What is the Hopkins MPP?
The Master of Arts in Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year, professional degree program offered by the Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies (IPS). Since its founding in 1992, the MPP program has developed a national reputation for excellence. The Hopkins MPP program combines a rigorous curriculum with participation in faculty research on social and urban policy issues and the nonprofit sector.

How is the Hopkins MPP program distinctive?
The MPP program distinguishes itself in several ways. First, we emphasize hands-on research experience as an essential part of the education of a policy professional. ItÆs the only public policy graduate program located in a university-based research institute that provides part-time employment opportunities for students and gives them the chance to apply the skills they are learning to real-world policy issues. Other features that distinguish the Hopkins MPP program are its small size, the close mentoring of graduate students by faculty members, and its strengths in two fields: social and urban policy; and the nonprofit sector.

Does the MPP program focus only on quantitative skills?
Our curriculum strikes a balance between quantitative and qualitative approaches to the analysis of policy problems. While it is essential for students to learn the tools for quantitative analysis, we also recognize that the vast majority of policy problems are not subjected to such elaborate analyses. A key goal, therefore, is to teach students to think analytically, critically, and systematically.

Where do Hopkins MPP graduates work?
Graduates of the MPP program find ready employment in the middle and upper levels of government, and in private and nonprofit organizations. Typical jobs include: program officer for a philanthropic foundation, policy or research analyst at a research institute or government agency, and executive director of a nonprofit organization. Some graduates continue their study in Ph.D. programs. Recent graduates are working at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the Mott Foundation, Public/Private Ventures, Mathematica Policy Research, the World Bank, the Urban Institute, Pepsi Corporation, U.S. General Accounting Office, and Deloitte Consulting.

When is the application deadline?
Applications are due January 15 each year. The Admissions Committee notifies applicants of its decisions by the last week in March. Students who accept an offer of admission then receive registration, housing, and health care information.

What items must I submit with my application?
All applicants must submit the following materials: an application form accompanied by an application fee of $60, at least three letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, official GRE scores, a statement of career goals and why you want to study in this program (1-2 pages), and a resume or summary of your work experience. Applications and fees may be submitted online HERE.

What are the admissions standards?
Applicants must have the equivalent of an American B.A. degree and typically must score 600 or higher on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In addition to college and GRE scores, the Admissions Committee considers relevant work and community experience, career goals, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation, especially those from former professors. International students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and have the results submitted directly to the University. Hopkins requires a minimum score of 560 on the test, and a score of 600 or better is preferred.

Does the MPP program require work experience?
Most MPP students have one to two years of work experience before enrolling at Hopkins. Applicants with little or no work experience typically have completed internships and hold relevant part-time positions.

What is the JHU student body like?
About 1,400 graduate students are in residence on Hopkins' main campus. Currently, 62 students are enrolled in the Master of Arts in Public Policy program, and 8 to 10 international fellows visit the Institute each year. Students come from all parts of the United States and the international community. Approximately 60 percent of students are women; 20 percent are minority students.

What is the tuition?
Tuition for 2006 - 2007 is $33,920. There is a one-time matriculation fee of $500.

Does MPP offer financial aid?
Financial aid is awarded to graduate students who demonstrate intellectual promise in the field of policy studies through past academic performance, GRE test scores, previous relevant work experience, and a compelling personal statement. Tuition scholarships and research fellowships are available to qualified students. Low-interest loans and work-study assignments are awarded by the Financial Aid Office of Johns Hopkins University. Research assistantships pay $13-$15 an hour for 15-20 hours of work per week.

Does MPP require an interview as part of the application process?
Although an interview is not required, we recommend that applicants visit Hopkins and meet faculty and students if possible. Contact Carey Borkoski (410-516-4624 / cborkoski@jhu.edu) to arrange a campus visit.

May I speak to a current student or a recent graduate?
Yes. We will be glad to have a student or an alumnus talk with you at your convenience. Please contact Contact Carey Borkoski (410-516-4624 / cborkoski@jhu.edu) for a list of participants.