Public Policy Analysis Master’s program at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

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Master of Public Policy (MPP)

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Two years of study that trains students with a broad range of policy interests for a wide set of jobs providing a toolbox of research, analytical, and management skills that are highly transferable across sectors and issue areas.

This Master of Public Policy curriculum is rigorous, interdisciplinary, and hands-on.

Policy analysis: The Ford School is the national recognized leader in quantitative policy analysis, with a carefully-sequenced core curriculum in microeconomics, statistics, and quantitative program evaluation.

Political and ethical analysis: Core courses teach a sophisticated understanding of public policy institutions and political processes and also explore the key role of values and ethics in public policy design.

Communication: We offer outstanding writing instruction and tutoring; skills modules in public presentation, social media, strategic communication, working with the press, data visualization; and more.

Leadership: Core and elective courses focus on key issues in public/nonprofit management and effective leadership. Numerous co-curricular leadership development opportunities are also available, including leadership assessments; workshops; panels; access to top policymakers; executive coaching; and serving in leadership roles in student orgs, schoolwide committees, and public service initiatives.

- Duration
- Credit hours
No GRE Required
No Scholarships Available

Composition of student population

63 Female Students
21 Internation Students
105 Graduate Students Enrolled

MPP Application Checklist

The University of Michigan strongly encourages all applicants to apply online. Applications for our master's programs are due by January 15.

The master's application for the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy will be available through the Rackham Graduate School website by the second week of September. If you do not have internet access or have extenuating circumstances, you can request a paper application.

GRE scores are optional for applicants seeking admission to the MPP program.

All masters’ applicants will be required to answer a supplemental question on the application about their quantitative and qualitative skills in lieu of submitting GRE scores. Applications without GRE scores will not be disadvantaged in the holistic application review process.

Five supporting documents are required for all applicants. Application materials must be received by January 15 for admissions consideration.

1. Essays: The Academic Statement of Purpose should be a concise essay about your professional and academic goals. The admissions committee is interested in how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. The academic statement is uploaded on page 9 of the application under the section titled Program-Specific Information.

2. Applicants to the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program: The submission of GRE scores is not required.

3. Resume or curriculum vitae: A current resume or curriculum vitae must be submitted. Applicants who apply online should attach this under the section asking for a resume. Please do not confuse this with your statement of purpose, two separate documents must be submitted.

4. Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required and should reflect the academic and, if relevant, job capabilities and experience of the applicant.

5. Transcripts: All Applicants: Please upload an official or unofficial transcript with your online application in ApplyWeb. You may also upload additional transcripts from any other institution you attended.

Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in Public Policy Analysis

Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 700 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

The median annual wage for political scientists was $125,350 in May 2020. Number of Jobs in 2020 was 7,000.

Employers prefer the candidate with a Master's degree.

Universities with similar Graduate Program

Program NameTuition / Year
Public Policy Analysis Masters program at Mills College$36,263
Public Policy Analysis Masters program at Hamline University$11,577
Public Policy Analysis Masters program at Adler University$37,732
Public Policy Analysis Masters program at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale$16,026

Are there Online Masters programs offered in Public Policy Analysis?

Here is the list of top-ranked universities offering online masters program in Public Policy Analysis

Program NameTuition
Public Policy Analysis Online Masters programs at Harvard University$50,654
Public Policy Analysis Online Masters programs at Northwestern University$56,567
Public Policy Analysis Online Masters programs at University of Southern California$48,715
Public Policy Analysis Online Masters programs at Pepperdine University$36,320