How to begin researching MPP Programs

[MiniMogul]

Hi all,

I'm applying to MPP programs for fall 2012. This is a recent decision, since up until a few days ago I was all about law school. I have come to realize that policy work is what truly interests me. So, I'm about to embark on the journey of trying to pick an MPP program, and other than U.S. News, I have no idea where to start and how to pick the right program for me. With law schools, it's pretty easy, everyone knows that Harvard, Yale, are the best. Have no clue what the good MPP programs are.

Any and all help would be appreciated. A little about me, I'm coming from a fairly unknown university in Canada. 3.5 GPA. Fluent in French, ok Spanish. Mature student. Area of interest: Caribbean regional integration, trade and development in the Caribbean, Possibly considering a dual MPP/JD. Funding is very important.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[bblucy]

Hi! You'll definitely find a lot of good information digging through the different topics in this section of the site (especially look back to posts made in the last half of 2010 when most people who are applying for this fall were talking more about how to choose the best programs for their particular interests).

When I first started thinking about where I should apply, I found the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs(APSIA) site to be especially helpful. You can click on "Member Schools" and looks at profiles of their member and affiliate schools and also find links to each program's web page. This site will help narrow down your choices and I believe that you really couldn't go wrong with any of the schools you'll find on there, as long as you believe a particular school's program matches your interests. Hope this helps!

EDIT: I can't seem to spell Association today:) Glad you find the site helps!

Edited March 28, 2011 by bblucy

[MiniMogul]

Hi! You'll definitely find a lot of good information digging through the different topics in this section of the site (especially look back to posts made in the last half of 2010 when most people who are applying for this fall were talking more about how to choose the best programs for their particular interests).

When I first started thinking about where I should apply, I found the Associate of Professional Schools of International Affairs(APSIA) site to be especially helpful. You can click on "Member Schools" and looks at profiles of their member and affiliate schools and also find links to each program's web page. This site will help narrow down your choices and I believe that you really couldn't go wrong with any of the schools you find on there, as long as you believe a particular school's program matches your interests. Hope this helps!

Thanks so much for your response! This a GREAT website! And I trust it!! *breathing a sigh of relief* :-)

[StellaHaiti2]

1I decided on MPP even later than you (August 2010) and really only had a few weeks to research where I was actually going to apply since I was moving to a new country, finishing up a job, etc.

I looked at two main criteria: ranked in the top 25 in my specialty of interest (policy analysis, urban policy), and location since I like to be engaged in my local community.

After that I looked at every single program's website and eliminated those that didn't spark my interest. What ended up exciting me were (1) interdisciplinary curriculum and opportunities to cross-register and dual degree, (2) strong research centers or faculty interests in either planning, poverty, or disaster management, (3) strong quantitative training.

I ended up with a list of 5 schools, and I definitely didn't over research. I also had a 3.5 GPA, with strong need for funding, and got into GSPIA, Ford, and HKS. Still waiting on funding though!

You might have an even easier time narrowing down schools if you look closely at MPP/JD dual degree programs. Princeton is a no brainer to try for because of their funding.