cathartic_j

Once again, thanks to everyone who has replied, and I welcome as much feedback as people can give! I'll definitely take a closer look at UC-Berkeley/Goldman, but can you elaborate on why Princeton/Woodrow Wilson would be a good fit? I guess I could have made it more clear in the original post that I'm more interested mostly interested in analysis, which means I'm much more interested in MPP programs than MPAs. WWS only offers a one-year, mid-career MPP (not for me) ... so did you have the Ph.D program in mind? From your description, Georgetown definitely sounds like a good fit as long as it's reasonably strong in any of the policy areas that interest me. I had disregarded Syracuse/Maxwell because of the lack of an MPP, despite its high overall ranking, but the tip that their MPA has a healthy dose of analysis will get me to take a second look. I guess I should have been a little more clear in my first post. I'm interested in policy programs as an alternative to an advanced econ degree. (I have a pretty good idea of what good econ programs are looking for, but I appreciate that part of your post anyway -- it would have been a kind dose of reality if I didn't know what's expected.) Basically, if I can't get into a decent doctoral program in economics with a little bit of funding, then I'll go to a policy program (assuming I get a decent offer somewhere), earn an MPP, and consider continuing on for a doctorate in Public Policy. So I'm interested in two separate (but somewhat related) career paths. The MA QMSS is something I might be interested in that I (once again) had no knowledge of, so I'm definitely going to check that out. Right, and if I did end up earning an MPP, I wouldn't be considering re-applying to econ programs; I'd either be job-hunting or applying to Public Policy/Public Administration Ph.D programs. Thanks again everyone!

Thanks for the suggestions (and keep 'em coming)! I didn't really know much at all about Harris, so that's a particularly helpful tip. (Weirdly, Chicago's econ program is a terrible fit for me, so it would be funny if I ended up there because of the policy program.) I had already made a note to myself that Duke/Sanford looked like it could be a good match, but it's always helpful to have outside confirmation. Thanks again, and if anyone else can chime in, please do so!

Hi all, Although I would ideally end up in a doctoral program in economics, I also have an interest in slightly more applied work, and would like to apply to a few (2-5) public policy programs as a potential alternative. Unfortunately, I attended a very small, not-well-connected liberal arts school, so none of the faculty members I worked with as an undergrad have much knowledge of policy programs. I am putting in my own work to find programs that would be a "good fit," but I'd love recommendations to make sure I check out all the sensible options. To narrow it down, I'll give some of my preferences: My primary interests are in domestic (US) policy, particularly economic and social policy.Strong quantitative requirements/work is acceptable (maybe even preferable)!If I earn an MPP and do not proceed to a doctoral program, I'd prefer work at a think tank or in government. The absence of my qualifications -- and the absence of any preference for "overall strength" of the program -- is intentional; I'd like my applications to cover a fair amount of the spectrum. So... any suggestions for programs I should investigate? Harvard (Kennedy School of Government) and UMich (Ford) are already on the list... Thanks!