MPP for (Higher) Education Policy

[mtn5h]

Hi everyone,

I am currently finishing my last semester as an undergraduate, and have applied to several MPP (or MPA depending on the school) and education programs, with a specific interest in higher education policy. I was strongly encouraged from my professor that an MPP would be more marketable/give me broader skills to apply to issues related to higher education finance, such as federal and state financial aid policies. Now that I've gotten accepted to both sets of programs, I am confused about which route to take.

I applied to Johns Hopkins IPS program, Rutgers MPP, and WWS MPA because they had more or less a concentration in education policy. As for education schools, I am strongly considering Maryland and Harvard's Higher Education programs (but are heavily policy-based). I am wondering if anyone can give me insight as to which program would be a better fit for my interests. I would like to pursue a Ph.D. soon after (not necessarily right after) my master's program because I want to go into higher ed research and policy. I ultimately want to work in some kind of government position, agency, organization, foundation, think tanks, etc. to contribute to research and evaluate programs related to higher education policies and access (ie. not an academic position).

I realize this choice comes down to whether I want to continue with a narrow focus, ie. going into a higher education program, or to broaden my focus to learn more about social and economic policies that affect/intersects with education policy. I will also post this thread on the education forum, so I apologize to anyone who reads this message twice! I would sincerely appreciate any insight or comments that anyone has.

[gteam108]

I was curious what schools or programs you decided on. I too have an interest in higher ed policy and have been thinking about terminal masters programs. If you could share any of your thoughts about different programs I would really appreciate it. Thank you