Brown MPP

[Berlin]

I'm so glad that I found this website and forum! I just found out I got admitted to Brown's MPP program today. To be honest, I applied based on the strength of the university itself, and don't know too much about the program itself. I'm wondering if anyone else knows much about the program. I know it's relatively new, but it's hard to figure out how big the program is, and how strong the program itself is. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[another_application]

i'm kind of curious as well.

i know that the Taubman Center itself is really involved with research, and from what i can tell, it's pretty renowned too.

butthe program itself isn't accredited by NASPAA...whatever that means, considering Public Policy accreditation isn't mandatory unlike med-school accreditation. it's a voluntary peer review process...

[Berlin]

Anyone going to the admitted students day next week?

[Berlin]

So, unfortunately I couldn't make it. Did anyone go? I'd love to hear thoughts on the school!

[another_application]

it's looks like we're the only two psyched on this taubman center thing. i couldn't go to admissions day either (due to living overseas) but i too would like to have gone.

have you heard anything about the program other than what's on the website? (admissions statistics...career prospects for the mpp...etc...) i know that they just started offering the mpp in 2005 or so, but still, there's got to be information on the '05/'06/'07 entrance classes.

[vodilun]

Hi- I'm interested in applying for the MPA (one year public affairs program for mid-career types) at Brown next winter. Curious if either of you decided on going to Brown yet - and if so - what led you to your decisions. I was a Brown undergrad- and the Taubman Center does have an excellent reputation. The head of the center is leaving for Brookings soon though - so it'll be interesting to see who replaces him. Could be an upswing for the program...

I live in Providence - so happy to provide info if you're curious about the campus and living here. Thanks

[Berlin]

I ended up deciding to go with Georgetown, but Brown was my 2nd choice (above Berkeley and Michigan, for what it's worth). I really liked the program, I just decided I wanted to go somewhere with 1) a bigger class (Brown is SMALL), and a city more exciting than Providence (no offense, of course). I think there are about 15-20 MPP's and a few MPA's per class. Most of the MPA's are older, although I know that for Brown undergrads, you can do a 5 year BA/MPA so I suppose there are some right out of college as well. I was VERY impressed by the current students, and obviously if you went to Brown you know it's a nice campus.

I didn't realize that West was leaving, but I think it gives Brown an opportunity to bring in another big name and take the program to a new level. I don't see any reason that in a few years it won't be one of the top 10 or so programs out there.