Master of Arts in Public Policy

Degree Overview

Obtaining a Masters of Arts in Public Policy and Administration provides an in depth education to prepare students for a career in public policy administration. The degree provides an overview of the problems of policy administration, including balancing public policy issues with administrative concerns. Students will learn how to work within and analyze the administrative and government systems involved in making public policy decisions. Courses will also discuss and teach techniques used to measure the implications of public policy decisions, and provide resources for analyzing and applying public policy while considering its affect on the population. Obtaining the degree takes anywhere from 2 to 5 years depending on the number of credit hours required.

Benefits

• A Master’s Degree in Public Policy & Administration provides students with the knowledge and skills to excel in a variety of administrative roles within government agencies or private firms.
• Graduates gain the knowledge necessary to achieve positions at the highest professional levels within government agencies, or preeminent research institutions.
• Students can specialize in a particular area of Public Policy or Administration, setting them apart from the competition.
• Students will learn the administrative skills necessary to manage other professionals within government and private sectors, leading to promotions and additional responsibility within their existing positions.

Areas of Study

The specific requirements to obtain a degree in Public Policy & Administration differ depending on the specialty and the program you select. The courses listed below are classes you can expect to encounter in earning this degree. Please consult your specific course curriculum for a detailed listing of course requirements and credit hours.

• Human Resources
• Business Administration
• Public Policy Administration
• Strategic Planning
• Finance
• Economic
• Statistics

Career Opportunities

Students who earn a Master’s Degree in Public Policy & Administration can find positions in both the public and private sectors. Below is a list of potential positions a student with an MPPA would be qualified for. This list is not comprehensive and should serve only as a guide to potential opportunities.

• Public Policy Advocate
• Public Interest Group Representative
• Community Advocate
• Politician
• Lobbyist
• Researcher

What You Need to Know

While specific program requirements vary, students are typically expected to complete a thesis- a substantial piece of analytical writing that addresses an issue of public policy or policy administration- and/or an internship in a field related to their specialty. Specific thesis requirements and internship requirements vary depending on the program selected.

Requirements

Students must have a Bachelors degree in a related field. Related fields include Public Policy, Legal Studies, Statistics, Finance, Economics, and English, although this list may not be comprehensive. Many programs prefer students with work experience and/or a research background in the public-policy sector. A minimum GPA and letters of recommendation may also be required. Because program requirements do vary, you should consult the application requirements or an academic advisor at your program of choice.

Accreditation

Accreditation requirements vary by state. The primary accrediting association for MPAA programs is the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.www.naspaa.org

Professional Organizations

There are a large number of professional organizations that are a great resource and a wealth of information.

Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
www.appam.org

American Society for Public Administration
www.aspanet.org

International City/County Management Association
www.icma.org

National Academy of Public Administration
www.ipma-hr.org