Nicole

I know most of the posts here are about getting into programs, and I'm currently getting an MA in Public Policy at GW (I was addicted to this board last year)! But this summer I'll be interning at HUD, and I was wondering if anyone out there has (or will) be interning for the Fed, and could share your experiences. If you worked at HUD, even better!

GWU has a program in Philosophy and Social Policy (I'm in it now). Its housed in their Philosophy Department, but it emphasizes public policy just as equally (students are required to take 4 core philosophy classes and 4 core public policy classes, and then can concentrate in a number of different areas). They also offer an MPP or MPA degree in their policy school, Trachentberg, and students can choose to concentrate in philosophy and social policy, there is less emphasis on the philosophy aspect as part of the core program, but students can take philosophy classes to fill their electives. American University has a program by the same name, also housed in the Philosophy Department, but their program has much less of a focus on policy oriented coursework. It kind depends on what you're hoping to focus in. Do you want a blend of philosophy and policy? There are actually a decent number of philosophy grad programs that have concentrations in policy/political science. A lot of MPP/MPA programs will require a class or two in ethics or something similar, and some offer flexibility with electives and students can choose to concentrate in philosophy. I personally choose GWU because all the work was pretty much done as far as program structure goes, and I didn't have self-initiate very much. Like I said, I'm required to take a certain number of policy and philosophy classes, resulting in a good balance of both. Hope that helps a bit!