UC Irvine Public Policy

[samsk111]

Hey so I'm starting my senior year at UC Irvine. I'm a double major in (please go with me on the names, i'm trying to express the breadth of the programs...) 'Criminology, Law, and Society' and 'Psychology and Social Behavior. I have a 3.5 GPA, but have yet to take the GRE. I'm planning on taking a year or two off after I graduate to gain applicable work experience.

In the last year I've gained a considerable amount of interest in Public Policy programs and so have been looking around just for the future. As it happens, UCI just added a Master in Public Policy program, but I have no idea about the quality of the program, its job outlook, or its national ranking.

So my question is... would you go to a program that is brand new but from a well ranked public university? Or should I just not even try if you think I have better chances getting into a better ranking program...

Thanks!

[cunninlynguist]

You should give it some consideration, but don't be afraid to seek out other programs that appeal to you. The MPP at UCI may not even match your interests - and honestly, if you plan to work for a year or two, your interests may end up in a totally different place compared to this moment.

Your GPA is good and I'm sure if you put together a solid application overall, you'll be a serious candidate at many Public Policy programs. Don't focus too much on particular programs right now. Just continue to do well in your classes and explore what you'd want to get out of a MPP, in general terms. And when it comes time to make a decision regarding where you'll apply: Don't pursue the school, pursue the individual program.

[samsk111]

You should give it some consideration, but don't be afraid to seek out other programs that appeal to you. The MPP at UCI may not even match your interests - and honestly, if you plan to work for a year or two, your interests may end up in a totally different place compared to this moment.

Your GPA is good and I'm sure if you put together a solid application overall, you'll be a serious candidate at many Public Policy programs. Don't focus too much on particular programs right now. Just continue to do well in your classes and explore what you'd want to get out of a MPP, in general terms. And when it comes time to make a decision regarding where you'll apply: Don't pursue the school, pursue the individual program.

Many thanks! While I've been looking at schools tuned for my interests (i.e. penal systems, law) a few names continue to show up. So far Florida State seems to be coming out on top as it offers a joint MPA and M.S. in Criminal Justice. CUNY- John Jay College seems to be quite appealing as well.