MPP from Duke vs. Heinz-DC Track

[Heel2632]

I am trying to decide between a MPP from Duke and a MSPPM from Carnegie Mellon. The program at Carnegie Mellon will provide the opportunity to work in DC the second year. Funding is about the same for both... I hope to work in federal consulting or non-profit consulting and may even try to apply to the dual MBA program during my first year.

I wanted to get opinions on both schools....

[fso2k11]

Have you looked into the Carnegie Mellon dual mba program and its requirements? I am very interested in doing the same, although I haven't looked into the MBA program at all. How would that work with your 2nd year in DC?

I am trying to decide between a MPP from Duke and a MSPPM from Carnegie Mellon. The program at Carnegie Mellon will provide the opportunity to work in DC the second year. Funding is about the same for both... I hope to work in federal consulting or non-profit consulting and may even try to apply to the dual MBA program during my first year.

I wanted to get opinions on both schools....

Edited March 15, 2011 by blingem

[mppgal55]

It isn't possible to do MBA and DC-track at Heinz, but you can take Tepper courses during your first year on campus. At CMU, the MSPPM has more of a management focus anyhow; it is known as the MBA of policy.

I'm currently in the DC track, so if you have any questions feel free to send them my way. I will point out that Heinz regularly has 2 students do their apprenticeship with Deloitte, and usually place a few students with smaller boutique consulting firms as well. If consulting is your end-goal, the connections from CMU are incredible. Just this week, we had PWC come in for interviews, before break we had a DC event with BoozAllen, Sapient, and DRT, and Deloitte has been on/off all year for summer/full-time hiring. I know students who are graduating this May who already have jobs working at economics consulting and engineering consulting firms in Chicago and NYC as well.

I'd suggest visiting both, talking to program directors, and seeing how the fit is in person. Both schools have great reputations, will provide a solid education, and will help you find a job, so it's more of what technical skills you want coming out, funding, location, and overall fit.