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Graduate Studies in Public Affairs, Public Administration, Public Policy MASTERS OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, ADMINISTRATION or MASTERS OF PUBLIC POLICY The Masters of Public Affairs (M.P.Aff.), Masters in Public Administration (MPA), Masters in Governmental Administration (MGA), and the Masters in Public Policy (MPP) are all professional, rather than academic, degrees. Specifically, the Masters in Public Administration (MPA), or Master's in Governmental Administration (MGA), is intended for those interested in working in the public sector in upper level administrative positions. The Masters in Public Policy (MPP), on the other hand, is geared to those who want careers researching, analyzing, or formulating public policy - either in the public or private sector. These programs last one to two years. Many schools integrate both fields into their curriculum since administration and analysis are frequently viewed as two sides of the same coin. The M.P.Aff. combines many classes typical in the other two programs. Applicants considering any of these programs should check to see if the courses offered by a school meet their needs and interests; and whether their area of specialization (e.g. non-profit management, public finance, etc.) is sufficiently covered. Applicants should also inquire about the program's history of placing students in internships, and about the placement of alumni in permanent positions - location, type of organization, etc. Since these degrees are designed to equip students with a broad range of suitable skills, the programs' curricula are interdisciplinary. Classes can include economics, political science, law, sociology, organizational dynamics, statistics, research methods, applied quantitative analysis, public administration and management, and public financial management, and policy development. Typically students have one or more areas of specialization. These may include Information Systems, Health Policy, Nonprofit Management, Comparative and International Affairs, Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management, Policy Analysis, Public Financial Administration, Public Management, Urban Management, etc. Programs often include internships, and semester or year-long projects involving substantial policy or professional research. To apply to these programs: Most programs like to see students with undergraduate courses on their transcripts in calculus and/or statistics, government, political science and economics. Some knowledge of basic computer applications is desirable. Admissions officials base their decisions upon academic record, Graduate Record Examination scores, employment and life experiences, commitment to public service, and recommendations from employers and professors. For public policy programs with a focus on international affairs, incoming students are expected to have reasonable fluency in a relevant foreign language, and some detailed cultural, historical knowledge of the country or area in question. Work experience and commitment to the field are usually as important as grades and tests scores. Often individuals work for 2-5 years before applying to these programs. For a list of typical jobs held, click here. The M.P.Aff., MPA and MPP are also frequently sought by mid-career professionals. If you are going to apply straight out of college, you should emphasize responsibilities and accomplishments at significant, related internships - e.g. on Capitol Hill; at a nonprofit, etc. Admissions officials will look at your essay and letters of recommendation to assess the depth of your commitment and level of experience in the field. Your personal essay should be well written and it should make clear your commitment to public service. It should show that you have a clear understanding of the degree for which you are applying. You should be able to articulate why such a program will be useful to you, given your long-term goals. You should also explain why that PARTICULAR program is appropriate. Financial Aid During the fall a year prior to matriculation, as you are getting your application materials together, it is important to check with the schools to which you are applying for deadlines and procedures for financial aid and fellowships. Some require you to fill out a FAFSA form, which you should do as early as you have your tax information available from the previous year (January.) Frequently admissions will want your parents to fill out their portion of the FAFSA form also. Most professional masters programs expect you to pay for your degree - and student loans are available through government and private sources. Sometimes a school will have fellowship monies available that are merit- rather than need-based. Don't count on this type of aid from the most prestigious schools, however. There are also some national fellowships available. Information about these is available at Career Services. See also the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships: www.upenn.edu/curf/fellowship.html. For further information: American Society for Public Administration National Academy of Public Administration Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs Back to Professional Masters Main
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