MPP Programs in DC?

[red5]

Has anyone here ever gone through the process of applying for an MPP in the DC area? What are some good programs to consider?

About me: I have a BA in IR from the GWU Elliott School, 3.47 GPA, graduated in 2008. I have good internship experience, and am currently a congressional staffer for a senior Senator working on foreign policy matters.

I have heard that an economic background for some of these programs does matter, I took micro, maco, international during undergrad, is this sufficient? I also took Economic Development Policy but this class was actually not in the economics department so I doubt schools will see it as an economics class despite the name.

I feel like Georgetown is probably out of the question, but I don't know. I liked my GWU undergrad experience but I would prefer not to go there for graduate school unless things don't work out with the other programs. I am not sure I like American University's curriculum, has anyone ever gone there from this board? I do like the looks of George Mason's program, but I don't think you even have to take the GRE to apply there, is that sort of sort of red light that should lead me to avoid the program? Is Catholic U's program any good? I would be open for Howard, as well. Do they offer an MPP at Hopkins? Going there would be a pipedream but it would be interesting if that was even an option. I do have sort of a random connection there (know some of Nitze's relatives) that could possibly pull a string.

Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated, thanks. This seems like a great community and I look forward to sticking around.

[linden]

red5:

Why do you think Georgetown is out of the question? I was not sure if your comment implied you are not interested in the program or if you think you would not be a strong candidate for the MPP program. If it's the latter, I think your GPA and work experience certainly make you competitive.

As for the amount of econ classes you have taken, I think you're okay. Some other candidates might have more coursework in econ, but (if I remember correctly) in this forum you will see there are a few cases where people had not taken any econ coursework.

Good luck!

Linden