Help me rank my schools for Public Policy!

[gradfeegalore]

I'm looking into an MPP and want to eventually do legislative issues on Capitol Hill and eventually do campaign policy issues. Very politics and very campaign related. What should be my top choice, which should be my bottom choice? Since Georgetown is in DC and they get a lot of interface with this area, should that be considered (even though its program is lower ranked?

1. Georgetown

2. NYU

3. Berkeley

4. Harvard

5. Princeton

Thanks!!!

[policy_applicant]

Considering your interests, this would be my list:

1. Harvard

2. Princeton

3. Georgetown

4. Berkeley

5. NYU

Take these rankings with a grain of salt, since our interests differ, so I haven't done all my research as to which schools are best for a legislative job on the Hill. I do think, however, that Berkeley and NYU are weaker in the politics and campaign areas. Berkeley is more focused on policy analysis (and is very highly ranked in that regard) and NYU specializes in city government and large nonprofits. That doesn't mean you can't get a great education at these schools and end up on the Hill, but that is not their main focus.

[gradfeegalore]

Considering your interests, this would be my list:

1. Harvard

2. Princeton

3. Georgetown

4. Berkeley

5. NYU

Take these rankings with a grain of salt, since our interests differ, so I haven't done all my research as to which schools are best for a legislative job on the Hill. I do think, however, that Berkeley and NYU are weaker in the politics and campaign areas. Berkeley is more focused on policy analysis (and is very highly ranked in that regard) and NYU specializes in city government and large nonprofits. That doesn't mean you can't get a great education at these schools and end up on the Hill, but that is not their main focus.

What kind of careers can one go into with a strong policy analysis background?

[thebends1996]

As a person who works on the Hill, (and still dreams of getting a PhD and can't help but look at these boards during his 15 minute lunch break) I feel I might be able to give you some useful information. What the previous poster said about contacts is dead on. I was fortunate enough to get my position without networking, but I've been told I am an exception to the rule. I came in with some pretty useful experience, so that was probably what put me over the other candidates. Regarding the schools you are looking at, this would be my ranking:

1. Georgetown

2. Harvard

3. Berkeley

4. Princeton

5. NYU

Georgetown is the obvious choice because it puts you in DC. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you are guaranteed a Hill job. It just gives you a leg up because of location and ability to network.

Harvard gets your foot in the door because of the name. However, I don't think it really guarantees anything, either. Also, I think the logistics of interviewing in DC can be a bit of a nightmare.

Berkeley may surprise some people, but I have heard a lot of high ranking people gush over Berkeley grads. They tend to be very sought after, but the logistics is even worse than Harvard, so that can be a huge detriment.

Princeton is a bit of a wild card. I guess I see more Princeton people in international jobs, so they aren't as prevalent. Plus, I think a lot of grads tend to go to NYC for work.

NYU is awesome for nonprofits and city government. I worked in Bloomberg's office and the place is filled with NYU grads (I didn't go there, however).

Tho other wildcard is a lot of Hill staffers have law degrees (for better or worse in my opinion). Overall, finding a good Hill position (I suggest a committee position if you want a decent lifestyle in DC) is pretty damn difficult unless you know someone. Most of the time the jobs are filled before an announcement is even ready.

[pepper84]

As somebody who works in DC, I've felt that DC jobs are ALL about connections. Not what you know, but who you know. Therefore, Georgetown would be my first choice, if I were you. My friends who are Georgetown and GW MPP students take night classes, too, so they can work internships in the day, which are truly the best way to make connections and find out about openings.

[Patrice]

you mentioned berkeley's strength in international careers, or career in NYU instead of the Hill. I am looking at M.P.A programs with a view to work in world bank, UN, IMF.. could you please suggest , off the top of your head, the best 3 or 4 schools in such a case?

[JAC16]

you mentioned berkeley's strength in international careers, or career in NYU instead of the Hill. I am looking at M.P.A programs with a view to work in world bank, UN, IMF.. could you please suggest , off the top of your head, the best 3 or 4 schools in such a case?

I would say the best masters to get a job at WB, IMF, UN would be:

1) SAIS-JHU (MAIR)

2) Harvard KSG (MPA-ID)

3) Princeton WWS (MPA)

4) Columbia-SIPA (MIA)

[JAC16]

I'm looking into an MPP and want to eventually do legislative issues on Capitol Hill and eventually do campaign policy issues. Very politics and very campaign related. What should be my top choice, which should be my bottom choice? Since Georgetown is in DC and they get a lot of interface with this area, should that be considered (even though its program is lower ranked?

1. Georgetown

2. NYU

3. Berkeley

4. Harvard

5. Princeton

Thanks!!!

Considering your interests, I think you should also consider Maxwell...

[Jettinger]

I would say the best masters to get a job at WB, IMF, UN would be:

1) SAIS-JHU (MAIR)

2) Harvard KSG (MPA-ID)

3) Princeton WWS (MPA)

4) Columbia-SIPA (MIA)

Does the SAIS IDev program stack up ahead of MPA-ID in your estimation?

[JAC16]

Does the SAIS IDev program stack up ahead of MPA-ID in your estimation?

They are both different programs, and both will get you where you want to be. Each is great in its own way, and which program you choose really depends on your personal preferences. SAIS has better networking opportunities, a stronger alumni network at those institutions, and a better reputation in the IR world. It's location is also a plus, as it allows you to intern during the year. Harvard will always open doors though. It is more multidisciplinary as a program and allows you to take PhD level economics classes, which could be a plus.