personal statement mpp

Sample Public Policy Personal Statement (Harvard, Brown, Erasmus Mundus)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following essay is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in public policy (MPP). Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Brown University, Harvard’s Kennedy School, UC Berkeley and Erasmus Mundus scholarship program. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in public policy should look like.

Related Personal Statement:  Sample Public Administration Personal Statement (MPA)

Here is the example personal statement for MPP

I grew up in Monrovia. People here are resourceful and hardworking, but many live in crushing poverty with little opportunity for upward mobility. Like many rural towns in Liberia, the overwhelming needs of the public are neglected by paradigmatically dysfunctional bureaucracies. So when I was in high school, I thought getting a degree wouldd lift me beyond my humble background. But a strange thing happened while I was doing my undergrad. I found that many people around me, including my professors, were using their education to improve the lives of people living in places like Monrovia.

As a result, education became about empowerment – giving me the language to diagnose social issues. It gave me the understanding to recognize fulcrum points in political hierarchies and the skills to research, propose, and implement strategies for improving social policies. Finally, it gave me the heart and the will to take on the difficult task of making a better life for Liberians in need.

My goal is to become a policy analyst for the government. This position would allow me to promote and implement innovative educational, health, and social welfare policies. I have looked at many schools, but I have found very few that seem as aptly suited to my educational goals as Brown. The course offerings support specialization while allowing room for meaningful electives. Institutions and Policy Making is exactly that kind.

I need to expand my theoretical and practical concepts of social policy and welfare in developing countries. Most impressive to me is the number of faculty who are not just teachers but policy practitioners. For example, Professor John Tyler’s work on returns to education is impressive and shares themes with my thesis research: Economics of Education. In addition, I believe the diverse university culture at Brown will promote my concepts of global culture, practices, and ethics.

A graduate degree is essential to my goal of affecting multiple dimensions of policy in Liberia. I have worked on this goal from the beginning of my undergraduate degree. During my first few semesters, I realized how a shortage of skilled professionals inside public offices had undermined Liberia’s development for a long time. I saw that policy framework serve as ‘paradigms,’ dictating a country’s growth and development rules. I looked for courses that could build on this understanding and help me formulate realistic ideas for improving the status quo.

Courses on policy issues explained how unequal growth patterns in a country could destroy class mobility and quality of life. Economics provided an area of study that brought all these social and political factors together in one implementable philosophy. The more I learned, the more I saw how a small innovation could go a long way in places like Monrovia. I also began to understand that properly implementing this support is key to its success.

I found many others who shared my interests in the Economics department during my undergrad, including Dr. Mishu Pati and Dr. Cmeha Konaya. Both Professors are extremely active in their field, contributing cutting-edge research in trade and education policy, healthcare, and governance. I was immediately impressed with the scope and focus of their ideas. However, only after a few semesters of academic exposure and experience with internships, I realized the most impressive aspect of their work: it was theoretically impressive and implementable.

Working with Dr. Mishu Pati, I discovered my passion and appreciation for research. As a result, I completed three major research projects during my undergraduate degree. Each addressed a unique and important aspect of economic policy across various social influences. First, I studied inefficient pricing mechanisms in the wheat industry that translate into inflated prices. Furthermore, as part of my thesis, I studied economic returns to secondary education, especially regarding the acquired human capital and associated externalities that have a bearing on social well-being. Finally, the most influential and accomplished study allowed me to work with the Trade Development Authority of Liberia (TDAL) to improve export statistics for sanitary and phyto-sanitary handling of citrus fruit. Upon the conclusion of this project, my findings were presented to the officials at TDAL.

After graduation, I started working with Dr. Nakhai Abramozid, an esteemed Public Policy professor in Liberia. As a Research Assistant, I am currently studying livestock micro-insurance, a concept still developing in Liberia that requires the attention of academics and practitioners. Micro-insurance provides low-income families with risk-averse methods to increase their financial independence and fosters growth in their enterprises. Therefore, I was especially excited when I discovered that there are currently only two pilot projects in Liberia.

My RAship analyzes these pilots and advises potential micro-insurance providers and other stakeholders. This experience has allowed me to stay connected with policy practitioners and academics by ensuring continued interaction in the field of Public Policy. It has also put me at the forefront of a developing policy that is beginning to show a lot of promise.

Since I have kept a clear direction and set of goals throughout most of my undergraduate degree, I have been able to do a lot to develop and grow my understanding of public policy, research, and ethics. I have undertaken extra responsibility whenever possible and focused my education on my goals. And yet, imagining all the experiences, classes, and projects I will be able to undertake at Brown University makes me feel like I still have so far to go.

Nevertheless, the holistic skill set developed in the Public Policy program will allow me to pursue my goals. I want to be equipped with a deep understanding of policy analysis, project management, financial management, and technology integration. I wish I had more opportunities to talk with you about the difference Brown would make in my education and the difference my education can make to the underserved people in Liberia.

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Breaking down the MPA/MPP personal statement, personal essay, and supplemental essay

Essays for graduate study cover a myriad of topics. Here at SPIA, we hope our essays help reflect and speak to our culture, our community, and our values—the stuff we care about. We require a variety of essays and short answer written responses, and each serves a slightly different purpose toward helping us to understand the academic and professional trajectory of each person as well as the motivation for graduate study at Princeton. No one thing is determinative in our process or application; we read each file individually and holistically, and admissions decisions are based on the totality of information in the file. 

The personal statement should answer the prompt and include an explanation of one’s commitment to a career in public service. We are interested in a clear description of the policy areas of interest to you and why you care about them as well as how your previous academic, personal, and professional experiences have shaped your career goals. We want to know why you want to enroll at SPIA, what you hope to gain from our program, as well as your career plans in terms of policy issues and agencies or organizations you wish to work with and why. We are looking to understand Why Princeton. Why now. And what’s next.

SPIA’s supplemental essay has long been the part of our application where we ask you to go beyond the other dimensions of the file and where we seek to get to know you on a more personal and individual basis. We all come from somewhere and it shapes us – both in who we become and what we value. We’re interested in your story and what shaped you. What do you value? This essay often helps us to further understand the person behind the paper.

This year, the Graduate School introduced the personal essay . The announcement of this essay reaffirms Princeton’s strong commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It provides applicants an additional space to describe how their academic interests and life experiences will help them contribute to Princeton’s scholarly community. We hope to further understand how you will contribute to our tight-knit and vibrant campus community.

We understand there may be some similarities and overlap in how you interpret and write each essay. Our hope, of course, is that each essay will reveal something new and that each provides space and opportunity to translate through as rich and as full a description of your background, goals, and aspirations as possible. 

Through each of them, we are looking for you to tell us your story in the way that only you can.

5 MPA Personal Statement Tips for Driven Applicants

Most graduate degree programs require applicants to submit a statement of purpose, sometimes called a personal statement, along with their other application materials. The statement of purpose is your opportunity to tell your story, describe your motivations, and explain why you would be a good candidate for the program. 

But as a future Master of Public Administration (MPA) student, you must tailor your statement of purpose to your long term career goals specifically in the field of public affairs and public administration. Here are five tips to doing exactly that. 

Make yourself a competitive leader in public affairs; learn more about Cornell’s dedication to career management and professional development within the MPA program.

MPA Personal Statement Tips

When it comes to graduate school admission, the personal statement represents your chance to truly shine.  In addition to providing a tremendous opportunity to convey the quality of your writing to admissions committees, the personal statement allows you to highlight your purpose for pursuing graduate studies."   Thomas O’Toole Executive Director of Public Affairs Programming at the Cornell Brooks School

From specific motivations for applying to exploring your goals in public affairs, here are a few tips to submitting a fantastic statement of purpose . 

1. Be specific about why you're applying to the MPA program

Why is this the right time for graduate study for you .

You have many graduate programs to choose from — and there are myriad MPA programs to choose from across the country as well. For this reason, It is important to detail specifically why you are applying to the MPA program of your choosing: what aspects of the program are you drawn to? Why do you think you are a good fit for this MPA program in particular?

Be specific and really dive into your personal reasons for wanting to join the MPA program you are passionate about and be sure to include details regarding what you will contribute to the community at large

2. Make it personal to your unique experiences

Knowledge, skills, and abilities you will bring to enrich our community (why are you the right person).

What are your personal motivations for obtaining an MPA? What personal experience have inspired you to pursue a mission-driven, impactful career in public affairs ? These are incredibly important questions to answer within your personal statement as they provide context for what is going to drive you throughout your time in the program and beyond.

Detail the kinds of challenges or problems you have encountered during your lived experience and connect those to your dedication to impact societal, systemic change.

3. Describe your long term career goals related to public affairs.

How can the brooks mpa uniquely address your academic and professional interests (why is this the right place).

Within the field of public affairs and public administration, there are nearly countless diverse and dynamic career opportunities. Whether you want to work in environmental , economic , infrastructure , or social policy , there is a public service career for you . 

Take some time to evaluate your long term career goals and describe the specific role or industry in which you want to transform peoples’ lives for good.

4. Include relevant professional experiences that will augment your time in the MPA program.

You will want to highlight your professional accomplishments within your statement of purpose. Be sure to include examples of volunteer work, positions of responsibility, and any other life experiences that have contributed to your interest in public affairs.

In doing so, you will exemplify your dedication to professional development , show your commitment to lifelong learning, and demonstrate how you are well prepared to continue gaining the skills needed to lead in the field.

5. Proofread

You are strongly encouraged to proofread carefully before submitting your personal statement. There are no additional writing samples within the application–this is the best way to show what you are capable of. 

Because public affairs is a writing intensive field, writing quality matters. So this should tell you something about the weight we place on these essays in our overall evaluation.”

Proofread your personal statement multiple times to be sure everything is correct before sending it our way.

6. Be proud; be confident; be passionate.

The field of public affairs and public administration is one of the most transformative fields in existence today. 

Our industry is a deeply ‘human’ field, and the more your passion and motivation come through in your writing, the more success you will have in the application process.” 

Armed with an MPA, you will enter the field with the marketable skills needed to make a difference, and for that reason, you should be excited, proud, and confident in your decision to apply to the MPA program of your choice.

Here’s How to Apply to Cornell’s MPA Program

At the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, we make applying to the MPA program as easy and as accessible as possible. Here are the six steps you need to take to apply.

• Complete Cornell’s Online Graduate School Application . For questions pertaining to any technical issues or errors, contact the Graduate School office at 607-255-4884.
• Submit unofficial copies of your college and university transcripts. Do not send official transcripts to the MPA Program. Before matriculating, all admitted students will be required to submit an official transcript to the Graduate School. Review submission parameters on the Graduate School’s website .
• Submit your résumé and three letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional are acceptable).
• Applicants for whom English is a second language will need to meet minimum scores on either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Required minimum scores on the TOEFL exam are: writing 20, listening 15, reading 20, speaking 22. Our field requirements for the IELTS exam are an overall score of at least 7.0.
• Submit both a Statement of Purpose and an Essay. ( See this page for more information .)
• You will be sent email instructions to participate in an online interview to complete your application.

Check out our recorded webinar about applying to the MPA program!

Jumpstart Your Public Service Career at the Cornell Brooks School MPA Program

You have the valuable opportunity to obtain a Master of Public Administration degree that will prepare you to launch your career in public service. 

Are you ready to take the plunge?

Take the first step in your next career venture by requesting information or starting your online application today. You can also visit our Webinar Library or Resource Library for additional webinar recordings and downloadable guides.

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November 19, 2021

Harvard Kennedy School MPP and MPA2 Application Essay Tips [2021 – 2022]

The essays discussed below are for the  MPP and the two-year MPA  applications. (The MPA/ID and the MC/MPA and Mason’s program have different prompts.)

HKS seeks accomplished, well-rounded master’s students – people with proven academic success, strong leadership and career potential, and “commitment to advancing the public interest.” The school also wants the student body to be diverse. Your application overall will address these factors; the essays provide a valuable opportunity to underscore through specific detail how you meet these criteria and will be a significant contributor during the program and later in your career. Most important, use the essays to weave together these elements into a coherent story and presentation – one that clarifies your path to your public interest goals.

Further, HKS seeks students who embrace change. The website notes, “Our programs will change you. They are changing the world through the outstanding leaders and dynamic ideas that come out of HKS.” This “change” theme is echoed in the mandatory essay questions. Keep this emphasis on change on your radar as you work through your essays. Showing you can change and grow strengthens your credibility for goals that involve driving change externally – i.e., you are not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.

Harvard Kennedy School 2021-2022 MPP & MPA application essay questions

Mpp and mpa mandatory personal history essay.

Diversity of all kinds (race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, physical abilities, political philosophy, intellectual focus, socioeconomic status, geographic and many others) is important to enriching the educational experience at the Kennedy School. Please share with us anything in your background or life experience that has shaped your perspectives and how that would contribute to the classroom and community at HKS.  (250 word limit)

This essay is a lovely opportunity to round out your profile and to show unique and distinctive aspects of your life experience – approach this essay with pride and passion. It has potential to give deeper color to the whole application.

I’ll start with some don’ts: Don’t write a mini autobiography. Don’t talk about your love of travel. Don’t fear to present topics that are often considered no-no’s, like religion and politics (there is of course a right way and a wrong way to discuss such things). Don’t drench the discussion in buzz words and abstractions (the topic of “diversity” has a tendency to bring these out).

Select your topics – anywhere from one to three, as more than that will be too many for meaningful discussion – and root each one in anecdote and example. Consider topics that will  both   expand and enhance your profile  and   support (directly or indirectly) your “case” for admission delivered in the other essays. Add a brief reflection about the contribution, as it’s not the fact that you have a certain type of diversity; it’s the insight and perspective you’ve gained from it that ultimately make it meaningful to the adcom and future classmates.

MPP and MPA expectations essay

Describe a time when you did not meet expectations and elaborate on how the experience changed you. (250 word limit)

The adcom is clearly seeking out people who are able to grow and change – in this case, in response to a failure of some sort. That requires understanding one’s shortcomings related to not meeting expectations. Choose a specific example/story (if well in the past, make sure it’s weighty to justify the distance) and tell the story. And, whose expectations? It could be someone from any realm: a friend, a colleague or work superior, a professor, etc. – or you. “How it changed you” can be part of the story – ideally include some action taken as a result of the change, not just “realized” or “understood” or “broadened perspective.” 

MPP and MPA perspectives essay

Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view.  (250 Word limit)

There’s that word again – change. This time, it’s about a time you changed in response to an experience or interactions (expanding your point of view is also a form of change). And, again, approach the essay straightforwardly, as a story, narrating what happened and your growth as a result of it. If possible, include some action taken as a result of the change, beyond “merely” increasing your understanding in some way. 

MPP and MPA JFK essay

The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service.  (500 word limit)

This is essentially a vision-and-goals question. I suggest a professional focus, though in some cases it could also include non-work plans. Three keys to making this essay work:

• In describing your plans/goals, clarify what “positive change” means to you – it’s easy to forget that it means different things to different people. (I see a lot of drafts of these and other essays talking about making change without any clear idea of what constructive change means to that person.) And cite specific impacts you intend to deliver through your service.  Make it concrete.  These results need not be comprehensive, “save the world” level changes – it’s more realistic, more credible, and probably more interesting to the reader to discuss changes to a given corner of the world, or segment of population, or issue. Show your engagement with and knowledge of the region or issue by employing anecdote and detail.
• Discuss practical aspects – how you envision executing those plans in real terms, focusing on your anticipated leadership and sense of service. Of course, you needn’t have all the answers – that’s part of what the program will help you with.
• Since the question asks you to portray how you’ll do the above “through your public leadership and service,” root the plans in your experience to lend credibility to what you say you will do in the future. Weave in brief examples of public leadership and/or service as a basis for your future efforts.

Essay for MPP applicants

The MPP curriculum is designed to broaden students’ perspective and sharpen skills necessary for a successful career in public service through a rigorous set of courses that draw on the social sciences but are adapted for action. Please describe how the MPP curriculum at HKS would leverage your distinctive abilities and/or fill gaps in your skill set as you equip yourself to achieve your career goals. (500 word limit)  

You’ve delineated your career vision and plant in the JFK essay. Based on these goals, what are your relevant distinctive abilities and your skills gaps? Don’t just cite these facts; provide brief examples or anecdotes of at least some and make specific how they relate to your goals. It’s an opportunity to strategically showcase some of your experience. Finally, describe how the MPP program will enhance your existing abilities and fill in the gaps – always in the context of your goals, keeping in mind the practical nature of the program: how it will help you leverage your strengths and gain requisite skills/knowledge to effect desired change.

Essay for two-year MPA applicants

There are many pathways one can pursue in order to make a difference in the world. Why is the MPA Program at HKS an appropriate pathway to achieving your goals?  (500 word limit)

Here too, your goals cited in the JFK essay will be the starting point: they create the need to learn certain things and the conditions to benefit from certain opportunities. So, first, identify the gaps in learning that you must fill to realize your goals and also the opportunities that would be helpful in realizing your goals (such as access to certain types of people or challenge to move past reflexive thinking). Then  detail how the HKS program meets these needs and offers these opportunities . This “how” can include all manner of things about the program, depending on your needs: curriculum structure and/or content, professors, special programs, classmates, extracurricular clubs/programs, partner groups/programs, etc. The key is to be specific and to link the elements you cite to your goals, learning needs, and/or broader professional growth and development.

Optional essay question (MPP & MPA)

If you have any concerns about your prior academic, professional, or personal background that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee, please provide an explanation.  (250 word limit)

This optional essay question specifically instructs you to write the essay only if there are concerns about your background. If you do need to use it, write a succinct, straightforward explanation. If you have evidence that academic under-performance does not reflect your true ability, add a sentence stating that point with the evidence (e.g., maybe you did poorly overall in college, but in your last semester earned straight A’s).

Harvard Kennedy School 2021-2022 MPP & MPA2 application deadline

Source: Harvard Kennedy School website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Related Resources:

• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Grad School Statement of Purpose , a free guide
• Harvard Kennedy School: An Interview with Admissions Director Matt Clemons , a podcast episode
• Different Dimensions of Diversity , a podcast episode

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MPP How to Apply

Mpp admissions timeline.

The MPP admission cycle begins in early September, when the MPP application for the upcoming August intake becomes available. Between early September and the January 5 th deadline, applicants should engage with our admissions team, complete and compile the mandatory application materials, and proactively contact their 3 recommendation writers so as to give them sufficient time to write their letters of recommendation.

• The MPP application deadline is January 5 th at 5 pm EST.
• The program distributes admission decisions in mid-March, via the application system.
• Enrollment confirmations are due April 15 th at 5 pm EST.

A Completed Application Includes:

Your personal statement should have a clear narrative and should be “more” than just a reiteration of your transcripts and resume. In your personal statement, please describe:

• how your professional, academic, personal, and lived experiences have shaped you and inspired your interest in public policy
• why you are interested in obtaining a master’s degree in public policy
• what your professional goals are upon graduation 
• how the Sanford School of Public Policy and Duke fit into those goals

Your personal statement should not exceed 1500 words.

Resumes should not exceed two printed pages. In addition to your professional and academic experiences, applicants should highlight relevant skills, accomplishments, awards, and honors.

Applicants must have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree (we will review three-year international degrees based on the European Ministers of Education, Bologna Declaration). As part of the application, you will upload your undergraduate transcript(s) with the degree posted, along with all other transcripts from other colleges and universities previously attended.

Note: transcripts uploaded t0 the MPP application are considered "unofficial", as applicants are uploading their own copies; unofficial transcripts are sufficient for application review. If admitted to the MPP program, enrolling students will be required to submit official transcripts as part of the summer onboarding process. For a transcript to be considered official, it must come directly from the issuing institution directly to the Sanford MPP Program.

As part of the online application, applicants will provide the names and email addresses of three recommenders. The application system will email recommenders with instructions for completing and uploading their letters of recommendation online.

Good letters of recommendation show that the writer knows the applicant, their ability, and their character well. Note: first-hand knowledge of the applicant supersedes the letter-writer’s title. For applicants with fewer than two years of work experience, we recommend two academic and one professional recommendation. For applicants with three or more years of work experience, we suggest one academic recommendation and two from work-related professionals. Applicants with four or more years of work experience may include three work-related references.

Applicants should ensure that all three recommendations have been submitted by the January 5 th deadline. We encourage applicants to proactively ask their recommenders at least two months before the January 5 th deadline. This will give recommenders sufficient time to craft and submit their letters of recommendation.

We will not process applications until we have received all three recommendations.

GRE (optional):  As of Fall 2020, the GRE is optional. Applicants may choose to submit GRE scores for consideration, but they are not required.

To submit optional GRE scores, please use the Duke University Institution code – 5156.

English Proficiency Test: For applicants whose native language is not English, proof of English proficiency must be submitted as part of their MPP application. For proof of English proficiency, our applicants have the option of submitting scores from the following tests:

• Duolingo (minimum score of 130; scores of 140 or higher preferred)
• TOEFL (minimum score of 100; scores of 110 or higher preferred)
• IELTS (minimum score of 7; scores of 7.5 and higher preferred)

To submit TOEFL scores, please use the Duke University Institution code – 5156.

English Proficiency Testing Waiver: Applicants qualify for an exemption from the proof of English proficiency requirement if they satisfy any of the following:

• Applicants who hold citizenship/permanent residency in a country where English is the sole, official language of the nation, and who have resided within that nation for at least 10 years.  
• Applicants who have received/will receive a four-year, undergraduate degree from an accredited university in the United States.  
• Applicants who have received/will receive a four-year, undergraduate degree from an accredited university where English is the sole language of instruction. The program retains the right to request additional documentation from the institution to confirm that English is the sole language of instruction.

Our application software will automatically recognize countries where English is the sole, official language of the nation and will not ask for further material. For applicants in the remaining two categories, please contact our admission office ( [email protected] ) after submitting your application, and our office will manually waive the requirement on your application.

Dual Degree Applicants:  For applicants applying to a dual degree program, if the partner program requires standardized test scores (LSAT or GMAT), applicants may also upload these scores to their MPP application as supplemental material, if so desired.

Our application will provide applicants with a question to be answered in real time. Applicants will have the opportunity to test their computer equipment, to make sure they are able to record the video introduction using a webcam. Once applicants have confirmed they are ready, a prompt/question will be shown. Applicants will have 60 seconds of preparation time, and then will have up to 3 minutes to record their answer. Applicants do not have to use the entire 3 minutes. The questions range in topics, but are general in nature. The system allows for up to three re-recordings, but new questions will be provided each time.

Please note, this video introduction is required, and is a separate application component from the optional curated video essay.

Please prepare a short video (one-minute maximum) to inform the admissions committee who you are as person. The video must be of the applicant (if there is more than one person in the video, please clarify which person is the applicant). You might consider sharing a lived experience, or an aspect of your personality that is not captured by standard application questions, or your unique perspective on a policy topic.

Upload the video to a website such as YouTube and provide the URL within the application. If using YouTube, we suggest using the  “Unlisted Video” setting  so only individuals who have the URL can view it. We are unable to watch videos that come in any form other than a URL link and do not accept videos sent by email or DVD.

The application fee is $80 USD. We accept Visa or Mastercard (debit/credit). We do not review applications until we have processed the application fee. We offer application fee waivers to applicants from four specific partnerships: Pickering Fellows, Rangel Fellows, PPIA Fellows, and Truman Scholars. Contact  [email protected]  prior to submission to request your fee waiver. Barring these four partnerships, we do not offer application fee waivers.

Deadline: January 5th

The application deadline is  January 5th  at  5 pm EST.  This deadline includes receipt of all application materials, all 3 letters of recommendation, and the $80 application fee. 

Applications open in September.

• Enter the application portal
• Click on "Start New Application"
• Select  Sanford School of Public Policy 2025 .

For additional information, please visit our  FAQ section .

Additional Information

If you are a Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program Applicant, you must:

• Indicate your Peace Corps service dates, country, and description of service on your resume
• Upload a copy of your Description of Service (DOS) within the online application.
• If you have not received the DOS, you should submit it no later than 14 business days after it is available.

To be eligible for the Coverdell Program, you need to have completed your Peace Corps service satisfactorily:

• You have completed the full two-year tour of Peace Corps service or the full tour minus up to 90 days if you returned home on emergency leave, or
• You were granted an “Early Close of Service” or an “Interrupted Service” due to circumstances beyond your control, or
• You were medically separated

We do not offer application fee waivers for Paul D. Coverdell Fellows applicants but do offer guaranteed tuition fellowships for accepted Peace Corps alumni.

Our admission offer is only for the year specified in the letter of admission.  We do not allow applicants to defer an offer of admission to a subsequent academic term or year. You should submit your application during the academic year before your desired year of attendance ( i.e. by January 5, 2024 to start in August 2024 ).

Dual degree applicants (JD, MEM, and MBA) begin the MPP program in the first year of academic study. Prospective candidates should coordinate in advance with their JD, MEM or MBA program to ensure that they may begin the MPP program in that first year.

The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report include institutional policies concerning campus safety and security, as well as statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Duke University property and on public property adjacent to campus and fires that have occurred in residence halls.

A copy of this Report can be obtained by contacting the Duke Police Department at 684-4602 or writing to 502 Oregon Street, Durham, NC 27708 or by accessing:  https://police.duke.edu/news-stats/clery

Policy & Equality - Antonio's story

Before grad school, Antonio Butler MPP'23 was working for a faith-based organization helping disadvantaged students apply to college. But he soon began to think that, as a country, "we can't educate our way out of all issues." That realization led him to pursue a policy degree. "My goal is to see at least one day in the U.S. where racism—and sexism, homophobia, etc.—doesn’t exist. If I only get one day, that’s worth fighting for," he says.

Policy & Environment - Matthew's story

Matthew Vining MPP'23 chose Sanford because he is passionate about environmental issues, especially issues linked to social and human health outcomes. He completed an internship at the Environmental Protection Agency in Research Triangle Park. He said pairing his classroom studies with an internship at the EPA was invaluable. "At the end of the day you're designing solutions that will be used by the community - by humans. I'm excited to be a part of that," he says.  After graduation Matthew took a position as a policy analyst at Atlas Public Policy.

School of Public Policy

Solutions for the Region, Solutions for the World

Admission Requirements

The MPP Admissions Committee uses a holistic approach when reviewing a candidate’s file for admission. Our holistic approach includes multiple indicators such as the candidate’s past academic performance and professional profile, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. The committee also considers leadership and work experience, internships, and volunteerism, but it is not required for admission. The committee carefully reviews and considers all of these indicators in selecting successful candidates. 

Application Requirements

To apply, you must complete an online application through the UCR Graduate Division website . Applications for Fall 2024  are now open (more information available on the Graduate Division website). You will be required to provide:

• Students with less than a 3.0 GPA are still encouraged to apply
• 3 letters of recommendation
• The personal statement and statement of purpose are an opportunity for the admissions committee to learn about your interest in public policy, goals for the future, and how your experience (e.g., personal, work, volunteer, leadership) has prepared you for the MPP program. Each statement should be about two pages in length, double spaced, and included as attachments.
• Courses in Statistics, Economics, and Political Science are strongly recommended, but not required 
• GRE is not required
• TOEFL or IELTS scores - for international students only

Download the Graduate Application Guide to assist you in submitting a complete graduate application.

Important Dates

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall. January 5th, 2023 is the priority deadline to be considered for funding.
• GRE not required
• Info Sessions

Attend admissions events such as college fairs and information sessions where you can learn more about our MPP program:

• Recruitment Fairs

Apply for the MPP program via the UCR Graduate Division website

FAQ: Admissions & Application

Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their last two years of coursework (Junior & Senior years). The admissions committee uses a holistic review in determining an applicant’s eligibility for admission. Students that may be slightly lower than the 3.0 GPA are still encouraged to apply as the committee will also take into consideration: letters of recommendations, personal statement, statement of history, reasons for pursuing public policy, and prior work/volunteer/internship/research experience.

No. Students are strongly encouraged to complete a course in Statistics, Economics, and Political Science to be better prepared for program curriculum.

No. If you have taken the exam, students are encouraged to submit their scores as part of the admissions review process.

Statement of Purpose: Goals and Qualifications

The statement of purpose allows you to address specific interests with respect to the program to which you are applying. The following information should be included in this statement:

• Explain how your interest in public policy developed. Why are you wanting to pursue an MPP?
• Think about what you would like to do post-graduation. Do you want to work in a non-profit? Do you see yourself working for the public sector whether it be with an elected official, city, county, state government, or working with a special district? What do you see yourself doing?
• Talk about, and provide examples of policy issues, that you are passionate about and why?

Statement of Personal History

In an essay, discuss how your experiences — personal, work, volunteer, leadership, — have prepared you for the MPP program. Have there been any issues that have adversely impacted your academic performance?

Please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.

Applications for the fall term will be available online on October 1. The priority filing deadline (to be considered for a higher funding package) is January 5th . The program will continue to accept applications after January 5th on a rolling basis. Please connect with the Program Coordinator to inquire about the deadline, post-January 5th.

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp/tuition-and-fees

While many Master programs typically do not provide funding to students, we are able to provide a small amount of funding to students being considered for admission. The average financial package is approximately $12,000 + one quarter of employment. Financial packages can take one of three forms.

• Fellowship support
• Employment-based aid: Teaching Assistant or Graduate Student Researcher
• A combination of the above: Fellowship + employment

While we can provide some form of financial support, students are still taking out loans. For more information on graduate student loans please visit the Financial Aid website.

Students will need to provide the name and contact information for a minimum of three recommenders, one of which needs to be a faculty member. Students may list more than three recommenders, however three is the minimum.

Your recommenders will receive an email asking for them to upload their letter of recommendation. Please ensure that your recommenders email address is correct. If your recommender indicates they did not receive the email, please have them check their Junk folder

Students will need to upload their unofficial transcripts and a copy of their resume.

International students, please see the documents (transcripts, degree certificates, and English-translations) that need to be submitted at the time of application submission.

Students will need to contact the Graduate Division to request an application fee waiver. Please visit the Fee Waiver page for additional information.

All students whose first language is not English and who have not earned a bachelor’s degree equivalent, at an institution where English is not the language of instruction are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS exam scores. Please visit the Graduate Admissions website for score minimums.

https://graduate.ucr.edu/apply

FAQ: Program and Campus Information

The MPP program is designed to be completed in two-years. Students will take 12 units (3 courses)/quarter for a total of 72 units.

No. Students need to be enrolled full-time (three courses/quarter).

No. The degree program is fully in-person.

Through Spring 2025, courses are taught Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m..

Beginning in Fall 2025, courses will be taught Monday through Friday, mostly during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp/alumni

The MPP program does not have concentrations. Students are encouraged to take their elective courses from a broad variety of areas: environmental policy, urban policy, health policy, education policy, and social justice and policy.

https://housing.ucr.edu/

https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp/capstone-projects

https://spp.ucr.edu/student-success/internship-program

Prospective Student Chats

Have questions on the admissions process, application, MPP program? Book an appointment to speak to our Student Affairs Coordinator to have all your questions answered. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments and will be held via Zoom. Book your appointment today via Zoom Scheduler ! 

For More Information

Please contact [email protected] .

Master's application checklist

Online application.

The University of Michigan strongly encourages all applicants to apply online. The applications for the master's of public policy and the master's of public affairs are available through the Rackham Graduate School website . 

We are no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2024 term. The application for admission for the Fall 2025 term will open in September.

Program selection:  The Master of Public Policy (MPP) code is 00416 and the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) code is 02292. Indicate whether you are applying for a combined degree or submitting multiple applications with another department.

Five supporting documents to be submitted

Five supporting documents are required for all applicants. Application materials must be received by January 15 for admissions consideration.

Read our five top tips for completing your master's application to get started!

The academic statement of purpose should be a concise essay about your professional and academic goals (500 words). The admissions committee is interested in how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. The academic statement is uploaded on page 9 of the application under the section titled "Program-Specific Information."

A personal statement is also required for all applicants (500 words). This statement is meant to convey how your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree. The personal statement is uploaded on page 10 of the application under the section titled "Additional Essay and Information."

Both essays provide an opportunity for the applicant to convey to the admissions committee information that cannot be found in transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, or resumes. Essays should clearly explain the applicant’s reasons for wanting to pursue a Master of Public Policy, areas and questions of interest, and why the Ford School, in particular, is the best place to pursue these objectives. Applicants should be mindful that the statements are not only an opportunity to demonstrate their strong interest in public policy, but also to demonstrate their ability to communicate succinctly and clearly.

2. GRE test scores or quantitative resume (MPP only)

At the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, we believe that our admissions policy should be comprehensive, equitable, and inclusive. Our values dictate that we recognize the significant financial investment that students make in coming to our program; we owe it to them to do all we can to ensure that they’re positioned to succeed. The GRE score is just one of many data points that help us consider this question holistically. GRE scores are used to help build a broad picture of the fit between program and applicant, and to help understand the support needs of each matriculating student as we prepare for them to succeed in statistics, program evaluation, economics, and other core MPP coursework. The Ford School is committed to the success of the students we admit, starting with Springboard , a three-week summer program in quantitative reasoning and data analysis that we recommend to admitted students who need a longer quantitative on-ramp to prepare for starting the MPP.

Applicants to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program should either submit GRE test scores or demonstrate their readiness for our curriculum by submitting a quantitative resume as described below. 

GRE scores are valid for up to five years after your test date and must be submitted from ETS directly to the University of Michigan using institution code 1839. You do not need to use a department code. Students with current GMAT scores may substitute these scores for the GRE. Students who are applying for a dual MPP/MD or dual MPP/JD degree may substitute MCAT or LSAT scores.

Optional GRE Statement 

The admissions committee will consider GRE scores in the context of the entire application file. We invite applicants to provide information in the additional information section of the application to contextualize their GRE scores.

Quantitative Resume

As part of our holistic approach to admissions, the Ford School understands that prospective students may feel strongly that their personal, professional, and academic experiences can speak to their ability to succeed in the Ford School’s coursework. To that end, we offer an opportunity for prospective students to submit a quantitative resume in lieu of standardized test scores. This resume can include:

• Quantitatively intensive college-level coursework. The resume identifies a quantitatively oriented undergraduate major and/or multiple courses taken at the undergraduate or graduate level in statistics, economics, calculus, or social science research methods. List the name of the course, where it was taken, the grade received, and a short description of what content was covered.
• Work experience with a significant quantitative or analytical component. The resume identifies paid or volunteer work experience involving substantial data analysis, such as program evaluation or data-oriented research. The resume should identify the duration of this work experience, specific analytical skills that the applicant has learned, proficiency with statistical software, use of data visualization methods, etc. 

Update (10/26/2023): If you plan to apply within the next few weeks, please send your quantitative resume to us directly at [email protected] . Otherwise, an option to upload a quantitative resume should be available on the application within four weeks.

GRE Fee Reduction Program

Educational Testing Services (ETS, the company that owns the GRE), provides the GRE Fee Reduction Program. This program can reduce the GRE General Test registration fee by 50%, or $100. Additionally, those who register for the General Test will also receive free access to GRE test preparation materials which include two practice tests and a writing practice test. 

U.S. citizens or resident aliens who are college seniors or unenrolled college graduates who meet eligibility requirements, and who plan to take a GRE test in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may be eligible for the Fee Reduction Program. We encourage students to learn more about the Fee Reduction Program, and to contact ETS with any questions regarding the program. 

3. Resume or curriculum vitae

A current resume or curriculum vitae must be submitted. Applicants who apply online should attach this under the section asking for a resume. The resume is uploaded on page 8 of the application under the section titled "Employment History; Resume and Financial Assistance."

4. Letters of recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required and should reflect the academic and, if relevant, job capabilities and experience of the applicant. We encourage applicants to submit letters of recommendation electronically— please see the online application for instructions . If you have any questions or difficulty submitting your letters of recommendation, please email [email protected] .

5. Transcripts

All applicants: Please upload an official or unofficial transcript with your online application in ApplyWeb. You may also upload additional transcripts from any other institution you attended. Please note that if you wish to submit more than one transcript, you will need to combine them into one document to upload.

An official transcript from your undergraduate degree-granting institution must be submitted to Rackham Graduate School only after an offer of admission is made. Visit this link for information on how to submit an official transcript to Rackham Graduate School.

International applicants

International students must submit additional documentation with their application. Please see our International Applicant Materials for full requirements.

Dual degree applicants

Dual degree applicants may need to fill out additional documentation as well. Please see our Dual Degree Applicant page for information.

More information

For prospective students, please use this  calendar  to schedule appointments.

Have any questions?

Dustin Castro

Associate director, recruiting and admissions.

Logan Corey

Senior recruiting coordinator.

Zach Marentay

Admissions officer, student & academic services.

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

• Entry requirements
• Funding and costs

College preference

• How to apply

About the course

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is an intensive one-year taught degree course that offers a distinctive approach to learning about public policy. It is a transformative opportunity for current and future leaders with a commitment to public service. Taught by outstanding academics as well as expert practitioners you will be uniquely positioned to develop academic knowledge and professional skills to address some of this century's most complex public policy challenges.

The MPP begins with a carefully planned programme of activities during the induction period which provides an introduction to policy making and advice on how to derive the greatest benefit from the MPP experience. The curriculum for the rest of the course is delivered via a series of lectures, seminars, case studies and workshops across three terms, and the summer project which is an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned through the programme in a public policy context.  

Policy challenges are becoming more complex every day and public leaders need to be able to use expertise from different specialist fields to find innovative solutions. For this reason, the curriculum integrates insights and approaches from a diverse range of academic disciplines and also includes modules delivered by leading policy practitioners. 

The current curriculum includes the following compulsory modules:

• Evidence and Public Policy
• Foundations (Philosophy and Public Policy)
• Law and Public Policy
• Policy Challenge I
• Policy Challenge II
• The Politics of Policymaking

You can also personalise your learning to meet your professional needs by choosing from a number of options as well as deepen your professional and practical skills through modules such as negotiation, communications, private finance and design thinking. You will also get to further sharpen your skills and exposure to real world policy challenges through a six-eight week summer project. It is expected that MPP students will be fully committed to their studies and take responsibility for their active participation in all aspects of the programme.

Alongside teaching, which can include lectures, case studies, workshops and seminars, you are encouraged to learn from each other, for example by forming study groups and arranging student-led talks and events. You will also be expected to undertake some self-directed study, including required and supplementary readings and case studies. In the case of required readings, you are expected to have read these in advance of the class to which they are assigned. The course page on the school's website provides further information about the course .

Public Policy 1+1 programme

You may also opt to apply for the MSc in Public Policy Research at the same time as applying for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) as part of the  Blavatnik School 1+1 programme . This two-year programme enables you to be accepted onto both degrees at the same time.

In order to be considered for the Public Policy 1+1 you must submit separate applications for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the MSc in Public Policy Research in the same admission cycle. You should follow the instructions in the  How to apply  section of each course page, paying particular attention to the personal statement and written work requirements for each course. You should state clearly that you wish to be considered for the Public Policy 1+1 programme in your personal statement.

Supervision

It is recommended that all students meet with their supervisors at least once a term. The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Blavatnik School of Government and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming students to work with a particular member of staff.  Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Blavatnik School of Government.

Your learning will be assessed for each module in a variety of ways. Current methods include examinations, open-book assessments, essays and in-class testing of a more practical nature.

Graduate destinations

The MPP prepares you to become a change-maker. The skills you acquire on the programme will enable you to find and use evidence effectively, communicate effectively, and make key decisions whether in government, non-governmental organisations or the private sector. You will learn to view uncertainty as opportunity and recognise the benefits of change, as well as recognise and respect the diverse range of perspectives you may encounter and work with.

Our alumni are exceptional achievers and change-makers who share a commitment to improving public service. Please see our Alumni website . When you join the school, you also join an incredible and lifelong community of peers, and an alumni network spread across the globe. These connections serve as powerful reminders for all of us of our shared commitment to public service and our desire to make a real difference in the world. Our alumni hold senior public sector positions in every global region, and include a UAE minister; elected representatives in Panama, Brazil, Ukraine, Canada and Mongolia; and senior civil servants across the world. Many more work in multilaterals and the third sector, including those who have founded NGOs.

In addition, students can benefit from the Blavatnik School’s professional skills programme and in conversation events with leading public policy and political figures, as well as access one-to-one careers advice at the University's Careers Service, which is very close to the Blavatnik School.

The MPP is a degree for professionals that trains people to hone their skills in policy making and analysis and is not designed to prepare you for research-based courses of study, such as the DPhil in Public Policy .

Successful graduates of this course may also progress to the  MSc in Public Policy Research as part of the  Blavatnik School 1+1 programme , provided that successful applications to both programmes were made in the same admission cycle and that all the requirements of the Blavatnik School 1+1 programme (shown on the programme page ) were met.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline. 

Applicants should have an outstanding academic record with exceptionally high academic results throughout, or should show an impressive upward trajectory in performance. This may be further evidenced by scholarships or prizes awarded because of academic abilities/achievements or glowing academic references ranking you at the very top of your peer group.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is usually 3.7 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

You may also submit scores from a standardised test such as the GRE, GMAT or LSAT, though these are not required to complete your application. 

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

Publications are not expected.

Commitment to public service

In addition to academic and analytical ability, applicants are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment to public service. You should demonstrate an ethos of public service evident in the trajectory of your chosen career path, whether this be in the public, private or NGO sector, and/or an outstanding record of achievement in volunteering. This ethos and commitment should also go beyond your own life and demonstrate that you are able to show regard for others in the broader community, and recognise why the perspectives of others might differ from your own.

Evidence of leadership and impact

Applicants should also demonstrate an ability to lead and have impact in their chosen field through devising or initiating projects which are innovative in nature and lead to real and lasting change. This does not necessarily need to be shown through traditional leadership positions. You should bear in mind that leadership often requires enabling and empowering others to succeed. Sometimes the highest-impact work is also the quieter work which takes place behind the scenes, facilitating the more visible contributions of others. These qualities of leadership, drive and entrepreneurialism may be demonstrated through voluntary, professional or other activities.

There is no preferred background for the MPP and applications are welcomed from all academic disciplines and professional backgrounds. Prior full-time or part-time professional experience is viewed favourably, because of the ways in which it can develop and enhance commitment to public service and evidence of leadership and impact.

Please note, in considering applicants’ achievements and their suitability for a place on the MPP, the Blavatnik School of Government takes a holistic approach and a range of contextual factors, looking at each applicant’s individual circumstances, will be taken into account.

Further guidance

• There are no age restrictions on the MPP and you are not required to come with prior professional experience. However the majority of successful candidates often bring at least a year or two of professional experience, if not significantly more. 
• The MPP is an applied degree and students will not be taught in-depth research skills. It will not prepare applicants directly for progression to research-based courses such as the DPhil in Public Policy. 
• In order to be accepted onto the DPhil applicants will be required to have completed a degree that provided the research training and skills necessary for their intended DPhil area of study. For more information on the DPhil entry requirements please see the DPhil in Public Policy .

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application, including references and an official transcript. See 'How to apply' for instructions on the documents you will need and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.

Any offer of a place is dependent on the University's ability to provide the appropriate supervision for your chosen area of work. Please refer to the ‘About’ section of this page for more information about the provision of supervision for this course.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed on academic merit and potential, according to the published entry requirements for the course, and evidence relating to commitment to public service and leadership and impact. The  After you apply  section of this website provides  further information about the academic assessment of your application , including the potential outcomes. Please note that any offer of a place may be subject to academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions may vary depending upon your individual academic circumstances.

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• Socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot on selection procedures  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• Country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• Protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Further information about processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  information about using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

After an offer is made

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer letter will give full details of your offer and any academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course.  In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any relevant, unspent criminal convictions before you can take up a place at Oxford.

At the Blavatnik School of Government there is a dedicated MPP study area as well as additional study spaces elsewhere in the building, some of which can be pre-booked.

Students also have access to the student common room, in addition to the communal facilities such as the café and the Inamori Forum. The school runs an extensive range of events and brings public policy leaders to the school to inspire and mentor students. 

The Blavatnik School does not have its own library because most reading material is made available electronically. However, students can choose to study in a number of the University’s many excellent libraries as well as at their college library. 

The Blavatnik School benefits from its own ICT team, which provides support and advice to students. Students are expected to bring their own laptop.

Students are strongly encouraged and supported to organise their own peer learning and social activities. 

Blavatnik School of Government

The Blavatnik School of Government is a global school committed to excellence in leadership and public policy education and to pursuing a vision of a world better led, better served and better governed.

Founded in 2010, the Blavatnik School is one of the newest and most vibrant departments of the University of Oxford and it has already developed an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching and research.

It fosters a dynamic programme of policy-relevant and academically excellent research that has the potential for positive, real-world impact. Through innovative graduate courses, it brings the latest research and practice right into the classroom so that you can be a part of discovering and advancing knowledge on the cutting edge of public policy challenges. 

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is an intensive one-year graduate degree, taking a broad view of how public policy is made, implemented and evaluated at local, regional and global levels. The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Public Policy offers an opportunity to pursue academically rigorous research on a policy-relevant topic and can be taken full time over three years or part time over six to eight years. The MSc in Public Policy Research is a one-year graduate degree, offering training in the applied research skills needed to produce impactful research and inform public policy decisions. The Public Policy 1+1 programme combines, first the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and second, the MSc in Public Policy Research. Candidates will receive individual awards for each of the two programmes. 

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The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the school's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

If your application is successful, you will be asked to pay a deposit against your course fees at the application stage as a condition of your offer. The deposit amount and date by which payment must be made are shown below.

The department's website provides  further information about deposits for this course .

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of your course requirements, there may be costs associated with the summer project, depending on the type and location of the placement, such as travel and accommodation expenses. You can find out more about the summer project on the Blavatnik School of Government website. You will need to meet any additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from the school or your college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

If you are applying for the Public Policy 1+1 programme and wish to state a college preference, you will need to choose a college from the list of colleges that accept applicants for the Public Policy 1+1 programme.

Master of Public Policy

The following colleges accept students for study on this course:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Exeter College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Jesus College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Mansfield College
• New College
• Nuffield College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Antony's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Wycliffe Hall

The following colleges accept students for this course when studied as part of the Public Policy 1+1 programme:

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

Completing your application.

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents . 

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Referees: Three overall, academic and/or professional

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

References are invited to evaluate the applicant’s achievements within the selection criteria of academic and analytical excellence, commitment to public service and leadership and impact. It is recommended that you seek out referees that are familiar with your achievements and who can provide substantial personal evidence in support of your application.

You must submit at least one academic reference from your current or most recent institute of study. The other two may be either academic or professional but each must speak to your analytical ability and suitability for the course.

Current master’s students, or those who have completed a master’s degree, are required to submit a reference from their supervisor or course director on the master’s programme. If you do not provide an academic reference that meets the criteria listed above, you will be asked to do so before the assessment of your application can be completed.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

A CV/résumé is compulsory for this course. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.

Personal statement/statement of purpose: A maximum of 800 words

Your personal statement must be structured as follows, and answer all the questions below:

• What motivates you to apply for the MPP? Why is it critical for your next steps in public service? (200 words)
• Outline your career plan for the next 5-10 years and explain how your work will serve others and drive positive change (200 words)
• Describe the most significant and impactful work you have done. What could you have done differently to be more impactful? (200 words)
• Describe a situation where you had to lead a project and/or a team. What was the outcome and what did you learn from the experience? (200 words)

In your answers to the above, please be as specific and detailed as possible.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

You may also use your personal statement to explain any special circumstances relating to any element of your application that you wish to bring to the attention of the assessors.

If you would like to be considered for the Public Policy 1+1 programme you should state this clearly in your personal statement (in addition to making a separate application for both courses). You will need to upload a separate personal statement specific to each application when you apply. Details on what should be included in each personal statement can be found in the How to apply section of each course page.

The personal statement should be written in English and will be used to assess:

• your commitment to public service
• evidence of proven or potential leadership and impact
• general suitability for the MPP programme.

Written work: Two essays, one of a maximum of 1,500 words and one of a maximum of 400 words

You must not submit work which was produced in conjunction with others. You should also appropriately reference your work, using the  university’s guidance on referencing .

The word count must be adhered to and listed at the end of the body of written work. The total word count should exclude any footnotes, annotations or bibliography used.

Reflective policy essay (maximum 1,500 words)

You are required to submit a reflective policy essay based on the following brief:

• Write about a situation you experienced where a lack of good policy and/or poor implementation created an undesirable outcome (300 words)
• Write an analysis from the perspective of a public servant, citizen or commentator – whichever you feel is closest to your experience – of what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and propose recommendations that would produce better outcomes going forward (1,200 words)

This must be entirely your own work and written in English.

If you are applying as part of the Public Policy 1+1 programme, please note that the documents required to apply for each of these two programmes are different. Please make sure you refer to the ‘How to apply’ instructions on both course pages for further information on the application requirements.

Public service essay (maximum 400 words)

You are also required to submit a short essay relating to public service. The Blavatnik School cares greatly about nurturing people who want to commit fully to public service. Your second piece of written work should therefore give us an example of a situation where you have demonstrated this and how you plan to further your commitment in the future.

This written piece will be assessed for evidence of your commitment to public service and your ability to articulate the contribution your work has made and the impact it has had.

Detection of plagiarism

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. All published and unpublished material, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition. Plagiarism may be intentional or reckless, or unintentional. The test for determining if plagiarism has taken place is quite simple: has material been included in this piece of work without adequate referencing? If the answer to this is ‘yes’, then plagiarism has occurred. Therefore, when taking information from a source it is important that the source is fully acknowledged.

Plagiarism and collusion are serious offences and in order to protect the credibility of the application process applicants are required to submit an electronic copy of their work. All applications are put through plagiarism detection software to identify applicants submitting an application that is not their own original work.  More information about plagiarism  can be found on our plagiarism page. 

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply

Applicant feedback

The Blavatnik School of Government receives a very large number of applications and enquiries each year. In the interest of making the admissions process as impartial and fair as possible, it is not possible to offer feedback to some candidates when the privilege cannot be extended to all. Therefore, the department cannot provide individual guidance on suitability for the course, but would rather encourage you to read the selection criteria carefully and judge for yourself whether your application would meet them.

Each year is a separate admissions cycle and being unsuccessful in one year does not necessarily mean that an application would also be unsuccessful in the next.

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 5 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2024-25

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Blavatnik School of Government

• Course page on the school's website
• Funding information from the school
• Academic and research staff
• Current students and alumni
• Research  at the school
• Social Sciences Division
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 614343

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Other courses to consider

You may also wish to consider applying to other courses that are similar or related to this course:

You can study this course as part of our  public Policy 1+1 programme , combining the Master of Public Policy and MSc in Public Policy Research.

Oxford 1+1 MBA

You can study this course in combination with our MBA, as part of our  1+1 MBA programme .

People & Community

Research & Impact

Career Services

Apply to the MPP

The Fall 2024 UC Berkeley Graduate Application is closed and we are no long accepting applications.  

MPP and MPP/Concurrent Application Deadline for Fall 2024 Admission: December 4, 2023 at 8:59 PST.                                                                  

- All application materials, including Letters of Recommendation and official GRE, TOEFL or IELTS test scores are due on December 4, 2023 by 8:59 PM PST. Failure to submit required materials by the deadline will cause your application to be incomplete. 

- After submitting your application, you will receive an email from UC Berkeley's Graduate Admissions Office confirming your submission. You may log back into your application to monitor the status of materials received or processed, such as fee waivers, test scores, and letters of recommendation.  - We will not accept applications after December 4th. There are no rolling admissions; MPP students are admitted for the fall term only.

- Admissions decisions are typically sent in mid-March via email. 

Please visit our MPP admissions FAQs page for answers to commonly asked questions and be sure to add  [email protected]  to your email contacts. Messages from the MPP Admissions Office will be sent from this address. 

Basic Admissions Requirements for UC Berkeley Graduate Applicants

• a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
• a satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and
• enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field 
• evidence of English Language Proficiency (only for applicants from countries/regions in which the official language is not English); for more information about the TOEFL/IELTS requirement or exemption eligibility, please visit Berkeley Graduate Division's  Evidence of English Language Proficiency Guidelines  and our  TOEFL FAQs for more details.

Fall 2024 MPP Application Checklist

Before starting your application, please review the following application checklist and instructions specific to applicants for the MPP or MPP/Concurrent degree programs. If you have any questions about the items on this checklist, please contact the MPP Admissions Office at [email protected] .  The MPP Admissions Office offers virtual advising appointments for Fall 2024 applicants who would like to connect and discuss their application questions. For more details about office hours and admissions events, please visit our Resources for Prospective Applicants page.

Policy Statement of Purpose

Please follow the instructions below for the (Policy) Statement of Purpose essay. These instructions supersede the instructions from the general Statement of Purpose section on the online application.

MPP Applicants -- For the Statement of Purpose, please follow the Policy Statement of Purpose prompt below and upload your essay to the "Statement of Purpose" section of the onling MPP Application.

MPP/Concurrent Degree Applicants -- because concurrent degree applicants are essentially applying to two programs through one application, they must submit two statement of purpose essays (one for each program). For the MPP, please submit your Policy Statement of Purpose through the "Program Page" section of the application. Your statement for the other program should be submitted under the "Statement of Purpose" section. Please be mindful of any essay prompts that may be required for your second essay. For additional instructions visit  Applying for Concurrent Degree Programs .

Instructions: The Goldman School of Public Policy welcomes applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds and with a variety of career aspirations. Some of our students have had prior experience in the realm of public policy; others have not. It is helpful to us to know more about your background, your motivation, and your long-term goals than cannot be inferred from your records and references. We would appreciate you helping us by supplying a brief statement of 3-5 pages, double-spaced.

Please address these areas:

The Present: Why do you want to take an educational program in the analysis and management of public policy?

The Past: What experiences or activities bear on your qualifications for this program, e.g., research papers, study groups, job responsibilities, policy or political projects? How do these experiences relate to your decision to undertake the study of public policy analysis and management? If you have been out of school for a year or more, please indicate the positions you have held and your major activities.

The Future: What kinds of work and activity would you like to engage in following graduation, and what are your long-range career objectives?Please supply whatever information you think may help us to understand your candidacy more fully.

Personal History Statement

The Personal History Statement is a required part of the UC Berkeley graduate application. Consider this as your personal introduction to the admissions committee.

In your Personal History Statement, please describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. In this section, you may also include any relevant information on the following:

How you have overcome barriers to access in higher education, evidence of how you have come to understand the barriers faced by others, evidence of your academic service to advance equitable access to higher education for women, racial minorities, and individuals from other groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, evidence of your research focusing on underserved populations or related issues of inequality, or evidence of your leadership among such groups.

Although there may be some overlap, please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Policy Statement of Purpose. The Personal History Statement should focus on your personal history/journey, where as your Policy Statement of Purpose should focus on your academic and professional experience.

There is no page length requirement for the Personal History Statement. However, this essay is generally 1-2 pages, double-spaced.

Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) letters are required but we will accept up to four (4) letters. Your letters should be a combination of academic and professional or all professional. You will be prompted to invite recommenders to submit letters on your behalf through the online application.

The most helpful letters are from persons who have supervised the applicant's work in either an academic, employment or community service capacity, who can evaluate the applicant's intellectual ability, creativity, initiative, leadership potential and promise in the field of public policy.

Note: Letters of Recommendation are due on December 4th. Please stay in touch with your recommenders to ensure that your letters are submitted on time. Applications without three letters will be considered incomplete.

Transcripts and Grade Point Average (GPA)

Please upload unofficial transcripts from all universities or colleges attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, study abroad, and extension programs. Transcripts should list the name of your undergraduate institution and degree conferral date. Unofficial transcripts for any in-progress coursework during the fall semester or quarter should be forwarded to [email protected] immediately after the course concludes.

**Official transcripts will be required only for admitted students who accept admission.**

Required records from international institutions

You may submit academic records in one of two ways:

1) In addition to unofficial transcripts,  please upload degree certificates/diplomas with evidence of degree conferral and/or applicable translations. Academic records should be issued in the original language and accompanied by English translations unless the institution issues original documents in English. English translations are required for all languages except Spanish; degree names and grades should be transliterated, not converted to English words or the U.S. grades of A-F. If your home institution does not issue documents in English, you may submit translations prepared by certified translators from the American Translators Association or the Ministry of Education.

2) If you earned your basic/bachelor's degree outside of the United States, you may upload a copy of your World Education Services (WES) International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) evaluation as your unofficial transcript/academic record for that institution. The WES ICAP must include verified copies of your official basic/bachelor's degree transcripts and degree certificates.

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You will be required to enter both your Cumulative Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA), and your Advanced GPA into the "Grades" page of your online application. Primary weight will be given to the Advanced GPA, however, your entire academic record will be evaluated. We do not require the major field or intended field of study GPA calculations.Your cumulative GPA should appear on your undergraduate transcript. Calculate your Advanced GPA using an online GPA calculator tool and enter it as a value between 0.00 and 4.00. If your GPA is not based on a 4-point scale, leave these fields blank. This may be the case for many international applicants. If your GPA is not on a 4.0 scale, please be sure to submit a transcript that includes a grading key.

GRE Requirement

Applicants have two ways of meeting the GRE requirement for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle (please pick one):

1) by submitting official valid GRE scores reported via ETS

2) by submitting a Quantitative Resume

Note: applicants who choose not to submit GRE scores are required to submit a quantitative resume. The purpose of the quantitative resume is to provide the admissions committee with additional information on your quantitative proficiency in the absence of official GRE scores.

*No preference will be given to either option. Do not submit both.*

Quantitative Resume

The quantitative resume will highlight your quantitative experience in an academic and/or professional setting. Please upload your quantitative resume to the "Program Page" section of the application as a PDF.

Please include within it:

A list of up to five (5) quantitative courses (math, statistics, calculus, microeconomics, and physical or social science methods) taken in college as part of your undergraduate degree. Applicants with quantitative undergraduate majors should focus on courses that are most relevant to the MPP curriculum.For each course, please include (1) the course name (2) the school where the course was taken (3) semester/quarter and year the course was completed (4) grade received and (5) a short course description or summary of major concepts covered.Note: we will also accept college-level coursework completed after undergraduate studies from a community or 4-year college or an online institution. 

Description of experience using quantitative methods in an academic and/or professional environment (paid, volunteer, or internship). This may include regular work tasks and/or substantive projects completed. Please address any analytical skills acquired (e.g. use of data analysis software, data visualization tools, etc.)

Some of the information included in your quantitative resume may overlap with your traditional resume; it is fine to include it in both. Uploading a duplicate copy of your traditional resume will not fullfil the requirement.

For more guidance on how to draft your quantitative resume, please review  Tips for Writing Your Quantitative Resume .

Scores dated before August 2018 are no longer valid. GRE scores are due the same day the application is due. It may take several days for your scores to be received and matched to your application electronically. To ensure you meet the application deadline, you should take the GRE by no later than early November. Our institution code is 4833 (Graduate Programs). Reservations for the GRE exam should be made in advance through: The Education Testing Service (ETS) at  http://www.ets.org/gre . 

English Language Proficiency

All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This requirement applies to institutions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asian countries, most European countries, and countries in Africa in which English is not the official language.

There are two standardized tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

For Fall 2024, tests taken before June 1, 2022 are considered invalid even if your score was reported to Berkeley. Use institution code 4833 (Graduate Programs). You may sign up for the TOEFL at  http://www.ets.org/toefl . 

As an exception to the TOEFL, UC Berkeley also accepts the IELTS exam. All IELTS scores must be sent electronically from the testing center, no institution code is required. Tests taken before June 1, 2022 will not be accepted. Your most recent overall Band score must be at least 7 on a 9-point scale.

The address for identification purposes is: University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division, Sproul Hall Rm 318, MC 5900, Berkeley, CA 94720.

Please do not mail any score reports.

*GSPP does not offer TOEFL/IELTS waivers, however some applicants may qualify for an exemption. Please review UC Berkeley's exemption criteria HERE .

Resume (Work Experience)

Please upload a current resume reflecting your work experience, education, and other relevant information. There is no page limit for the resume. Your resume should be submitted under the "Supporting Materials" section of the on-line application.

GSPP believes work experience adds tremendous value to class discussions and helps students to develop a context for problem solving and policy analysis. Although GSPP does not require work experience for admission, it is strongly recommended and encouraged. On average, incoming students have at least three to four years of full time work experience after completing the undergraduate degree. 

Writing Sample (Optional)

Submitting additional writing samples, including publications or presentations is not required. The Policy Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement will serve as primary writing samples for all applicants.

Addendum (Optional)

Please complete this section if you wish to address any specific personal issues that have adversely impacted your academic performance and/or any aspect of your application.

Application Fee

The application fee for U.S. citizens and current permanent residents is $135. The application fee for all other applicants is $155.

Application Fee Waiver

To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must be a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident who demonstrates financial need or participated in certain programs.

Undocumented students in the US may be considered for an application fee waiver if they demonstrate financial need. Visit Prospective Undocumented Graduate Students for additional information.

Please see the Graduate Admissions  Fee waiver eligibility page to find out if you qualify for a waiver exemption. 

Eligible applicants must submit their fee waiver request through the online application portal. Our department cannot process or grant fee waivers. No exceptions.

Note: Fee waiver decisions will be posted on your application status page after submission of the application. Please direct questions to the UC Berkeley Graduate Admissions Office at [email protected] .

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Thursday, June 13 at 12:00 PM (ET)

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Tuesday, June 11 at 12:00 PM (ET)

Master of Public Policy

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is the industry standard among public policy professionals. It emphasizes the analysis of data and other relevant information to assess public problems, develop appropriate policy responses, and evaluate program effectiveness. Northeastern University’s MPP program is dedicated to developing policies that create more just, equitable, and resilient cities.

With the option to take courses online, on campus in Boston, or on campus in Arlington, this degree allows students to exchange diverse views, consult with faculty, and work collaboratively no matter where they are in the world. MPP graduates enter careers as policy analysts, researchers, consultants, program evaluators, and policymakers in a broad range of public, nonprofit, and private sector settings.

“I chose the MPP program because public policy decisions affect every part of our lives, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of affecting policy change on principles of equity and improving the lives of underprivileged, underserved communities. . . .The MPP program allowed me to better understand the nuances of policy creation and the factors that prevent or spur policy development.” Katie Kalugin, MPP ’18

Northeastern MPP at a Glance

• Take courses online, on campus in Boston, or on campus in Arlington, or a combination of all three
• The upcoming start date is September 4, 2024 .
• Courses taken at Northeastern University outside of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities are subject to different tuition rates.
• Complete an optional concentration or certificate of specialization

Master of Public Policy Overview

The Northeastern MPP takes a practice-oriented, research-based approach. Students build a toolkit of essential skills in analysis, evaluation, statistical, economic, and decision-making. They also gain advanced technology skills, including Big Data analytics, data visualization, programming languages such as R and Python, GIS applications, and artificial intelligence. In addition to technical skills, the MPP program prioritizes social, economic, and racial justice to equip students with the people skills that employers ask for.

All of our MPP courses incorporate real-life case studies and we partner with public and private organizations to offer on-the-job training through co-op, capstones, and internships.

Students can choose to take all courses online, on campus in Boston, or on campus in Arlington. They can also mix and match modalities. All online classes are offered asynchronously and all on-campus courses take place after 5 p.m. to accommodate employment and co-op opportunities.

Learn more about completing your degree in Boston, in Arlington, or online.

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

As a professionally oriented graduate program, the MPP develops leaders for a changing world through:

• Coursework that combines methodological rigor, diverse analytical tools, and real-world relevance through applied policy projects (e.g., program evaluations, field research)
• Policy-relevant internships and co-ops with real-world employers plus opportunities to work with faculty on applied, participatory, and action research that’s community engaged
• Team-based capstone projects that deliver actionable advice to a range of local and regional clients

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions
• Identify and explain the institutional, structural, and political contexts of policymaking
• Employ analytical tools to collect, analyze and interpret data, including appropriate statistical concepts and techniques
• Anticipate in and contribute to the public policy process
• Communicate results of analysis and interact productively with diverse audiences
• Assess policies, research methods, and practices using a social justice lens

Master of Public Policy Admission Requirements

• Completed online application
• Application fee ($100)
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three letters of recommendation

Applicants to the MPP program are not required to submit GRE scores.

Visit our admissions page for more details about application requirements, tuition, and financial aid.

“Northeastern is an exciting and dynamic place, and we attract students who reflect that.” Alicia Sasser Modestino, associate professor, School of Public Policy & Urban Affairs and the Department of Economics

Program Curriculum

The Master of Public Policy at Northeastern consists of 40 semester hours and can be completed in as little as 1.5 years (4 semesters as a full-time student). Our online and on-campus modalities include the same core courses and are taught by exceptional faculty with extensive experience working for public policy organizations, government agencies, private sector enterprises, and nonprofits.

The MPP is designed for students whose career goals are to analyze problems, strategize and devise policy options, assess the impacts of the alternatives, and advocate for effective solutions.

The curriculum focuses on developing competencies in statistical analysis, research methods, policy analysis, and program evaluation. Our courses teach students to think strategically and act ethically. MPP courses include:

• Techniques of Program Evaluation
• Techniques of Policy Analysis
• Research Methods in Social Sciences
• Statistical Analysis
• Economic Analysis for Policy and Planning
• Strategizing Public Policy
• Capstone in Public Policy and Urban Affairs

Visit our MPP curriculum page for more information, including a full course list with descriptions.

Choose a Concentration or a Certificate

Students who would like to target specific areas of expertise can add an optional concentration or earn a specialty certificate alongside their public policy master’s degree.

Concentration Options

• Healthcare Management and Policy
• Sustainability and Climate Change Policy

Certificate Options

• Computational Social Science
• Information Ethics
• Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change
• Security and Resilience Studies
• Urban Analytics
• Urban Studies

Find out more about these customization options .

Experiential Learning: Real-World Experience for Real-World Impact

Our experiential learning opportunities are a hallmark of Northeastern’s graduate programs in public policy. The co-op is our signature program, where students earn graduate credit for full-time work at a partner organization.

The MPP requires a capstone project with a real-world client, and students can also learn experientially through internships and partnerships with research labs and centers. Students also get practical experience throughout their coursework with case studies, small group exercises, applied projects, action research, and more.

Visit our experiential learning page for more information.

Master of Public Policy Careers

This program equips graduates with the conceptual, analytical, and methodological tools necessary for rewarding careers as policy analysts, researchers, consultants, program evaluators, and policymakers. Our goal is to prepare students to be effective in a dynamic and increasingly diverse professional environment. This includes assisting students in every possible way to secure internships, post-graduate employment, and career advancement.

NU graduates work in a broad range of public and nonprofit settings, ranging from local to international, and in the private sector.

Learn more about salaries and careers with a Master of Public Policy degree.

100% The job placement rate of the 2021–22 graduates of Northeastern’s MPP program

Interested in a role focused on the management and implementation of public policies? Northeastern also offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) . To compare the degrees, view our article on the differences between an MPA and MPP .

Get Started Now

Fill out the form to learn more and download a brochure about Northeastern University’s Master of Public Policy .

You can also email [email protected] or call us toll-free at +1 877.377.2739 or at +1 617.655.6736 to talk with one of our admissions counselors.

Northeastern University has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus . Privacy Policy . You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

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In this Section

Get started, connect with us.

• alternate_email [email protected]
• call +1 617.655.6736
• call +1 877.377.2739 (toll-free)

• Resume and Essays

In This Section

• Degree Program Prerequisites
• Application Fee
• Letters of Recommendation
• Academic Transcripts
• Standardized Test Scores
• Reapplying to HKS

All of our master’s degree programs require that you submit your résumé and at least four essays, which vary by program.

A résumé is required of all applicants. This document should highlight the following information: employment, including titles and dates (months and years) for each position, job responsibilities, reason for any gaps in employment history; academic degrees, achievements, and honors; volunteer, public service, and political work; recent leadership experiences; extracurricular activities (months and years) and interests.   

MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY

The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service. (500 word limit)  

The MPP curriculum is designed to broaden students’ perspective and sharpen skills necessary for a successful career in public service through a rigorous set of courses that draw on the social sciences but are adapted for action. Please describe how the MPP curriculum at HKS would leverage your distinctive abilities and/or fill gaps in your skill set as you equip yourself to achieve your career goals. (500 word limit) 

Personal History Essay  

Harvard Kennedy School believes that academic excellence and personal growth rely on engaging with varied perspectives, embracing our unique differences, and relishing healthy debate. Please share how you would contribute to the vibrant and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit) 

adversity Essay 

Describe a time when you faced adversity or a significant challenge to achieving your goals, and how navigating through this shaped your educational or career trajectory. (250 word limit) 

Perspectives Essay 

Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)  

Optional Statement 

If you have any concerns about your prior academic, professional, or personal background that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee, please provide an explanation. (250 word limit) 

MASTER IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

International development essay.

Discuss your decision to choose international development as your professional career. Also, explain how developing your analytic skills relates to your career in development. (750 word limit) 

Leadership Experience Essay

Describe an event or experience in which you exercised a significant decision-making, management, or leadership role. (750 word limit) 

Public Policy Essay

Describe a public policy or public management problem related to international development and analyze a range of solutions. (750 word limit) 

Personal History Essay

Harvard Kennedy School believes that academic excellence and personal growth rely on engaging with varied perspectives, embracing our unique differences, and relishing healthy debate. Please share how you would contribute to the vibrant and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)

MASTER IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Two-year mpa essay.

There are many pathways one can pursue in order to make a difference in the world. Why is the MPA Program at HKS an appropriate pathway to achieving your goals? (500 word limit) 

MID-CAREER MASTER IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Career goals essay.

Submit a statement that discusses your career goals, as well as the factors that led you to select the Mid-Career MPA program as a means of furthering your personal and professional goals. Be as specific as possible in describing how your expected course of study will enable you to build on your prior professional experience and achieve those goals. (500 word limit)  

Professional Contribution Essay

The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee how you have created positive change thus far in your most substantial professional leadership and/or public service role. (500 word limit)   

JOINT DEGREE AND CONCURRENT DEGREE

An essay response in addition to the program essay prompts is required for those submitting a separate admission application to a joint or combined partner program. If an applicant is applying to both a joint degree program partner school (HBS or HLS) and a combined degree partner school, the text of the essay prompt is the same. 

Applicants should note that only MPP and MPA/ID applicants are eligible to apply to the HBS and HLS joint programs. 

If an applicant is applying to varied joint/concurrent professional programs (e.g. law and business) the prompt will only be displayed once and it is up to the applicant to determine how best to respond. For those applying to different programs, for example law and business, it is wise to address both types of programs, but it would not be necessary to address each individual school.  

Joint or concurrent degree program essay  

Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership across the United States and around the world, so people can lead safer, freer, and more prosperous lives. How will a joint/concurrent degree enhance your pursuit of this mission? (400 word limit)

SOP & LOR

SOP for Public ...

SOP for Public Policy: How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Masters in Public Policy (MPP)?

Aspirants with a background in economics, law, finance, philosophy, management architecture, and other public policy related majors can apply for Masters in Public Policy (MPP). Here, a statement of purpose for public policy will play an important role in the application to some of the top public policy schools like Harvard.

This is because these schools assess student’s capabilities like critical thinking and creativity through writing samples along with problem-solving and decision-making skills evident from your portfolios. Similarly, other key capabilities can be highlighted and substantiated through your statement of purpose for masters in public policy.

So how can one design an impressive SOP for public policy program? Let’s discuss that at length and understand the intricate facets of a good statement of purpose for public policy.

What can lead an SOP for masters in public policy to be rejected right away?

Ans. Plagiarism and poor syntax can get your sample statement of purpose for masters in public policy rejected.

What is the best writing style of an SOP for masters in public policy?

Ans. Conversational writing keeps the narrative engaging. So, write your SOP effectively maintaining a positive tone.

How many SOPs to write for Public Policy?

Ans. Each university requires a separate and original SOP. Hence, you need to write a different sample statement of purpose for masters in public policy for every university you’re applying to. Along with SOP, Universities require program-specific writing samples as part of applications.

How to save and submit your SOP?

Ans. SOPs have to be uploaded in PDF as part of the applications. This makes your SOP look professional and eliminates the possibility of any formatting inconsistencies. Universities may also provide forms to paste contents of SOP as part of applications with or without the option to upload it.

How to Draft an SOP for Public Policy?

To structure your public policy statement of purpose examples properly, brainstorm, free-write, and collect your thoughts. Your SOP should be a dive into relevant life experiences, academic and professional background (if applicable), career goals, co-curricular activities, volunteering/community involvement, and more.

So, refer to the effective guidelines and draft a stellar sample SOP for public policy.

Introduction

What motivated you to choose public policy as your interest? What is the strongest experience that led you to choose this field? For example , how witnessing the living conditions of your domestic help appalled you enough to question the policy structure of your government, making you dive into the research of policy issues, and eventually leading you to pursue a career in the same.

• Write your introduction with an attention-grabbing experience that is suggestive of your journey into the field.
• As another way, you can also begin with a research problem statement that you consider exploring in your future master's program.
• The reason for this is that some universities directly want a research proposal in the form of an SOP.

Second Paragraph

Following the introduction, build a paragraph discussing relevant academic and life experiences that have supported your interest. How has each of these experiences pivoted your thought process, streamlined it, or altered it?

• Here, you can discuss relevant undergraduate experiences or courses in which you developed a particular interest.
• For example, you must have developed an interest in interior public policy or behavioural sciences.
• Do write about a few course specifics and how these led you to develop your portfolio and inspired you to work on projects relevant to public policy.
• You can discuss interesting projects you have worked on or relevant co-curricular experiences worth sharing. Make sure that your experiences align with your interest in the Public Policy program you’re applying for.

Third Paragraph

If you have faced any setbacks in your academics, this is the place to mention them. If you just made the cut or have lesser scores, you can mention that here.

• Have you faced any other unique challenges or setbacks that have redefined your perspectives or interests?
• How did you overcome these challenges and what is/are the positive outcomes of these experiences?
• It’s essential to reflect on the lessons from these experiences to underscore your resilience.

  Fourth Paragraph

Interested in co-curricular activities? You can discuss all about them in this paragraph. Remember that Universities are interested to know more than just academics. So, go ahead and speak about your hobbies, social work, volunteering, etc here. You can also discuss workshops or certifications which you have taken to upgrade your skills.

Fifth Paragraph

If you have work experience at any organization, add it here. In case you do not have any, you can also discuss your internship experiences, reflecting on your specific learnings and take-aways. Find a knowledge gap in your career and focus on that or the need for you to go for MPP at this stage of your life.

• How has the work experience/s influenced your career goals? Why do you wish to go for a master's now?
• Define your short-term and long-term goals.
• How will the master's program from a specific public policy school help you achieve these goals?
• How does the program align with your areas of interest?

Remember that your conclusion needs to be equally engaging as your introduction. It should leave the reader with a satisfying impression.

• What capabilities equip you to contribute to the University?
• How can you be an asset to the University?
• What activities, clubs, sports, student associations, groups, etc, piqued your interests?
• What diverse experiences do you bring to your future graduate community?

How to Write a Good SOP?

Do’s and Don'ts of a Statement of Purpose for Public Policy

Your SOP for masters in public policy should be truthful, concise, engaging, and well-written. Remember that every experience that you present should be coherent and well connected. This leaves no space for grey areas. Follow these Do’s and Don’ts into your SOP.

Common mistakes in Writing SOPs and Application Essay

Skills to Include in Your Statement of Purpose for Public Policy

Your SOP for masters in public policy should be in-depth and research-intensive. Public Policy is an analytical field of study. The diverse career prospects of this field include the finance industry, consultancy firms, public aid, management, government, and social enterprises.

Therefore, to explore them in future and assure your seat in the University, your SOP should portray these skills to make it unique and appealing then competitors.

• Analytical Skills
• Research Aptitude
• Academic/Research Writing Skills
• Knowledge of Public Policy Specialisation applying for
• Experiential Mindset
• Critical Thinking
• Communicational Skills
• Strong Work Ethic
• Problem-solving

Remove Your SOP Writing Fever!

SOP Requirements of Top Universities for Public Policy

Most universities have similar SOP requirements as part of their respective applications. We’ve shortlisted a few top universities for MPP with their SOP requirements below.

1.    Harvard University

Harvard University does not ask you to present a Statement of Purpose. However, they ask you to present several short essays instead. Following is a tentative list of those essays and their guidelines:

• ESSAY: Write your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service. Keep it within a 500-word limit.
• MPP ESSAY: Describe how the MPP curriculum at HKS would leverage your distinctive abilities and/or fill gaps in your skillset as you equip yourself to achieve your career goals. Keep it within a 500-word limit.
• PERSONAL HISTORY ESSAY: Diversity of all kinds (race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, physical abilities, political philosophy, intellectual focus, socioeconomic status, geographic, and many others) is important to enriching the educational experience. Mention and talk about anything in your background or life experience that has shaped your perspectives and how that would contribute to the classroom and community at HKS. Keep it within a 250-word limit.
• EXPECTATIONS ESSAY: Describe a time when you did not meet the set expectations and elaborate on how the experience changed you. Keep it within a 250-word limit.
• PERSPECTIVES ESSAY: Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expand your point of view. Keep it within a 250-word limit.
• OPTIONAL STATEMENT: If you have any concerns about your prior academic, professional, or personal background that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee, write about them in a precise manner. Keep it within a 250-word limit.

2. University of Oxford

The requirements for University of Oxford SOP as part of Masters in Public Policy Applications are as follows.

• A maximum of 800 words SOP should be written. If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
• You should explain why you want to do the MPP course, how your experience to date prepares you for the course, and how the MPP would enhance your future plans. Please also outline your specific policy interests, the skills, and experience you would bring to the classroom.
• You may also use your personal statement to explain special circumstances relating to the element of your application that you wish to bring to the attention of the assessors.
• If you would like to be considered for the Public Policy 1+1 programme you should state this clearly in your personal statement (in addition to making a separate application for both courses). You will need to upload a separate personal statement specific to each application when you apply. Details on what should be included in each personal statement can be found in the “How to apply section” of each course page.
• your commitment to public service
• evidence of proven or potential leadership and impact
• general suitability for the MPP programme.

3. London School of Economics and Political Science

Your statement for London School of Economics should be typed and in no longer than two sides of A4 paper. There is no fixed word limit, but the expected word count is 1,000 - 1,500 words. In your statement, you  can discuss the following parameters:

• Motivation for undertaking the program.
• Academic interests, strengths and background relevant to the program.
• Areas of specific interest within the program.
• Academic ambitions and/or research interests related to the program.
• Any professional aspirations, and how academic work within the program might help you realise such aspirations.
• Other relevant information, such as additional reading or research, work or other relevant experience that has influenced your decision to apply for the particular program.

As mentioned for the school before, do make sure that your statement should be…

• All your own work. It might lead to cancellation if found otherwise.
• Is well-written, well-structured, and specific to the program applied for.
• Is proofread before being uploaded and only the final correct versions are uploaded.
• Only include that SOP sample which is relevant to your program choice. Additional information regarding unrelated extra-curricular activities, personal achievements or work experience should be included in your CV.
• Have your name and the name of your chosen program in the header or footer of every page.

The SOP writing style for most countries remains the same. However, in the case of program-specific statement of purpose for Public Policy, you can re-engineer the original draft to suit the University/program requirements.

We understand writing public policy statement of purpose examples can be daunting. But don’t worry, Yocket is here to help you comprehend the nuances of an actionable SOP in terms of the format and guidelines. Therefore, choose Yocket premium and bring your study abroad dream to life. Our councellors are transparent with the rules, cooperative, and provide unique services. So they will surely help you succeed!

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Getting Into Grad School: Writing a Personal Statement

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As a first generation student, I had very little in the way of background knowledge when it came to applying to grad school. My chosen school,  McGill’s Max Bell School of Public Policy , was highly competitive, and it took me months to build up the courage to begin my application. Once I started my application, I felt even more lost, and intimidated, by the process.

I needed help. So, I reached out to a community of other first generation students, a group called the  Shoestring Initiative , and asked for somebody, anybody, to offer me whatever advice they could spare.  Elaine Laberge , who went on to become my friend and mentor, kindly offered me her full support. Her support remains something for which I am deeply grateful.

I wrote more drafts of my personal statement than I can count, as I simultaneously worked to format my CV and to collect the needed reference letters. It was the statement, however, that I found the most challenging. How do you summarize your life in 1,000 words or less?

Elaine helped me. She offered words of support, and reviewed draft after draft of my letter. I submitted my application to the Max Bell School of Public Policy on the final day of applications, having wanted every last minute to edit my letter.

I got in. And, I received a scholarship, a much-needed relief after already having taken on debt for my undergrad.

In August of 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I started my studies at the Max Bell School of Public Policy. My first class was taken in my parent’s basement. In July of 2021, I graduated from Max Bell. I was the first of my family to receive a Bachelor’s degree, and in 2021, became the first with a Master’s degree as well.

However, without the support of my family, friends, and community, I don’t think I would have even been accepted, let alone have graduated. Without the generational knowledge of post-secondary institutions, grad school can be far more challenging than it otherwise would be. Even getting in can be needlessly difficult. And so, I want to share my experience in applying to grad school, as well as my actual personal statement, for any other first generation students, or anyone, really, who may be struggling. Below, please see the letter that got me into grad school, a letter that I could not have written without the support of of Elaine, and a letter that, I hope, can support other students. Please feel free to use my letter as a guide for what sort of information to include within your own unique personal statement, and as a framework for what formatting can look like.

Here it is:

Practical policy: On wanting to enact tangible change

In mid-October 2015, the political tensions were reverberating across Canada. I was just a few months too young to vote, and was taking my first ever class on Canadian politics. On October 20th, I went to class, where the historical event of the night before wasn’t even mentioned. No discussion on shifting political ideology, on voter turnout, or on the range of federal policies that would soon be implemented by our new government. When I walked out of that class that day, I decided that it was critical for me to learn more about the tangible ramifications of political theory, versus focusing purely on the abstract. I saw so many problems in the world around me, and desperately wanted to use what I learned in school to find solutions. For me, it was this desire that became the driving force of my university career.

At 19, I was becoming more engaged with activism, specifically around food policy. Eventually, I was hired to manage my campus food bank. I’ve always worked while being a student, and while running a food bank and being a full-time student was difficult, I enjoyed the challenge. While working on a shoestring budget, I fed up to 200 students a day, while also developing food security policy with the University of Victoria’s Student’s Society. It seemed ridiculous that here, in a well-off city, at a well-funded university, we had hundreds of students going hungry. Although I was not in a position to make structural changes, I learned the importance of  in-the-meantime  shifts and small-scale policy solutions. To further support students in a respectful and relational way (i.e., not shaped by a deficit-based premise or perpetuating stigmatization), I led over 10 workshops and events on topics ranging from preparing food while living with a disability, to supporting local food systems to navigating food labels.

At this point in my schooling, I was drawn to the broad-reaching ramifications of political insecurity, civic “disobedience,” and climate change on global food systems. Through an intersectional lens, coupled with my lived experiences of food insecurity, I directly applied this knowledge at work. For me, education was also meant to play a practical role, and I was privileged to hold a job where I could directly apply what I’d learned in class.

Although working full-time, carrying a full course, and honouring my familial obligations occasionally impacted my GPA, in my third year as an undergraduate, I was published for the first time. “She was asking for it: How Canadian media supports rape culture” (2018, p. 12) was written in the wake of the  #MeToo  movement. The article pays particular attention to the deeply biased reporting of sexualized violence committed against Indigenous women. Just as the grassroots  #MeToo  movement was sweeping the world, so too did the Victoria Women’s March sweep Victoria. I played a central role in organizing the event on the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples’ traditional territory, and galvanized city-wide engagement. Alongside a small but dedicated group of volunteers, the march was rounded out by speeches from Indigenous matriarchs, Tsastilqualus Nation representatives, and the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre. The classroom conversations we’d had on feminist theory suddenly felt a thousand times more relevant.

By graduation, three of my academic papers had been published, the food bank had a successful assortment of programs and policies, and I was more engaged with political action than ever. Around this time, I was volunteering with the  British Columbia Council for International Cooperation , working on their program, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Youth Bootcamp. In July of 2019, myself and 19 other young people attended the United Nations High Level Political Forum on the SDGs in order to ensure youth voices were represented at the highest level of policy making. While there, we hosted an event on intergenerational equity at the Canadian consulate, and spoke to the fact that future generations must also be considered in policy making. Intergenerational equity remains a critical lense through which I view policy.

Also in the spring of 2019, just prior to my graduation, I represented the riding of Victoria at an event called  Daughters of the Vote , for politically engaged young women, in the House of Commons. For the first time, I truly experienced politics in action. Upon my return, I immediately applied for a position with Alistair MacGregor, Cowichan — Malahat — Langford MP, NDP. Three days after my convocation, I began work at his constituency office, and later began working on his re-election campaign. I am thrilled to be engaged in learning to navigate the political side of daunting public and social policy issues such as food security, gender equity, and climate change; issues that were critical elements within the local debates, while also bringing sustainable development goals to life on both a deeply localized scale and at the national level. In short, in my current role, my interest in public and social policy continues to flourish. This  is  my passion.

My interest in the Max Bell Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is shaped by my dedication to addressing the concerns that have dominated my life and those of other marginalized individuals, families, communities, and nations: food security, gender equity, and social justice. Part of my values are a commitment to making meaningful and tangible differences to tackle systemic inequality and injustice. Second, the program combines theory with practical skills and effective policy implementation. Specifically, the program offers unparalleled opportunities to create accessible and applicable policies for real organizations within the Policy Lab. Third, I will learn from professors who are practitioners and learn alongside similarly motivated and engaged students. Finally, I firmly believe that I will find a home in the MPP teaching program. It is a place where I can build upon my five years of political and social advocacy and public policy work. Through the program, I will attain the knowledge and skills that I can apply in building a career in social and public policy.

Max Bell School of Public Policy's MPP Program

We prepare students for public policy careers in the government, private and non-profit sectors at the local, national and international levels. Discover our 11-month MPP program and how to apply.

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The Art of Applying®

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Woodrow Wilson School MPA and MPP Personal Statement

posted on November 12, 2015

“Your personal statement should showcase your strengths and provide an overview of your background, goals, academic and professional aspirations, and a commitment to public service. The personal statement should be approximately two to four pages. If you wish to address any weaknesses in your application, it is better to write a separate, succinct, fact-based explanation as an addendum.” You have two to four pages to say what you need to say, which is a wide range and gives you space to work with. Just because they give you four pages doesn’t mean you  need to fill the full four pages. A well written and concise statement is better than filling it the to the max. Let’s start with the last phrase which is critical to this application component, “ a commitment to public service .” Think hard about what your commitment to public service actually is. What they’re really asking is: what draws you to this work?  Why have you chosen to pursue a career in public service? When answering, don’t fall into platitudes, like “I want to serve my country” or “I care about using policy to improve the lives of others.” Go personal. The personal statement is the place where your application comes alive and you become more than test scores and transcripts. If you’re having trouble articulating what it is that really motivates you, sit down with a friend or family member and have them interview you, probing for stories that have influenced you along the way. This should draw out the elements of public service that stimulate you the most, the elements that cause you to want to get up in the morning and work long days. Again, the more personal the better. Show the depth of your personality and the basis for your commitment to public service. “ Goals, academic and professional aspirations . “ This is another section that trips up many applicants. Make sure you’re clear in your goals, that you describe them in a compelling way, and that they make sense, particularly for this program. Academic and professional aspirations may be slightly different from other goals or they may be one and the same; I find it most helpful to think of them all together. One way to tackle this is to lay out 3, 5, 10 and 20 year goals. You may not choose to write about all of them, but it’s a way to think about where you’re going, where you want to end up, and everything along the way. Once you think you have a good set of goals to include in the personal statement, run them by someone else alongside the articulation of your commitment to public service and make sure the two complement each other. Finally, your   talk about your  background . This is just another space Woodrow Wilson is allowing you to tell your story. Hopefully, your answer is linked to your commitment to public service and you can tell them about where you come from and/or what you’ve done academically and professionally. How does what you are saying support the arc, or continuity, of your story? You want the admissions officer reading your statement to get a sense of you as a person, what makes you tick and why. You want to give them facts that support your claims and goals. Don’t regurgitate your resume or your transcripts–they have those in front of them. If you need ideas, mention a job you had or a course you took (only if you have more to say about it). Was it a pivotal time for you? Did it shift they way you thought about something? If yes, then feel free to mention. Finally, think about this: if you had 3 minutes of time in front of the person making the decision about your acceptance, would what you say to sway them? Why you? Make sure to include this in your personal statement. (Note: Contrary to some other programs that may encourage you to address weaknesses in your application in the personal statement, WWS specifically tells you not to do this and instead discuss those in an addendum. Pay attention to this and don’t include this in the Statement. Following the rules is the #1 rule of these applications.) Once you feel happy with the content of your statement, have a few friends read it over to make sure they come away with the message you intended. Ask them what their take-aways were after reading your statement and what they’ve learned about you as an applicant. This will provide valuable insight into how compelling your essay is. After you’ve made any adjustments these conversations generate, next ask 2-3 people (and it could be the same people) to read it over for grammar errors and typos. There is no excuse for these mistakes in your personal statement. Don’t give the admissions officer any reason to discount your otherwise great story! 

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• Master's Admissions

Join a community of leading policy scholars and practitioners committed to making a difference.

We invite you to take the next steps toward joining our community. Our admissions team is here to help you learn more about the School and our programs, understand the application process and answer any questions you have along the way. 

Our Criteria

We are looking for candidates who are passionate about harnessing the power of public policy to make a difference. Policy students are well-positioned to contribute to the leadership of local, state and federal governments, both in the US and internationally, as well as at non-governmental organizations, domestic and international nonprofits and private organizations. We welcome candidates from all majors and backgrounds, and value bringing unique perspectives to the study and practice of policy.

Our admissions process takes a holistic view of candidates and decisions are not based on any one single indicator or application component. Decisions take into account the following criteria:

• Academic history and aptitude, including previous grades received and/or relevant course work completed
• Professional experience and development, including internships, volunteer work, full-time and part-time positions
• Personal statement
• Recommendations
• TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores (if applicable)

Deadlines and Process

Learn more about the application requirements and deadlines for each of our master's programs, and how to apply online. 

• Second funding deadline: February 15, 2024
• Final international applicant deadline: March 15, 2024
• Final domestic applicant deadline: May 31, 2024

Spring 2025

• Application opens July 1

Apply Here: UMD Graduate School Application Portal

Application Process

Applications are submitted to the University of Maryland Graduate School through the graduate application portal . 

Completed applications are reviewed by an admissions committee in the program, and the recommendations of the committee are submitted to the dean of the Graduate School. The dean of the Graduate School makes the final admission decision, and all students seeking to complete graduate work at the University of Maryland for degree purposes must be formally admitted to the Graduate School by the dean.

For further information about the application process, please visit the University of Maryland Graduate School .

Program Code

When indicating which program you are applying to within the UMD Graduate School Application Portal application system, please choose: MAPO - Public Policy

General Application Materials

• Graduate school statement of purpose -   instructions can be found within the UMD Graduate School Application Portal
• Applicants are asked to upload a scanned version of their transcript(s) issued by each institution attended (in the original language, with literal English translation). Upon enrollment, you will need to have an official copy sent to the Graduate School by the institution. For a full description of the transcript requirements, please go to the FAQ section that describes  Transcripts and Diplomas .
• Two letters of recommendations
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE - required for applicants whose undergraduate education was not conducted in English (see the English language proficiency requirements established by the University of Maryland Graduate School)
• Application fee - non-refundable fee (USD$75) for each program to which an applicant applies

Note: Standardized test scores (GRE or GMAT) are not required for applicants. If you feel that your GRE or GMAT score will improve the strength of your application, we encourage you to submit your score. If you are submitting GRE scores, use ETS institution code 5814 when reporting your scores. A department code is not required. 

Program Specific Application Materials

• Supplementary application statement

Write a statement addressing the following (there are no specific word limitations for this statement - please tell us as concisely as possible about yourself, and your interest in public policy and the University of Maryland School of Public Policy):

What are your reasons for undertaking public policy studies at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy? Indicate, if appropriate, any specific areas of specialization or research interest. You may wish to discuss past work in your intended field and allied fields, your plans for a professional career, and/or how you developed your interest in or knowledge of your chosen subject. 

Note : This supplementary application essay prompt is very similar to the Graduate School's "Statement of Purpose" in the  Uploads Requirement  section of the online application. It is, however, more specific to your reasons for studying public policy/public administration.  It is acceptable, in fact preferred, to compose a single statement incorporating both this prompt and the Graduate School's Statement of Purpose prompt  and upload it twice - in both the Statement of Purpose and Supplementary Application fields of the  Uploads Requirement  section. 

Learn more about the MPP program  | Explore specializations

When indicating which program you are applying to within the UMD Graduate School Application Portal application system, please choose: MAMG - Public Management

Only applicants with five or more years of professional policy or management experience after undergraduate studies are eligible for the Master of Public Management program

• Two letters of recommendations  - preference for two professional recommendations

Note : This supplementary application essay prompt is very similar to the Graduate School's "Statement of Purpose" in the Uploads Requirement section of the online application. It is, however, more specific to your reasons for studying public policy/public administration. It is acceptable, in fact preferred, to compose a single statement incorporating both this prompt and the Graduate School's Statement of Purpose prompt and upload it twice - in both the Statement of Purpose and Supplementary Application fields of the Uploads Requirement section. 

Learn more about the MPM program  | Explore specializations

• Final domestic applicant deadline: June 21, 2024

When indicating which program you are applying to within the UMD Graduate School Application Portal application system, please choose: EMPM - Public Management (Executive)

• Two letters of recommendations - preference for one professional recommendation and one academic recommendation

Note : This supplementary application essay prompt is very similar to the Graduate School's "Statement of Purpose" in the Uploads Requirement section of the online application. It is, however, more specific to your reasons for studying public policy/public administration. It is acceptable, in fact preferred, to compose a single statement incorporating both this prompt and the Graduate School's statement of purpose prompt and upload it twice - in both the Statement of Purpose and Supplementary Application fields of the Uploads Requirement section. 

Learn more about the EMPM program

Apply Here:   UMD Graduate School Application Portal

When indicating which program you are applying to within the UMD Graduate School Application Portal application system, please choose: MPPA - Public Administration

Note : This supplementary application essay prompt is very similar to the Graduate School's "Statement of Purpose" in the Uploads Requirement section of the online application. It is, however, more specific to your reasons for studying public policy/public administration. It is acceptable, in fact preferred, to compose a single statement incorporating both this prompt and the Graduate School's statement of purpose prompt and upload it twice - in both the Statement of Purpose and Supplementary Application fields of the Uploads Requirement section. 

Learn more about the MPSPA program

Am I eligible?

You must meet the following criteria to apply for the dual degree program:

• Have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service via involvement with policy-oriented organizations or individual efforts
• Are within two months of completing at least 60 undergraduate credits with a 3.5 cumulative GPA

When should I apply?

You can apply for the dual degree program any time after you have completed 60 credits at the undergraduate level.

You must also have completed ECON200 and STAT100 (or equivalent) with a grade of C or better before registering for graduate level policy (PLCY) courses. Completing these prerequisites before applying to the dual degree program will allow you to register for graduate level policy (PLCY) courses in your first semester of the program.

For Spring Admission:

• Early decision - December 1 (decision will be sent by December 15)
• Final - January 7

For Fall Admission:

• Early decision - April 15 (decision will be sent by May 15)
• Final - July 1

Please complete the program application form. Questions should be sent to  [email protected] .

NOTE:  Do not use the Graduate School's online application portal to apply to the dual degree program.

Application Materials

• Application form
• 2 letters of recommendations from faculty members
• Current academic transcript
• U.achieve audit
• If you are not completing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy or an eligible major within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, you must also submit a letter of approval to apply to the dual degree program signed by your advisor and the director of your undergraduate program

If you are applying to a dual degree program, please ensure you follow the admissions guidance contained in the Master of Public Policy section above in addition to the relevant program specific requirements.

Dual Master of Public Policy/Master of Business Administration

Only one application is required, submitted through the  UMD Graduate School Application Portal .

Program Code: BMPO - Dual Master of Public Policy/Master of Business Administration

Dual Master of Public Policy/Juris Doctor

You are required to submit a second application to the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law . 

Program Code: LMPO - Dual Master of Public Policy/Law

Dual Master of Public Policy/Master of Social Work

You are required to submit a second application to the University of Maryland School of Social Work . 

Program Code: BSWP - Dual Master of Public Policy/Master of Social Work

Students who wish to take graduate course(s) without pursuing a graduate degree or graduate certificate may do so as a non-degree seeking student, visiting graduate student or golden identification cardholder (for senior citizens only).

Apply through the Graduate School with Non-Degree Admissions status

Register for a Course

Once a favorable decision has been made by the Graduate School, contact Student Affairs in the School of Public Policy at [email protected] to request permission to register for our PLCY classes. Include:

• University identification number
• Class name and number
• Class section number 

Priority is given to our current students, however, every effort will be made to accommodate your requests. Should you decide to apply to our degree program at a later date, you may request to include up to nine credits earned as a non-degree seeking student in your plan of study. These courses must be less than five years old at the time of graduation.

Meet Your Graduate Assistant

Hey Policy Terps! It's great to see that you're interested in joining our wonderful School. Feel free to reach out  with any questions about the program, the application process or any concerns you may have. 

For International Applicants

We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant international graduate student community, home to over 6,000 students from 130 countries. International Students and Scholars Services  (ISSS) is a valuable resource of information and assistance for prospective and current international students. International applicants are encouraged to explore the services ISSS offers and contact them with related questions.

The University of Maryland Graduate School offers admission to international students based on academic information. An application is not a guarantee of attendance. Admitted international students will then receive instructions about obtaining the appropriate visa to study at the University of Maryland, which will require submission of additional documents. Please see the  Graduate Admissions Process for International applicants  for more information.

On the Graduate School online application, you should note the type of visa you currently hold or will need to hold to study at the University of Maryland. In addition, you will need to submit copies of any visa or Permanent Resident Card you might possess. This information is required to be submitted prior to the School of Public Policy reviewing the application.

Visit International Student and Scholar Services to learn more about the  student visa process . 

As part of the visa process, you must certify sufficient funds (exclusive of travel funds) to cover university fees, books, supplies, tuition and living expenses for yourself and your dependents (if applicable). Funds can be demonstrated in the form of personal funds, parental or sponsor funds, government support, an assistantship at the University or any other official sources of income. The School of Public Policy and The Graduate School will review your application and makes the admission decision based on academics. After admission, you will be contacted by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to complete the visa process.

Visit International Student and Scholar Services to learn more .

On the Graduate School online application, you are required to upload a scanned copy of the academic transcript for each institution you have attended. Unofficial transcripts in the original language must be accompanied with a literal English translation. Translations should not be interpretive and actual names of all degrees, diplomas, and certificates must appear in the translation. Upon being offered admission, you will need to have an official copy of each academic transcript sent to the Graduate School by the institution.

Visit the Graduate School to learn more about the requirement for  transcripts .

Only applicants who have completed the full sequence of preparatory studies and examinations equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree from an approved institution, and who have met the University of Maryland, College Park admissions criteria, will be considered.

International students must demonstrate a proficiency in the English language by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at numerous locations throughout the world. Please use institution code 5814 when submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores .

Visit the Graduate School to learn more about the English language proficiency requirements .

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Department of Political Science College of Social Science

• Application Process
• Funding Opportunities
• Linked BA-MPP

Application into the Master of Public Policy are accepted for  Fall Semester ONLY .  The application deadline each year is  JUNE 15 . 

Application:

Step One (Start ): Apply online for admission here: https://explore.msu.edu/apply/ .  You may pay your application fee at this point.  This step initiates your application process by generating an applicant ID.

Step Two (Upload/Request):   Required supporting documents include:

• Personal Statement: The personal statement focuses on your abilities and preparation to do graduate level work, your interests related to public policy, and your professional career goals.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required from individuals qualified to assess your promise of success in a graduate program (e.g. college or university faculty, individuals at research or other scholarly institutions, teaching assistants, professional supervisors, etc.).  Please request letters of recommendation through the application page.  If you have difficulty with this or any further questions, please contact   [email protected].

Step Three (Send):  Have official transcripts and English Language Competency test scores (if required) sent to the Department of Political Science. For more information on which tests MSU accepts, along with procedures to request a waiver for English Language Competency, please see: https://grad.msu.edu/english-language-competency

Department of Political Science 368 Farm Lane, S303 South Kedzie Hall Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824

A Complete application file must include the following:

• Official Transcripts:   Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study mailed the Department of Political Science at the above address.
• English Language Competency Test Scores:  English Language Competency tests are required for international applicants and applicants whose first language is not English.  Applicants should have all test scores sent directly from the testing agency directly to Michigan State University. For fall 2022 admissions, Michigan State University accepts: Duolingo English Test, TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, and IELTS Indicator tests. For more information on which tests MSU accepts, along with procedures to request a waiver for English Language Competency, please see: https://grad.msu.edu/english-language-competency

Information on International Graduate Applications:   During the application process, applicants submit certified copies (sealed and stamped by institutions) of all post-secondary transcripts, graduation certificates and degrees directly to the Department of Political Science.  MSU requires these documents in the original language as well as an official English translation.

Official transcripts should be sent directly to the Department of Political Science:

Michigan State University Department of Political Science 368 Farm Lane, S303 South Kedzie Hall East Lansing, MI 48824

Transcripts uploaded through the portal by the applicant are not considered official.

Linked BA/BS-MPP Applicants:  You will generate an application form online as described in the steps above. Linked BA/BS-MPP students may apply under certain circumstances to Spring Semester.

Graduate Assistantships

The Master of Public Policy program offers a limited number of competitively-awarded assistantships for incoming students. Recipients of MPP Program graduate assistantships work during the Fall and Spring semesters (10 hours if the assistantship is quarter-time or 20 hours if the assistantship is half-time) on research, teaching, or administrative assignments for the program. In return, recipients receive a stipend, tuition and fee waivers (for 9 credits for the Fall and Spring semesters), and health insurance coverage.

The program also partners with other units and departments on campus to award assistantships when funding is available.

Important deadlines if you wish to be considered for funding:

• January 1 : Completed applications received by January 1 will automatically be considered for any available funding opportunities, including competitive University, Graduate School, and College of Social Science awards; MPP Program Graduate Assistantships; and IPPSR Fellowships.
• February 15 : Completed applications received by February 15 will automatically be considered for any available funding opportunities, including MPP Program Graduate Assistantships; and IPPSR Fellowships.
• May 15 : Completed applications received by May 15 will automatically be considered for any available funding opportunities, including IPPSR Fellowships.

IPPSR Fellows

MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR), in conjunction with the Master of Public Policy Program, offers a limited number of competitive IPPSR fellowships for incoming students. Fellows work at IPPSR during the Fall and Spring Semesters (10 hours if the assistantship is quarter-time or 20 hours if the assistantship is half-time) on research assistantships, applying research findings to Michigan public policy issues and compiling information for policymakers and civic education efforts. Fellows will also be involved in event organizing and online publishing. Fellows receive a stipend, tuition and fee waivers (for 9 credits for the Fall and Spring semesters), and health insurance coverage. Mid-career applicants who have worked in Michigan government or the policymaking community are especially encouraged to apply.

Graduate School and University Resources

Feel free to visit MSU’s Graduate School for more funding opportunities: https://grad.msu.edu/funding . 

MSU also offers residential life graduate assistantships and need-based scholarships , among other funding opportunities.  

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International public policy personal statement example.

It was only when I attended a Model United Nations conference in high school did I consider studying international relations, negotiating with other representatives and putting out my viewpoints that lightened me up. Therefore, I chose International Relations and Diplomacy as my bachelor major.

Growing up in China with my parents being teachers, I am profoundly influenced by Confucianism and relevant theories. Li Ji (“The Book of Rites”) builds up the law system of ancient Chinese society, and its theory “Cultivate the moral self, then regulate the family, rule the country rightly and make the world stay in harmony.” has been my motto since I entered my university. Policy, as the implementation of state’s administration theory binding with its concrete situation, promote the development of social progress. Hence, I resolve to continue my international relation study in an advanced and more practical area——International Public Policy.

In terms of self cultivation, learning various International Relations and political theories help me to define the current situation in the world. “Reading thousand books, travelling thousand miles” — conveys the message that a person should build up his or her wisdom with both knowledge in books and experiences. I am very interested in geopolitics theory and Robert Kaplan’s book “The Revenge of Geography” which illustrates the potential conflicts that might happen at borders of countries and continents. Also I got inspired by Samuel P. Huntington’s “The Clash of Civilizations” and figured out the potential relevance between the country’s geo-position and its culture. All these lead me to respect other cultures when I am aware of the possible formation of them.

Having lots of experiences in communicating with foreign students and teachers in my college especially the precious experience of being an exchange student in Finland, I had multiple courses about European Union, United Nations, western democracy and so on.

By learning other countries’ policy administration and sharing thoughts with foreign students, I broadened my horizon and expand my vision as well. Moreover, the recent intern experience in WWF China provides me the chance to apply theory to practice. I engaged in the planning and execution of the project “One Planet City Challenge” and “Low-Carbon City Campaign” in China, from which I realized the society is beset with disparities.

While UNFCCC forums achieved great success and have launched protocols and agreements, countries still hold different considerations of their own interests. When it comes to the biggest developing country — China, the implement of energy-saving regulations and instructions also faces challenges and barriers. I once attended the China Coal Conference, in which different stakeholders hold different perspectives and some even believed it wrong to limit the usage of coal in rural areas for the cost of gas and other substitutes is much higher.

International negotiations and communications have significant effect towards policy making. By communicating and sharing thoughts with other delegates in Model United Nations that hold different opinions or profit interests, I realized that the implement of International Relations theories — mostly public policies indicate the specific reality and situation of the stakeholder — normally the state. Being the vice president of the Student Union, I found the Union as a smaller version of the UN, thus academic knowledge and theories can fit in the daily work to enhance efficiency as well as obtain more profits. So herein lies my appeal for further study of international public policy.

As the biggest developing country in the world, China builds up the “Belt and Road” project, providing broad markets to developing and developed countries en route, leading developing countries’ development, which is deeply influence by the aforementioned theory “Rule the country rightly and make the world stay in harmony”. Holding the dream to improve the situation and condition of developing countries, I set myself a goal to advance my study in UCL as this old university has the best political and social faculty, not to mention its global impact. I firmly believe the upcoming study experience will provide me a new platform, and I hope I can reciprocate the favor and contribute to the diverse student body, and the globalization progress as well.

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Universities applied: University College London (offer) King's College London (offer) University of Warwick (offer) University of Edinburgh (offer)

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Application Requirement Tables

You are here: american university school of public affairs admissions application requirements.

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Application Requirements

Thank you for your interest in applying to a graduate program at the School of Public Affairs (SPA) at American University. Applications for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 are now available. Master’s degree and graduate certificate program application files are evaluated on a rolling basis, while the doctoral admission process occurs once per year (Fall admission only). Before applying, carefully review the application file requirements. Below you will find tables that denote the required application components* by degree program. Application questions may be directed to  [email protected] .

Applicants are encouraged to register for an application coaching session on our Recruitment Events page (info sessions tab). 

*Although listed for only one graduate program, The Key Executive Leadership MPA, SPA may request to schedule an interview with any applicant in an effort to gather additional information in supplement to the requirements outlined in the tables below.

Master's Degrees(On-Campus) Dual Degrees (On-Campus) Master's Degrees (Online) Combined Programs - AU undergraduates only (On-Campus) Certificate Programs (On-Campus) Ph.D. Programs (On-Campus)

Start or continue your application for a School of Public Affairs graduate program

Speak with an Admissions Representative

Master’s Degree* Applicants: We encourage you to register for an application coaching session (info sessions tab) to learn how to build a compelling application file.

Still have questions? Speak with SPA's Associate Director of Graduate Admissions & Enrollment Analytics, Emma Segalla, to have your specific application and admissions questions answered.

*Ph.D. applicants should contact [email protected] for assistance.

Schedule a Meeting

Master's Degrees (On-Campus)

* Optional means an applicant may submit an official standardized test score for consideration in an effort to strengthen their file. 

**  GRE Master’s Degree Program Notes:  The  MA Political Science  program does not currently require the GRE; however, students with GPAs below 3.1 who believe their GPA does not reflect their academic potential are encouraged to include a GRE test score in their application file. The  MS JLC and MS THSP  programs do not currently require the GRE; however, students with GPAs below 3.0 who believe their GPA does not reflect their academic potential are encouraged to include a GRE test score in their application file.

Dual Degrees (On-Campus)

Master's degrees (online), combined programs (on-campus).

American University undergraduates only. The GRE is waived for all Combined Program applicants. There is no English Proficiency Test (EPT) score required for international applicants.

Certificate Programs (On-Campus)

***Open to current or admitted THSP students only.

Ph.D. Programs (On-Campus)

****No GRE waivers

Please send me information

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Personal Statements and CVs: Oxford Style

• Check your spelling and get someone else to read it over.
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• Be enthusiastic!
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• Target the letter at the BSG. Check the webpage of the School and make it implicit that you have not simply sent out multiple copies of the same letter to different schools.
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• Match what you say to the requirements given in the entry criteria.
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• End “Yours sincerely”, and type your name and title
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UMass Boston

• Public Policy - MPP

Become an expert in policy design, analysis, and impactful interventions.

UMass Boston’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is an advanced two-year curriculum designed to prepare the next generation of analysts and leaders in shaping policy across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Whether you have recently graduated or boast years of work experience, our program is crafted to enhance your skills in policy design, analysis, and the execution of impactful interventions.

The MPP program is tailored to meet the evolving demands of both emerging and experienced professionals, ensuring students will have expertise in two of these concentrations: Data Analytics and Policy Simulation, Social Policy and Racial Equity, and Nonprofit Organization Policy and Management.

Recognizing the paramount importance of data analytics, data science, and policy simulation in today’s policy landscape, the MPP curriculum emphasizes the integration of public policy with cutting-edge information systems and technology. You will gain a deep understanding of various application areas, including service delivery, nonprofit management, urban planning, community development, conflict resolution, and applied social sciences. Furthermore, our program addresses the critical need for policy analysts proficient in conducting ‘equity audits’ and analyzing programs through equity and racial justice lenses underpinned by advanced quantitative analytic methods.

Career Possibilities

• Policy analyst
• Nonprofit program director/manager
• Data analyst or data scientist
• Social policy researcher
• Economic development specialist
• Environmental policy advisor
• Health care policy analyst
• Education policy specialist

Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Statement of Purpose Write a 500-word essay on your reasons for considering the UMass Boston MPP program in relation to your academic background, professional work experience, and career goals, and a 1,000-word essay describing your personal qualities and development and how they have influenced your career choice.

Résumé or CV Add a current résumé or CV noting your previous educational (a bachelor's degree is required) and working experience.

Official Transcripts Submit official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges attended.

Writing Sample Submit a writing sample consisting of 3-5 pages. It might be from your previous academic or professional work.

GRE Scores The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for the MPP program. If you wish to submit GRE scores that are less than five years old, please use the UMass Boston GRE code: 3924.

Letters of Recommendation Please include two letters of recommendation: one from a recent academic source (within the past seven years) and one from a recent professional source (within the past five years).

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: July 1 for fall admissions

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee. Students from underrepresented groups may apply (by emailing the program director) for the limited number of application fee waivers.

Cost: For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to [email protected] . Please refer to Graduate Student Financial Aid for more information on financial aid.

Year 1 - Fall (9 credits)

• PPOL-G 611 Public Policy Processes: Environmental Power and Outcomes
• PUBPOL 620 Analytic Methods for Public Policy
• PPOL-G 621 Microeconomics

Year 1 - Spring (9 credits)

• PUBPOL 610 Policy and Program Evaluation
• PPOL-G 602 Political Economy of Class, Race and Gender
• PPOL-G 622 Public Finance and Budgeting

Year 1 - Summer (3 credits)

• PUBPOL 699 Internship (can substitute with elective)

Year 2 - Fall (9 credits)

• Concentration I: Elective I
• Concentration I: Elective II
• Concentration II: Elective I

Year 2 - Spring (9 credits)

• Concentration II: Elective II
• PUBPOL 698 Capstone

The program curriculum requires completion of at least four elective courses. At least two courses should be drawn from one concentration area, and at least two other courses should be drawn from another concentration area. In addition, students are required to complete an internship (after the first year of coursework) and a capstone research project (during the second year of study).

Students can choose two from three possible concentrations: Nonprofit Organization Policy and Management; Social Policy and Racial Equity; and Data Analytics and Policy Simulation.

Graduation Criteria

Program Requirements

The program requires 39 credits of coursework including:

• Six semester‐length courses for the core curriculum (18 credits)
• Four semester‐length concentration courses in 2 different concentration areas (12 credits)
• Internship [can be replaced by elective] (3 credits)
• Capstone project (6 credits)

Students are expected to complete the 39-credit coursework, which includes ten three-credit courses, a three-credit internship (an elective can replace that), and a six-credit capstone project, within two years. All courses will be delivered in a synchronous format to foster real-time engagement and learning.

Capstone: Completion of a written paper and oral presentation.

Statute of limitations: Four years.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes for the MPP Program:

• Mastery of data analytics, science, and policy simulation for inclusive, equitable, and effective policy formulation and analysis
• Deep knowledge across critical public and social policy areas, with skills in equity audits and racial justice analysis
• Proficiency in advanced methodologies for evaluating public and nonprofit sector interventions

Graduates will:

• Promote effective and equitable policies through informed analysis and design, improving public value and social justice.
• Produce impactful research through empirical analysis to address societal issues.
• Lead in government, nonprofits, and for-profits, driving impactful policy initiatives with advanced analytic methods.

Graduate Program Director Michael Johnson [email protected] (617) 287-6967

Graduate Program Administrator, Outreach and Recruitment Jack Li [email protected] (617) 287-6905

Public Policy & Public Affairs

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Health insurance giant Kaiser will notify millions of a data breach after sharing patients’ data with advertisers

U.S. health conglomerate Kaiser is notifying millions of current and former members of a data breach after confirming it shared patients’ information with third-party advertisers, including Google, Microsoft and X (formerly Twitter).

In a statement shared with TechCrunch, Kaiser said that it conducted an investigation that found “ certain online technologies, previously installed on its websites and mobile applications, may have transmitted personal information to third-party vendors.”

Kaiser said that the data shared with advertisers includes member names and IP addresses, as well as information that could indicate if members were signed into a Kaiser Permanente account or service and how members “interacted with and navigated through the website and mobile applications, and search terms used in the health encyclopedia.”

Kaiser said it subsequently removed the tracking code from its websites and mobile apps.

Kaiser is the latest healthcare organization to confirm it shared patients’ personal information with third-party advertisers by way of online tracking code , often embedded in web pages and mobile apps and designed to collect information about users’ online activity for analytics. Over the past year, telehealth startups Cerebral , Monument and Tempest have pulled tracking code from their apps that shared patients’ personal and health information with advertisers.

Kaiser spokesperson Diana Yee said that the organization would begin notifying 13.4 million affected current and former members and patients who accessed its websites and mobile apps. The notifications will start in May in all markets where Kaiser Permanente operates, the spokesperson said.

The health giant also filed a legally required notice with the U.S. government on April 12 but made public on Thursday confirming that 13.4 million residents had information exposed.

U.S. organizations covered under the health privacy law known as HIPAA are required to notify the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of data breaches involving protected health information, such as medical data and patient records. Kaiser also notified California’s attorney general of the data breach, but did not provide any further details.

The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan is the parent organization of several entities that make up Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States. The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan provides health insurance plans to employers and reported 12.5 million members as of the end of 2023.

The breach at Kaiser is listed on the Department of Health and Human Services’ website as the largest confirmed health-related data breach of 2024 so far.

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Fact Sheet: Vice President Harris Announces Historic Advancements in Long-Term Care to Support the Care   Economy

Actions are the latest in a series of steps the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to improve safety, provide support for care workers and family caregivers, and to expand access to affordable, high-quality care

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and to have access to quality care. That’s why, today, Vice President Harris is announcing two landmark final rules that fulfill the President’s commitment to safety in care, improving access to long-term care and the quality of caregiving jobs. Ensuring that all Americans, including older Americans and people with disabilities, have access to care – including home-based care – that is safe, reliable, and of high quality is an important part of the President’s agenda and a part of the President’s broader commitment to care. Today’s announcements deliver on the President’s promise in the State of the Union to crack down on nursing homes that endanger resident safety as well as his historic Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers , which included the most comprehensive set of executive actions any President has taken to improve care for millions of seniors and people with disabilities while supporting care workers and family caregivers.

Cracking Down on Inadequate Nursing Home Care

Medicare and Medicaid pay billions of dollars per year to ensure that 1.2 million Americans that receive care in nursing homes are cared for, yet too many nursing homes chronically understaff their facilities, leading to sub-standard or unsafe care. When facilities are understaffed, residents may go without basic necessities like baths, trips to the bathroom, and meals – and it is less safe when residents have a medical emergency. Understaffing can also have a disproportionate impact on women and people of color who make up a large proportion of the nursing home workforce because, without sufficient support, these dedicated workers can’t provide the care they know the residents deserve. In his 2022 State of the Union address, President Biden pledged that he would “protect seniors’ lives and life savings by cracking down on nursing homes that commit fraud, endanger patient safety, or prescribe drugs they don’t need.”

The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule finalized today will require all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses (0.55 hours per resident per day) and nurse aides (2.45 per resident per day). This means a facility with 100 residents would need at least two or three RNs and at least ten or eleven nurse aides as well as two additional nurse staff (which could be registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, or nurse aides) per shift to meet the minimum staffing standards. Many facilities would need to staff at a higher level based on their residents’ needs. It will also require facilities to have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide skilled nursing care, which will further improve nursing home safety. Adequate staffing is proven to be one of the measures most strongly associated with safety and good care outcomes.

To make sure nursing homes have the time they need to hire necessary staff, the requirements of this rule will be introduced in phases, with longer timeframes for rural communities. Limited, temporary exemptions will be available for both the 24/7 registered nurse requirement and the underlying staffing standards for nursing homes in workforce shortage areas that demonstrate a good faith effort to hire.

Strong transparency measures will ensure nursing home residents and their families are aware when a nursing home is using an exemption.

This rule will not only benefit residents and their families, it will also ensure that workers aren’t stretched too thin by having inadequate staff on site, which is currently a common reason for worker burnout and turnover. Workers who are on the frontlines interacting with residents and understanding their needs will also be given a voice in developing staffing plans for nursing homes. The Biden-Harris Administration also continues to invest in expanding the pipeline of nursing workers and other care workers, who are so essential to our economy, including through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Improving Access to Home Care and the Quality of Home Care Jobs

Over seven million seniors and people with disabilities, alongside their families, rely on home and community-based services to provide for long-term care needs in their own homes and communities. This critical care is provided by a dedicated home care workforce, made up disproportionately by women of color, that often struggles to make ends meet due to low wages and few benefits. At the same time, home care is still very inaccessible for many Medicaid enrollees, with more than threequarters of home care providers not accepting new clients, leaving hundreds of thousands of older Americans and Americans with disabilities on waiting lists or struggling to afford the care they need.

The “Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services” final rule, finalized today, will help improve access to home care services as well as improve the quality caregiving jobs through its new provisions for home care. Specifically, the rule will ensure adequate compensation for home care workers by requiring that at least 80 percent of Medicaid payments for home care services go to workers’ wages. This policy would also allow states to take into account the unique experiences that small home care providers and providers in rural areas face while ensuring their employees receive their fair share of Medicaid payments and continued training as well as the delivery of quality care. Higher wages will likely reduce turnover, leading to higher quality of care for older adults and people with disabilities across the nation, as studies have shown. States will also be required to be more transparent in how much they pay for home care services and how they set those rates, increasing the accountability for home care providers. Finally, states will have to create a home care rate-setting advisory group made up of beneficiaries, home care workers and other key stakeholders to advise and consult on provider payment rates and direct compensation for direct care workers.

Strong Record on Improving Access to Care and Supporting Caregivers

Today’s new final rules are in addition to an already impressive track record on delivering on the President’s Executive Order on Care. Over the last year, the Biden-Harris Administration has:

• Increased pay for care workers, including by proposing a rule to gradually increase pay for Head Start teachers by about $10,000, to reach parity with the salaries of public preschool teachers.
• Cut child care costs for low-income families by finalizing a rule that will reduce or eliminate copayments for more than 100,000 working families, and lowering the cost of care for lower earning service members, thereby reducing the cost of child care for nearly two-thirds of children receiving care on military bases. Military families earning $45,000 would see a 34% decrease in the amount they pay for child care.
• Supported family caregivers by making it easier for family caregivers to access Medicare beneficiary information and provide more support as they prepare for their loved ones to be discharged from the hospital. The Administration has also expanded access to mental health services for tens of thousands of family caregivers who are helping veterans.

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Gross Domestic Product, First Quarter 2024 (Advance Estimate)

• News Release
• Related Materials
• Additional Information

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2024 (table 1), according to the "advance" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter of 2023, real GDP increased 3.4 percent.

The GDP estimate released today is based on source data that are incomplete or subject to further revision by the source agency (refer to “Source Data for the Advance Estimate” on page 3). The “second” estimate for the first quarter, based on more complete source data, will be released on May 30, 2024.

The increase in real GDP primarily reflected increases in consumer spending, residential fixed investment, nonresidential fixed investment, and state and local government spending that were partly offset by a decrease in private inventory investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, increased (table 2).

The increase in consumer spending reflected an increase in services that was partly offset by a decrease in goods. Within services, the increase primarily reflected increases in health care as well as financial services and insurance. Within goods, the decrease primarily reflected decreases in motor vehicles and parts as well as gasoline and other energy goods. Within residential fixed investment, the increase was led by brokers’ commissions and other ownership transfer costs as well as new single-family housing construction. The increase in nonresidential fixed investment mainly reflected an increase in intellectual property products. The increase in state and local government spending reflected an increase in compensation of state and local government employees. The decrease in inventory investment primarily reflected decreases in wholesale trade and manufacturing. Within imports, the increase reflected increases in both goods and services.

Compared to the fourth quarter, the deceleration in real GDP in the first quarter primarily reflected decelerations in consumer spending, exports, and state and local government spending and a downturn in federal government spending. These movements were partly offset by an acceleration in residential fixed investment. Imports accelerated.

Current‑dollar GDP increased 4.8 percent at an annual rate, or $327.5 billion, in the first quarter to a level of $28.28 trillion. In the fourth quarter, GDP increased 5.1 percent, or $346.9 billion (tables 1 and 3).

The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 3.1 percent in the first quarter, compared with an increase of 1.9 percent in the fourth quarter (table 4). The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 3.4 percent, compared with an increase of 1.8 percent. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 3.7 percent, compared with an increase of 2.0 percent.

Personal Income

Current-dollar personal income increased $407.1 billion in the first quarter, compared with an increase of $230.2 billion in the fourth quarter. The increase primarily reflected increases in compensation and personal current transfer receipts (table 8).

Disposable personal income increased $226.2 billion, or 4.5 percent, in the first quarter, compared with an increase of $190.4 billion, or 3.8 percent, in the fourth quarter. Increases in compensation and personal current transfer receipts were partly offset by an increase in personal current taxes, which are a subtraction in the calculation of DPI. Real disposable personal income increased 1.1 percent, compared with an increase of 2.0 percent.

Personal saving was $755.7 billion in the first quarter, compared with $815.5 billion in the fourth quarter. The personal saving rate —personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income—was 3.6 percent in the first quarter, compared with 4.0 percent in the fourth quarter.

Source Data for the Advance Estimate

The GDP estimate released today is based on source data that are incomplete or subject to further revision by the source agency. Information on the source data and key assumptions used in the advance estimate is provided in a Technical Note and a detailed " Key Source Data and Assumptions " file posted with the release. The second estimate for the first quarter, based on more complete data, will be released on May 30, 2024. For information on updates to GDP, refer to the "Additional Information" section that follows.

*          *          *

Next release, May 30, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. EDT Gross Domestic Product (Second Estimate) Corporate Profits (Preliminary Estimate) First Quarter 2024

Full Release & Tables (PDF)

Technical note (pdf), tables only (excel), release highlights (pdf), historical comparisons (pdf), key source data and assumptions (excel), revision information.

• GDP Lisa Mataloni  301-278-9083 [email protected]
• Corporate Profits Kate Pinard 301-278-9417 [email protected]
• Media (BEA) Connie O’Connell 301-278-9003 [email protected]

Additional resources available at www.bea.gov :

• Stay informed about BEA developments by reading the BEA blog , signing up for BEA's email subscription service , or following BEA on X, formerly known as Twitter @BEA_News .
• Historical time series for these estimates can be accessed in BEA's interactive data application .
• Access BEA data by registering for BEA's data Application Programming Interface (API).
• For more on BEA's statistics, refer to our online journal, the Survey of Current Business .
• BEA's news release schedule
• NIPA Handbook : Concepts and Methods of the U.S. National Income and Product Accounts

Definitions

Gross domestic product (GDP), or value added , is the value of the goods and services produced by the nation's economy less the value of the goods and services used up in production. GDP is also equal to the sum of personal consumption expenditures, gross private domestic investment, net exports of goods and services, and government consumption expenditures and gross investment.

Gross domestic income (GDI) is the sum of incomes earned and costs incurred in the production of GDP. In national economic accounting, GDP and GDI are conceptually equal. In practice, GDP and GDI differ because they are constructed using largely independent source data.

Gross output is the value of the goods and services produced by the nation's economy. It is principally measured using industry sales or receipts, including sales to final users (GDP) and sales to other industries (intermediate inputs).

Current-dollar estimates are valued in the prices of the period when the transactions occurred—that is, at "market value." Also referred to as "nominal estimates" or as "current-price estimates."

Real values are inflation-adjusted estimates—that is, estimates that exclude the effects of price changes.

The gross domestic purchases price index measures the prices of final goods and services purchased by U.S. residents.

The personal consumption expenditure price index measures the prices paid for the goods and services purchased by, or on the behalf of, "persons."

Personal income is the income received by, or on behalf of, all persons from all sources: from participation as laborers in production, from owning a home or business, from the ownership of financial assets, and from government and business in the form of transfers. It includes income from domestic sources as well as the rest of world. It does not include realized or unrealized capital gains or losses.

Disposable personal income is the income available to persons for spending or saving. It is equal to personal income less personal current taxes.

Personal outlays is the sum of personal consumption expenditures, personal interest payments, and personal current transfer payments.

Personal saving is personal income less personal outlays and personal current taxes.

The personal saving rate is personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income.

Profits from current production , referred to as corporate profits with inventory valuation adjustment (IVA) and capital consumption (CCAdj) adjustment in the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPAs), is a measure of the net income of corporations before deducting income taxes that is consistent with the value of goods and services measured in GDP. The IVA and CCAdj are adjustments that convert inventory withdrawals and depreciation of fixed assets reported on a tax-return, historical-cost basis to the current-cost economic measures used in the national income and product accounts. Profits for domestic industries reflect profits for all corporations located within the geographic borders of the United States. The rest-of-the-world (ROW) component of profits is measured as the difference between profits received from ROW and profits paid to ROW.

For more definitions, refer to the Glossary: National Income and Product Accounts .

Statistical conventions

Annual-vs-quarterly rates . Quarterly seasonally adjusted values are expressed at annual rates, unless otherwise specified. This convention is used for BEA's featured, seasonally adjusted measures to facilitate comparisons with related and historical data. For details, refer to the FAQ " Why does BEA publish estimates at annual rates? "

Quarterly not seasonally adjusted values are expressed only at quarterly rates.

Percent changes . Percent changes in quarterly seasonally adjusted series are displayed at annual rates, unless otherwise specified. For details, refer to the FAQ " How is average annual growth calculated? " and " Why does BEA publish percent changes in quarterly series at annual rates? " Percent changes in quarterly not seasonally adjusted values are calculated from the same quarter one year ago. All published percent changes are calculated from unrounded data.

Calendar years and quarters . Unless noted otherwise, annual and quarterly data are presented on a calendar basis.

Quantities and prices . Quantities, or "real" volume measures, and prices are expressed as index numbers with a specified reference year equal to 100 (currently 2017). Quantity and price indexes are calculated using a Fisher-chained weighted formula that incorporates weights from two adjacent periods (quarters for quarterly data and annuals for annual data). For details on the calculation of quantity and price indexes, refer to Chapter 4: Estimating Methods in the NIPA Handbook .

Chained-dollar values are calculated by multiplying the quantity index by the current dollar value in the reference year (2017) and then dividing by 100. Percent changes calculated from real quantity indexes and chained-dollar levels are conceptually the same; any differences are due to rounding. Chained-dollar values are not additive because the relative weights for a given period differ from those of the reference year. In tables that display chained-dollar values, a "residual" line shows the difference between the sum of detailed chained-dollar series and its corresponding aggregate.

Updates to GDP

BEA releases three vintages of the current quarterly estimate for GDP. "Advance" estimates are released near the end of the first month following the end of the quarter and are based on source data that are incomplete or subject to further revision by the source agency. "Second" and "third" estimates are released near the end of the second and third months, respectively, and are based on more detailed and more comprehensive data as they become available.

The table below shows the average revisions to the quarterly percent changes in real GDP between different estimate vintages, without regard to sign.

Annual and comprehensive updates are released in late September. Annual updates generally cover at least the five most recent calendar years (and their associated quarters) and incorporate newly available major annual source data as well as some changes in methods and definitions to improve the accounts. Comprehensive (or benchmark) updates are carried out at about 5-year intervals and incorporate major periodic source data, as well as major conceptual improvements.

Unlike GDP, advance current quarterly estimates of GDI and corporate profits are not released because data on domestic profits and net interest of domestic industries are not available. For fourth quarter estimates, these data are not available until the third estimate.

GDP by industry and gross output estimates are released with the third estimate of GDP.