Am I a good candidate for a MPP / technology policy program?

[thetourist]

I have a question that may be a little unusual, but maybe someone will have some advice!

I graduated this past May with BS degrees in Computer Science, Computer Engineering and a BA in English with a focus on technical writing. I've had several undergrad internships and full-time work, but all has been technical. However, I've realized I have a long-term interest in public policy, specifically technology policy.

I've heard conflicting reports about whether applying for MPP programs or programs specifically in technology policy would be wise -- I've read in some places that people with a more technical background are attractive, but I've also read the opposite, and I've read that for a career in tech policy, a MS with some technical expertise could look just as good.

My stats:

-3.9/4 GPA from a borderline Tier 2 / Tier 1 public uni

-800 Quant / 690 Verbal / 6.0 Writing GRE

-No research or poli sci courses in college (I had AP credit in those coming out of high school), but took a major senior capstone course in technology policy and a few more in science, technology and society

So... can anyone give me a feel for how competitive I'd be at the high-ranked public policy / technology policy programs, especially in terms of funding? Also, is it likely I'd have to take many leveling courses? And should I even be considering this, or should I get more technical experience and work in policy as someone with the tech expertise?

Thanks for any thoughts you have!

Walter

[riz1]

Which schools have highly-regarded tech policy programs?

As for whether people with technical backgrounds can make the jump to the soft side, here are two people off the top of my head who have made that transition successfully:

Vipin Narang

Michael Best