ACADEMICS
Master of Public Policy Program (MPP)
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Johns Hopkins has designed a fresh, innovative approach to policy studies that builds on past experience but adapts it to the new policy realities of the 21st century. We emphasize analytic thinking throughout the curriculum, from applied statistics and microeconomics to the policy process and policy implementation. And the program embeds those skills in the concept of citizenship, linking questions of ethics and values to policymaking. Courses are designed to prepare students for involvement in the critical decision-making required in the development of public policy in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.
The Hopkins MPP program stands out from most public policy programs in several major respects: a balance of quantitative and qualitative courses; close contact with core faculty; courses reflecting current and often path-breaking research; enrichment through the involvement of scholars and practitioners from overseas; and the opportunity for master's candidates to produce a research- or practice-oriented thesis.
If you have questions about the Masters in Public Policy, please contact us.
Five-year Bacherlor's of Arts/Master's Degree Program in Public Policy
Each year the MPP program accepts a limited number of Hopkins undergraduate students into its BA/MA program in public policy. Students take core public policy and administration courses on the Homewood campus in their senior year and fulfill an area of concentration requirement in a fifth year at Hopkins. The program is rigorous and requires a GPA of at least 3.0, strong writing skills and a demonstrated interest in public policy issues. Because of the demands of the program, students must complete virtually all requirements for their undergraduate major before beginning their senior year.
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The regular Master’s degree program in Public Policy (MPP) requires two years of study beyond the Bachelor’s degree. Hopkins undergraduates accepted into the BA/MA program from majors such as economics, political science, sociology, or social and behavioral sciences will complete their BA in the normal four years while beginning study for the MA in Public Policy no later than the fall of their senior year. They will complete the Master’s degree requirements in the fifth year.
The MPP is a two-year multidisciplinary degree that equips students with the analytical skills required to understand public problems and develop policy responses. The program is small by design, affording students extensive opportunities to interact with faculty in classes, seminars, research and teaching assistantships, student thesis research, and academic and career advice. The MPP Program also offers: (i) training in policy analysis, program evaluation and implementation, (ii) location within a University-based research institute, which provides opportunities to work on policy research and technical assistance projects, (iii) a curriculum combining strong analytic courses and a focus on the evolving concept of citizenship and the moral dimensions of policy choice, and (iv) preparation for careers in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.
Each MPP student takes a core of nine required courses. In addition s/he elects an area of concentration such as environmental policy, health policy, international affairs, social welfare policy, the nonprofit sector, and urban and regional development. In the area of concentration, the student does an internship (typically in the summer between the years of study), takes several elective courses, and has the opportunity to produce a Master’s thesis.
Applications are due February 1 for admission the following September. Applicants for the BA/MA program must submit:
- a completed application form and personal statement
- two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a faculty member in the student’s baccalaureate
- department (the latter not only making the recommendation, but acknowledging that the student can fulfill
- both BA and MA requirements on schedule); and
- a resume stressing the applicant’s internships, extracurricular activities, and work experience.
An interview following receipt of the application is also required. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), normally required for Public Policy applicants, is not required of BA/MA applicants.
Application packets are available at the Institute for Policy Studies, Wyman Park Building, 5th floor.
For more information regarding the 5-year BA/MA Public Policy program, please contact IPS.
