Location:

Pittsburgh, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Public Policy

Program Overview

Program Description:

Tomorrow’s policy leaders are passionate about public service and creating lasting social change. In a program that blends academics with practice, the MSPPM program's Washington, D.C. track can help future policy leaders develop the right skills and build experiences to enable them to make a difference.

This unique program seeks to train a new breed of public interest leader and to give students a broad awareness of and direct exposure to careers in national and international policy. During the first year of the program, students will be located at the main campus in Pittsburgh, PA, building a solid foundation in public policy, management, information technology, and analytical thinking – skills that have long been a hallmark of the MSPPM degree. The second year of the program will take place in Washington, D.C. where students will work four days per week in full-time apprenticeships, take classes two nights per week, and spend Friday mornings in workshops and classes. This integration of skill building with hands-on application, real-world experience and networking will create a unique graduate school experience.

The Master of Science in Public Policy and Management program's DC track offers a unique two-year experience to cultivate a student’s passions while enhancing their leadership skills. A highly selective program culminating in our nation’s capital, this program is geared to future leaders who want to advance their careers in public and political service.

The second year apprenticeship in Washington, D.C. is the main differentiator for our students. Whether a student is transitioning existing skills to the public policy sphere or is a seasoned professional, our unique  D.C.-based apprenticeship program will help match students to the public policy employer and/or sector of their choice, allowing them to gain hands-on experience by working four days per week while they earn their degree at night and on Fridays.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Middle States

Financial Aid:

Yes

Requirements:

Applicants are required to submit official results from either the GMAT or GRE. The MSPPM degree requires a quantitative background. Because of the quantitative nature of the program, the faculty require that all students complete a college level course in advanced algebra/pre-calculus prior to enrollment. It is suggested that applicants also complete college level courses in economics and statistics prior to enrollment. Students who have not completed these courses may be required to enroll in and successfully complete the Quantitative Skills Summer Program as a condition of their offer of admission. QSSP is free of charge – a 4-week program offered prior to the start of the Fall semester.

International Requirements:

All applicants whose native language (mother tongue) is NOT English must submit a test score from the TOEFL (25+ in each section) or IELTS (7+ in each section). The only exception is for students who have worked or studied for 5 years or more in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the U.K., the U.S. or South Africa.