned for their expertise and contributions to knowledge and practice in public policy, and provide students with mentorship, guidance, and support throughout their academic journey. The program's location in Atlanta, Georgia, provides students with access to a diverse range of public policy issues and organizations, and offers opportunities for internships, research, and career advancement. Overall, the Master of Public Policy program at Georgia State University is a rigorous and comprehensive program that prepares students for careers in public policy analysis, development, and evaluation, with a focus on economically efficient, socially and technically effective, and politically responsive policy choices.

Admissions Requirements

A completed application includes:

1. Submitted Online Application: Online applications must be submitted by the deadline.
2. Application fee: A nonrefundable fee is required for each application.
3. Goal statement: The goal statement is the means of presenting oneself to the Graduate Admissions Committee.
4. Official GRE scores (Optional): The GRE is optional, but strongly recommended for any applicant whose undergraduate grade-point-average is below 3.0.
5. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only): International applicants are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores.
6. Three letters of recommendation: Letters should be submitted through the online application.
7. Upload Transcripts: Upload each transcript to the Academic History section of the online application before submitting the application.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

• Required Core Courses (21 credit hours)
• Analytical or Financial Methods Elective(s) (3-6 credit hours)
• Concentration Courses (12-15 credit hours) Total: 39 credit hours

Careers

Graduates of the M.P.P. program typically work in analytical and leadership positions in a wide array of governmental, public service, private sector, consulting, and nonprofit organizations. Metropolitan Atlanta serves as a laboratory for students, who are encouraged to undertake field instruction and research with local public, private, and nonprofit agencies. Opportunities are also available through the various research centers and community outreach efforts of the Andrew Young School. These opportunities enhance the education students receive and often open doors to attractive jobs.

Program Details

• Admissions Requirements
• Curriculum
• Goals & Outcomes
• Additional Information
• Description

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester:
  • Early deadline: February 15
  • Regular deadline: April 1
  • Late deadline: June 1
• Spring Semester:
  • Early deadline: October 1
  • Late deadline: November 1
• Summer Semester: Does not admit

Contact Information

For more information about the Master of Public Policy program, please contact the Department of Public Management and Policy at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.