Public Policy (PUAF)

Abstract

The Maryland School of Public Policy (MSPP) is one of the nation's top 20 graduate programs devoted to the study of public policy, management and international affairs. The School's location enhances the rigorous academic program. Proximity to the federal government, the international diplomatic community, state and local governments and to a host of non-governmental and multinational organizations maximizes interaction with and exposure to the real-life world of policymaking. MSPP offers a professional education that is multi-disciplinary (finance, statistics, economics, politics, management/leadership, and ethics) and that serves policy interests that cut across all sectors of the economy and levels of government. Students take core courses in each of the disciplines and select one of four policy programs-- social policy, international security and economic policy, environmental policy, or management, finance and leadership. They may also choose a specialization (e.g. international development, ecological economics, nonprofit management and leadership, education policy etc.)to further guide their course selection and/or support their career goals. The program offers a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree for individuals with less than five years of policy experience and a Master of Public Management (MPM) degree for individuals with five or more years of experience. A joint degree program for talented undergraduates is available to College Park undergraduate students in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BA/MPP). There are also joint graduate degree programs with the University of Maryland Law School (MPP/JD), the Smith School of Business (MPP/MBA), the College of Chemical and Life Sciences (MPP/MS) and the Clark School of Engineering (MEPP). MSPP also has a doctoral program.

Admissions Information

The School offers three degrees: the Master of Public Policy (MPP) the mid-career Master of Public Management (MPM), and the Ph.D. in Policy Studies. The School also offers joint degree programs with the Smith School of Business (MPP/MBA), the University of Maryland School of Law (MPP/JD), the Clark School of Engineering (MEPP), the College of Chemical and Life Sciences (MPP/MS), College of Behavioral and Social Science (BA/MPP), as well as several non-degree certificate programs.

To be admitted to a certificate program, students must first be admitted either to a degree program on campus or as an Advanced Special Student (discussed near beginning of catalog). Candidates should also be experienced in public policy work or have earned a degree in public policy or a related field. In addition to a candidate's academic record, the School considers a candidate's work history and recommendations from supervisors. The submission of GRE, LSAT, or GMAT scores for certificate programs is optional. Admissions to a certificate program may be restricted at times due to capacity limitations.

Application Deadlines

Fall

Spring

Domestic Applicants:
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Domestic Applicant Deadlines

PhD, MPP, joint MPP/MBA, joint MPP/JD, joint MPP/MS degree programs: for full fellowship consideration apply by December 15. All other applications must be received by April 1. April 1 (December 15 preferred) .
Executive MPM program June 1 .
Policy MPM program October 15 .

The PhD program (POSI) does not admit applicants in the spring semester. .
Executive MPM program November 15 .
MPP, joint MPP/MBA, joint MPP/JD, joint MPP/MS degree programs: October 15 .
Policy MPM program April 1 (December 15 preferred) .

International Applicants:
Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials

IMPORTANT: International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.

Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas

February 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1

June 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1

Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants

May 1
If Domestic Deadline is after May 1

October 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials

May 15
If Domestic Deadline is after May 15

October 31
If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31

Application Requirements

GRE General required for MPP, MPP/MS, PhD
GRE General not required for Policy MPM if GPA 3.0 or higher
GRE General not required for Executive MPM
GMAT required for MPP/MBA
LSAT required for MPP/JD
3 Letters of Recommendation
All original transcripts
Statement of purpose
Resume (MPM degree programs only)
Writing Sample (PhD program only)

	Fall	Spring
Domestic Applicants: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
Domestic Applicant Deadlines	PhD, MPP, joint MPP/MBA, joint MPP/JD, joint MPP/MS degree programs: for full fellowship consideration apply by December 15. All other applications must be received by April 1. April 1 (December 15 preferred) . Executive MPM program June 1 . Policy MPM program October 15 .	The PhD program (POSI) does not admit applicants in the spring semester. . Executive MPM program November 15 . MPP, joint MPP/MBA, joint MPP/JD, joint MPP/MS degree programs: October 15 . Policy MPM program April 1 (December 15 preferred) .

International Applicants: Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials IMPORTANT: International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.
Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas	February 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1	June 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants	May 1 If Domestic Deadline is after May 1	October 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials	May 15 If Domestic Deadline is after May 15	October 31 If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31

Degree Requirements

Public Affairs Graduate Certificate (Certificate)
The School of Public Policy offers 12-18 credit graduate certificate programs for professionals working in or with the public sector who desire career-enhancing post-graduate training outside of a formal degree program. See department website for certificate programs that are currently available.

Joint BA/MPP Program (BA/MPP)
The joint bachelor's/master's program enables qualified University of Maryland students to earn both their BA and their master's degree in public policy in as few as five years by counting some of their public policy graduate courses towards both degrees. Most students apply to the program at the end of their sophomore year to be part of the program as of their junior year. Initially the program will only be available to students with an undergraduate major offered through the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences . To be admitted to the joint program, students must apply separately to each program, requesting in each case admission to the joint program. Each school then decides independently whether to admit an applicant and what financial support, if any, to offer. If admitted to both programs, the applicant is deemed to have been admitted into the joint program (though the student may still choose at any point to in fact only enter and/or complete one of the two programs). If admitted by only one school, the student may opt to enroll in that individual program. Other than counting up to 9 credits from each program as electives in the other program, students in the joint program must fulfill the usual degree requirements of both programs within 5 years of beginning the joint program. Most students, however, are able to complete the joint program in 4 years, compared to the 5 years it would usually take to complete the programs separately.

Master of Public Management - Policy track (M.P.M.)
The MPM policy track is a 36-credit degree program designed for mid-career students. This program helps individuals in the middle stages of their careers to deepen and update their understanding of today's complex public issues and to move into positions of greater authority and responsibility. The typical MPM candidate has worked in the public or public-related sector for a minimum of five years and is capable of handling a rigorous academic program and excelling in his/her professional career. Candidates enter the School with varied academic and professional backgrounds. Most have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and have completed some college-level math and economics courses. If candidates do not have these courses in their background, admission may be contingent upon the successful completion of appropriate coursework. The MPM degree consists of two components: the core curriculum in the methods of policy analysis and a selected area of specialization in International Security and Economic Policy, International Development, Management, Finance and Leadership, Environmental Policy, or Social Policy or a self-designed faculty approved specialization. Courses are offered throughout the day, but it is possible to complete the program taking courses beginning no earlier than 4:15 pm. Students usually finish the degree in three years by taking two courses each fall and spring semester, but can finish in as early as one year by taking up to four courses each semester and during the summer.

Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.)

The MPP is a 48-credit professional degree combining a rigorous applied course of study with practical experience. Most Full-time MPP students take 12 credits per semester and finish the program in two years. Typically, part-time students take 2 course each semester and complete the degree in four years. About 80 students from a wide variety of undergraduate schools and majors are expected to enter the program this fall fall. The mean grade point average of entering students is 3.6 and GRE scores average in the mid- to high 600s.

MPP students fulfill core requirements that emphasize the tools of policy analysis: finance, management, statistics, economics, politics, and ethics. They are also introduced to the policy-making process and to national, state and local policy makers. In addition to these core courses, first-year students may take one or two elective courses during the second semester.

Between the first and second year, most full-time students are employed in federal, state or local government agencies or in private firms that are engaged in the policy process. In addition to offering practical experiences and the opportunity to use skills acquired during the first year, these internships provide students with contacts and relationships useful for future projects and job placement.

After completing the core curriculum, students specialize in one of five areas: International Security and Economic Policy, International Development, Management, Finance and Leadership, Environmental Policy, or Social Policy.

Master's in Engineering and Public Policy (MEPP)
The joint Master's in Engineering and Public Policy (MEPP) offers a unique opportunity to integrate engineering and public policy. With nationally and internationally recognized expertise in engineering (A. James Clark School of Engineering) and public policy on its College Park campus and various locations in downtown Washington, DC, this program offers early and mid-career students, as well as executives, flexible course schedules to accommodate busy professionals.

Executive Master's in Public Management (MPM)
The Executive Master of Public Management Program is open to students with five years of public management and policy-related experience. Students enrolled in the Program follow a prescribed curriculum, totaling 30 academic credits. Executive Master students attend evening classes which are held twice a week at the facilities of the Council for Excellence in Government located at 1301 K Street, NW in Washington, D.C. Students will move through the Program as members of a cohort and will have the opportunity to participate in numerous enrichment activities sponsored by the Council and the University of Maryland.

MPP/JD Joint Program Degree (MPP/JD)

The University of Maryland School of Law (located in Baltimore) and the School of Public Policy offer a joint program of studies leading to MPP and JD degrees. Candidates must separately apply and be admitted to both the School of Law and the School of Public Policy.

Under the joint program, a student may earn both degrees in four academic years because some coursework is credited toward both degrees. Students take 75 credits in the Law School coupled with 39 credits in the School of Public Policy. Grade point averages in each program are computed separately and students must maintain minimum standards in each school to continue in the program and receive both degrees. If a student's enrollment is terminated in either program, the student may, with permission continue in the other program but must then meet the full requirements of that program. Student programs must be approved by the deans of each school. For further discussion of admission and degree requirements, students should consult each school's catalog.

MPP/MBA Joint Program Degree (MPP/MBA)

The University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business and the School of Public Policy offer a joint program of studies leading to MBA and MPP degrees. Candidates must be admitted to both programs separately.

Under the joint program, a student may earn both degrees in approximately five to six semesters because some courses can be credited toward both degrees. A total of 66 credits, split fairly equally between the programs, are required for graduation. Grade point averages in each program are computed separately and students must maintain minimum standards in each school to continue in the program and receive both degrees. If a student's enrollment is terminated in one program, the student may with permission continue in the other program then meet the full requirements of that program. Student programs must be approved by the Director of Student Affairs of the School of Public Policy and the MBA Program Director. For further discussion of admission and degree requirements, students should see the admissions requirements for each program.

Joint MPP/MS program (MPP/MS)
The University of Maryland College of Chemical and Life Sciences and the Maryland School of Public Policy have created the Joint Master's in Public Policy and Conservation Biology Program (MPP-MS) that enables graduate students to obtain both a Master of Science in Sustainable Development & Conservation Biology (MS) and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree (with a specialization in Environmental Policy) in an integrated, more attractive format.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. in Policy Studies is principally directed at students who have a master's degree in public policy or a related field, such as economics, statistics, education or international relations, from a program comparable in quality and content to one of the School's own master's programs. Students may apply while in the final year of such a program. Applications will also be considered from recent college graduates without a master's degree who have an outstanding academic record.

Most students will be required to maintain full-time status through completion of the course work leading up to their exams and thesis proposal; this typically requires two to three years. Some students will be admitted on a part-time basis with an agreed schedule to ensure timely completion.

Students are required to take an exam in the basic disciplines of public policy and two field exams, usually with both a written and oral component, in broad topics relevant to the student's proposed thesis topic.

A faculty member at the School must agree to serve as the Ph.D. applicant's academic sponsor at the time of admission into the program. To facilitate the selection of a sponsor, applicants should include, as part of their application, a description of the general areas in which they want to study and write their dissertation.

Facilities and Special Resources

The School offers three degrees: the Master of Public Policy (MPP) the mid-career Master of Public Management (MPM), and the Ph.D. in Policy Studies. The School also offers joint degree programs with the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BA/MPP) the Smith School of Business (MPP/MBA) and the Law School (MPP/JD), the Clark School of Engineering (MEPP), the College of Chemical and Life Science (MPP/MS) as well as several non-degree certificate programs.

The School of Public Policy offers many advantages in studying public policy and policy analysis. The School's close proximity to Washington, D.C., Annapolis, and Baltimore, and the close ties between its faculty and the active policy-making community, give its students almost unparalleled access to the state and national policy arena. In addition, the School regularly hosts seminars and lecture series on current issues, offering insights from some of the people closest to the issues in progress.

The Maryland School of Public Policy brings the University of Maryland to Washington, D.C.and expands its offerings to students who are juggling complicated schedules. Additionally, it is the only program of its kind embedded in a major research institution. Students interested in Executive MPM program can complete their degree requirements at the D.C. location.

Financial Assistance

The School has financial aid available in the form of fellowships, graduate assistantships, and employment. All qualified applicants meeting appropriate deadlines are considered.

Contact Information

For additional information, contact: Office of Student Affairs Maryland School of Public Policy 2101 Van Munching Hall College Park, MD 20742 (301) 405-6331 policy-applications@umd.edu http://www.publicpolicy.umd.edu

Office of Student Affairs
2101 Van Munching Hall
MD 20742
Telephone: (301) 405-6331
Fax: (301) 403-4675
policy-applications@umd.edu

http://www.publicpolicy.umd.edu/

Courses: PUAF

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