2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Public Policy, MPP


Banner Code: PP-MPP-PUBP

Phone: 703-993-2280

The master’s program in public policy leads to a degree for aspiring or experienced professionals who seek career advancement through cutting-edge education and training in policy analysis and development in increasingly technical and global environments. The program prepares students to be reflective practitioners who develop, implement, manage, analyze, evaluate, and effect innovative change in the public and private sectors through a course of study that emphasizes the fundamentals of policy development; the role of technology, analytic assessment, and modeling for policy evaluation; and the implications of international and global perspectives on policy formation. Courses are offered primarily in late afternoon and evening to fit the schedules of busy professionals.

Admission Requirements

Completed applications for fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.

The following items must be included when applying:

  • Graduate application with fee (no fee waivers)
  • 750 - 1,000 word written statement of student’s goals and interest in the program
  • Current résumé
  • Two official transcripts of all university work completed. International students must also submit a translation of all international transcripts into English, if applicable.
  • Two letters of recommendation, with at least one from an individual who is qualified to attest to the candidate’s academic potential.
  • For international applicants, TOEFL scores with a minimum score of 575 on the paper-based exam; 230 on the computer- based exam; or 88 with a minimum of 20 on each of the subsections on the Internet-based exam.  IELTS will be accepted in lieu of the TOEFL;  minimum of 6.5 required.  Students may be required to take additional English language testing and/or may be referred to the Center for International Student Access for additional language preparation.
  • Certificate of Financial Responsibility (for students requesting an F-1 or J-1 visa).

Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is required only for students requesting merit-based funding consideration.

Students may be admitted for nondegree study and apply a limited number of credits toward the master’s degree should they choose to apply to the degree program later, in accordance with university policy.

Academic Policies

Students admitted to an SPP program will be terminated from SPP upon receiving one grade of F and are no longer eligible to take courses in SPP. Per university regulation students are dismissed from the university after accumulating grades of F in two courses or 9 credits of unsatisfactory grades in graduate courses.

Degree Requirements


Students must complete 39 to 42 credits of course work through a combination of core courses, a sequence of courses in their area of emphasis, and a professional experience requirement. Appropriate professional experience can be demonstrated through previous employment or a supervised internship. Students will also be exposed to the global nature of public policy activity through the core requirement of international comparative policy assessment. One of the courses in the emphasis sequence will also have an international focus. The plan of study includes the following:

Substantive Policy Emphases (12 credits)


Electives are chosen from one of the following policy emphases:

  • Global Medical and Health Policy
  • International Governance and Institutions
  • National Security and Public Policy
  • Public Finance and Budgeting
  • Regional Economic Development
  • Science and Technology Policy
  • Social Policy
  • Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption
  • Transportation Policy
  • Urban Policy and Development
  • US Government Institutions and Policy Management

Professional Experience Requirement (0-3 credits)


Certification that the student has experience in the public policy process outside the classroom and is ready to take leadership responsibilities must be exhibited by one of two ways: relevant professional experience, approved by the program director, or an approved internship.

Total: 39-42 credits