Public Policy (MA)
Faculty
Leanne Doherty, Program Director, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Catherine Paden, Chair, Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations
Benjamin Cole, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations
Zinnia Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Economics
Valerie Leiter, Professor of Sociology
Description
Simmons' Master in Public Policy program provides an interdisciplinary understanding of societal problems and their potential solutions. Students will have a command of public policy analysis and an applied understanding of the various institutional contexts in which public policy is developed and implemented.
Drawing on core courses from the Departments of Economics, Political Science, and Sociology, as well as elective courses in the School of Management, College of Arts and Sciences, Library Sciences, Social Work, and Nursing and Health Studies, the MPP provides an integrated focus on public policy in the United States.
Upon completing their MPP at Simmons, students will have a command of public policy analysis and will have an applied understanding of the various institutional contexts in which public policy is developed and implemented.
Learning Outcomes
Students receiving an MPP degree will be skilled in policy analysis, as defined by the following:
- An understanding of the factors that influence the direction of government action.
- An understanding of the “tools” available to address policy problems.
- An understanding of the effects of government action.
- An understanding of the various constituencies that influence how policy is made, and the theoretical underpinnings of real life policy choices.
Requirements for entry into program
Admission: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, achieving at least a B (3.0) average. All students must successfully complete a college level course in Statistics as well as Introduction to Microeconomics. In general, applicants are expected to submit a completed application file that includes a completed Application Form PDF document, a nonrefundable application fee of $35 (payable to Simmons College), official college transcripts from every college or university attended, two letters of recommendation, GRE Scores, essay or statement of purpose, TOEFL scores if English is not the applicant's first language, and current résumé.
Costs
Including financing and fellowships / assistantships
| Liberal Arts** |
$1,012 per credit hour |
| Activity Fee |
$50 per semester |
Degree requirements
Credits
Core, Pre-requisite, and elective course requirements and progression, etc.
Capstone, placement, internship, practicum, etc.
The Master in Public Policy at Simmons College provides an interdisciplinary understanding of societal problems and their potential solutions. Ten courses are required to complete the degree – five core courses, including the final Capstone Project, and five electives chosen with a program advisor. Students are also required to complete a three credit internship. Student with prior work experience in public policy arenas will have the option to waive the internship requirement by petitioning the program director. Possible internship sites include, but are not limited to legislative and executive offices, think tanks, and advocacy organizations.
Concentrations, specializations, etc.
N/A
Licensure, certification, etc.
N/A
Delivery Mode or Modes Available (full-time, part-time, locations, technologies, etc.)
N/A
Other program information
N/A
Dual (and other) degree options (With what other degree programs may this program be combined?)
Dual Degree Program Gender/Cultural Studies and Public Policy
Coursework
Six required GCS courses
One of the following
Three GCS Electives
Six/Seven required MPP courses
3 Credit Internship (if applicable)
One Combined Capstone
All dual degree candidates must complete one of the capstone options listed below. Students will consult with their advisor and/or program director about which option is better suited for their career path.
GCS 460 Thesis Capstone: Students will write a 60-80 page thesis that focuses on a policy issue. Dual-degree students present their capstone work at the GCS colloquium with other graduating GCS students.
MPP 505 Policy Capstone: Students will work with a specific organization on a policy problem. Ideally the policy problem will focus on an issue related to race, gender, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation, etc.
GCS Elective