Best MPP programs if you're considering a PhD after? (CMU Heinz, Chicago, others?)

[MollyB]

I might decide to follow an MPP with a PhD, probably in political science or political economy. I'd like to start with an MPP in case the PhD thing doesn't work out, that way I still have a useful professional degree.

 

Which MPP programs might most impress PhD committees in poli sci? 

 

Btw, I'm in at CMU and was impressed that one of their 'concentrations' is geared towards the "occasional" (their word) student who wants to pursue a PhD after. Basically it's some undergrad math and an independent study or two. 

 

Has anyone pored over enough curriculums from other schools to know what others might also be a good pre-PhD fit? I assume this would be things like math, stats, and research opportunities (so independent study or a thesis). I'm coming to this idea late, so I didn't choose my schools this year with this criteria in mind. 

 

I've applied to Chicago Harris, but still waiting to hear back -- their heavy quant offerings might be well-regarded by PhD committees. But if I decide to apply to UChicago poli sci PhD after an MPP, would it hurt my chances to be coming from a UChicago Master's program? I know lots of schools don't like to admit their own terminal Master's students into their PhD programs in the same field, but would MPP to poli sci be different enough?

Edited February 24, 2013 by MollyB