Is anyone looking at applying to McGeorge's MPP program?

[HN2016]

I am looking to stay in California for my MPP degree. I will be applying to USC Price, Goldman, UC Irvine. I came across the MPP program that is offered through the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. It looks like it is a new program. Is anyone applying to this program? Does anyone know anything about it? I see several of their faculty come from long standing positions at USC.

[plumeria11]

I will be applying. They will be accepting about 20 students for their first cohort. They are still creating their concentrations, so if they don't have one listed that you are interested in, I would contact their office. The professors have been very receptive and welcoming. The priority deadline is March 1.

I too am hoping to stay in California for my MPP degree. Good luck to you!

Edited February 22, 2016 by plumeria11

[monocle]

I have not and am not applying to this school, but I happened across the topic and did some cursory research.

Under almost all circumstances, I would recommend NOT attending this school. Take a look at their law school degree employment numbers where a whopping 46% of graduates are underemployed (32% unemployed). This screams "school in trouble," and I wouldn't want to be a part of the new Master's program they decided to open up to try to relieve the woes of their law program...

[plumeria11]

@monocle Thanks for the info. While I do think you may raise valid concerns, I still think that McGeorge has the potential to be a reputable Public Policy program, especially for those interested in working in the Sacramento area.

I've read various articles stating that there has been an overabundance of students going into law, which may have made it difficult for law graduates from McGeorge to find a job. Public Policy is a different field, and McGeorge will actually be the only MPP program in the Sacramento area. The only other programs are USC's MPA and Sacramento State's MPPA. I think McGeorge is tapping into a great opportunity to create MPP leaders in Sacramento.

Also because they are a brand new program, I'm sure that they are wholly invested into making sure that their first graduating class is very successful. Having such a small cohort of students is a great benefit for students where they can get extra support and guidance that they may not receive at a bigger school.

Of course, I am still bit wary of attending a school that is completely brand new with no alumni network. However I guess I'm not completely writing them off yet because I do think there is potential. 

Edited February 24, 2016 by plumeria11