Heinz School Admits

[Bastille]

Yep, CMU is def. still sending decisions out. I got an acceptance letter a few minutes ago. Made my day.

I was wondering what you all think about CMU's rather unique curriculum. This is the two-year Pitt track (with more advanced coursework than DC). How do you all think that this compares in terms of prep for OMB of GAO (say, by way of a presidential management fellowship) compared to more "traditional" programs at say Georgetown or Duke?

MSPPM Course Requirements

The MSPPM core curriculum—reviewed, refined and validated by the top professionals in the public policy arena—provides a solid foundation of comprehensive skills you need to lead an organization to success and address critical social issues. Below is a list of required courses you'll need to earn the degree.

Policy Analysis

• Applied Economic Analysis
• Empirical Methods for Public Policy Analysis
• Public Policy and Management Convocation
  Management
  
  • Organizational Design and Implementation
  • Management Science
  • Strategic Writing Skills
  • Strategic Presentation Skills
    Political Science
    
    • Policy and Politics: An International Perspective -or- Policy and Politics in American Political Institutions

    Technology & Management

    [*]Introduction to Database Management[*]Information and Communication Technologies

    Finance

• Financial Analysis
  

[le_neocon]

Yep, CMU is def. still sending decisions out. I got an acceptance letter a few minutes ago. Made my day.

I was wondering what you all think about CMU's rather unique curriculum. This is the two-year Pitt track (with more advanced coursework than DC). How do you all think that this compares in terms of prep for OMB of GAO (say, by way of a presidential management fellowship) compared to more "traditional" programs at say Georgetown or Duke?

MSPPM Course Requirements

The MSPPM core curriculum—reviewed, refined and validated by the top professionals in the public policy arena—provides a solid foundation of comprehensive skills you need to lead an organization to success and address critical social issues. Below is a list of required courses you'll need to earn the degree.

Policy Analysis

• Applied Economic Analysis
• Empirical Methods for Public Policy Analysis
• Public Policy and Management Convocation
  Management
  
  • Organizational Design and Implementation
  • Management Science
  • Strategic Writing Skills
  • Strategic Presentation Skills
    Political Science
    
    • Policy and Politics: An International Perspective -or- Policy and Politics in American Political Institutions

    Technology & Management

    [*]Introduction to Database Management[*]Information and Communication Technologies

    Finance

    [*]Financial Analysis

    Congrats Bastille !!

[mppgal55]

I just got an email as well (very nondescript), and I was accepted for the 2 yr Pitt-DC track, with $8K/semester the first year and $10K/semester for the DC year. I'm so excited!

[coaks]

Accepted! To the Pittsburgh only track, $6K/semester.

My undergraduate record was a 2.9 GPA as a liberal arts major, no public or non-profit experience (3 years demographic work for a discount retailer). So whatever you brought to the app, you have a chance.

Edited March 4, 2010 by coakleym

[sushitooth]

Accepted! To the Pittsburgh only track, $6K/semester.

My undergraduate record was a 2.9 GPA as a liberal arts major, no public or non-profit experience (3 years demographic work for a discount retailer). So whatever you brought to the app, you have a chance.

Congratulations! (And to everyone else, also!) I also accepted with $6k/year.

3.1 GPA, no work experience at all (still undergrad), but some extended volunteer abroad experience.

Though I think my economics major, with a lot of math taken just for "fun" (not required), and a strong Q GRE, is what got me in.

Yay!

[derekwang14]

Congratulations! (And to everyone else, also!) I also accepted with $6k/year.

3.1 GPA, no work experience at all (still undergrad), but some extended volunteer abroad experience.

Though I think my economics major, with a lot of math taken just for "fun" (not required), and a strong Q GRE, is what got me in.

Yay!

Hey, I just got email this morning. I'm in at MSPPM with a renewable 7k scholarship. The letter did not mention the specific requirement to renew the scholarship in the spring semester. Any idea?

[coaks]

Hey, I just got email this morning. I'm in at MSPPM with a renewable 7k scholarship. The letter did not mention the specific requirement to renew the scholarship in the spring semester. Any idea?

I assumed it was simply not failing out but maybe it's more than that.

[sushitooth]

Hey, I just got email this morning. I'm in at MSPPM with a renewable 7k scholarship. The letter did not mention the specific requirement to renew the scholarship in the spring semester. Any idea?

Oops, I actually received 6k/semester, not year. It said it is renewable contingent on my continuing high level of academic performance... I take this to mean that I (and you) will be able to keep receiving the award per semester as long as our grades are a B average or above. But mine did definitely say "contingent on continued" academic excellence or something like that, so I am not sure if yours was less specific than that?

By the way, I guess a pretty big wave of acceptances went out today? Seems like everyone is getting accepted, hehe

[MDGS]

Congratulations to all of you who got acceptance into CMU! I'm still waiting - It will probably take longer since Im not applying directly, I'm a Fulbright Nominee, so I will get my responses through the embassy and it will probably take much longer - but hope to become one of your classmate next fall!

[ThinkingAboutPhd]

Received an email directing me to the application page about an hour ago. Was accepted. Spent the last half hour calling and texting everyone I know! Good luck to people still waiting!

[cosmike10]

Checked my decision online and have been offered an $8,000 scholarship per semester. Thank you Heinz!

[tortoise]

Greetings, likely-future-classmates!

[Putoots]

Congratulations, everyone!

I was also accepted to Heinz (Pittsburgh track) with funding. I am looking to focus on international policy (perhaps the use of technology in this field) and was wondering if anyone was in the same boat and considering Heinz.

I also hear that it is still possible to do the D.C. track once you matriculate into the program...something I am considering...

[wcasey5]

I was notified via email that I was accepted to Heinz MSPPM today and given the choice between 3 semesters and 4... so I chose 3!  No mention of funding yet; I'm guessing that varies a little depending on whether I did 3 or 4 semesters.  Depending on funding, could be a tough choice between CMU and GSPP so far!

[Affirmed]

I was notified via email that I was accepted to Heinz MSPPM today and given the choice between 3 semesters and 4... so I chose 3! No mention of funding yet; I'm guessing that varies a little depending on whether I did 3 or 4 semesters. Depending on funding, could be a tough choice between CMU and GSPP so far!

I am still waiting for a decision

[hall0822]

So after hearing of all the acceptances at CMU I was beginning to think it would be a rejection for me. But yesterday I received an email from CMU stating that they felt the Adelaide campuse would be a better fit for me and they forwarded them my application. I apparently have been accepted at Adelaide but now am confused. I applied to CMU mainly because I was expecting funding based on my AmeriCorps service but now with this curveball I think CMU is out for me. Good luck to all of you still waiting though!

[ugachaca]

So after hearing of all the acceptances at CMU I was beginning to think it would be a rejection for me. But yesterday I received an email from CMU stating that they felt the Adelaide campuse would be a better fit for me and they forwarded them my application. I apparently have been accepted at Adelaide but now am confused. I applied to CMU mainly because I was expecting funding based on my AmeriCorps service but now with this curveball I think CMU is out for me. Good luck to all of you still waiting though!

Man, that's quite strange that they'd do that without even consulting you first. What was the basis for them determining that Adelaide would be a better fit? I like australia as much as the next person, but most people have pretty specific reasons for doing a masters abroad. Well, good luck with your other apps!

[wcasey5]

Man, that's quite strange that they'd do that without even consulting you first.  What was the basis for them determining that Adelaide would be a better fit?  I like australia as much as the next person, but most people have pretty specific reasons for doing a masters abroad.   Well, good luck with your other apps!

Yeah, I agree on that... very bizarre they didn't give you a response to your Pittsburgh application.

Got my official 3 semester plan acceptance today, 15k a semester...

[hall0822]

Man, that's quite strange that they'd do that without even consulting you first. What was the basis for them determining that Adelaide would be a better fit? I like australia as much as the next person, but most people have pretty specific reasons for doing a masters abroad. Well, good luck with your other apps!

I'm thinking it was based on my personal statement and my ultimate career objectives of working in international economic development. I mentioned the Adelaide program in my statement also...but it was definitely a reference to doing a semester there, not the entire program. I guess i'm lucky that CMU wasn't my first choice. It's not the best fit for my interests. But it definitely is a great school.

[le_neocon]

Got my Admit with a 5500$ scholarship. Not sure whether I'll choose this over the SIPA admit though.

[Paradoxex22]

Yep, CMU is def. still sending decisions out. I got an acceptance letter a few minutes ago. Made my day.

I was wondering what you all think about CMU's rather unique curriculum. This is the two-year Pitt track (with more advanced coursework than DC). How do you all think that this compares in terms of prep for OMB of GAO (say, by way of a presidential management fellowship) compared to more "traditional" programs at say Georgetown or Duke?

MSPPM Course Requirements

The MSPPM core curriculum—reviewed, refined and validated by the top professionals in the public policy arena—provides a solid foundation of comprehensive skills you need to lead an organization to success and address critical social issues. Below is a list of required courses you'll need to earn the degree.

Policy Analysis

• Applied Economic Analysis
• Empirical Methods for Public Policy Analysis
• Public Policy and Management Convocation
  Management
  
  • Organizational Design and Implementation
  • Management Science
  • Strategic Writing Skills
  • Strategic Presentation Skills
    Political Science
    
    • Policy and Politics: An International Perspective -or- Policy and Politics in American Political Institutions

    Technology & Management

    [*]Introduction to Database Management[*]Information and Communication Technologies

    Finance

    [*]Financial Analysis

    https://www.pmf.opm.gov/FinalistSortBySchool.aspx

    That's the finalist list for this past year, sorted by school. I interned at OMB this past year, and I remember talking quite a bit to one of the CMU students. There weren't a ton there, but perhaps not many applied, I don't know. I don't know about GAO, but they have a lot of interns. A lot. =)

[ugachaca]

Yeah, I agree on that... very bizarre they didn't give you a response to your Pittsburgh application.

Got my official 3 semester plan acceptance today, 15k a semester...

I'm not a heinz applicant, but i'd like to know more about how the three semster plan works. Do you study during the summer term or just take an extra course during the regular academic year? It sounds like a plan for those with several years of work exp... (internship won't be of much benefit)

[ThinkingAboutPhd]

Anyone know when Heinz is giving out their need-based aid? They gave their merit scholarships out with acceptances.

[gth822]

I am sorry to invade you guys' topic but I have a quick question if you don't mind (It's not easy to get advice regarding this).

Do you guys know anything about the Engineering and Public Policy program at CMU? I know it's officially not linked to Heinz (it's housed in the engineering department), but I guess it still has a lot overlapping professors/classes/research areas. Any insights would be really appreciated.

[cosmike10]

I am sorry to invade you guys' topic but I have a quick question if you don't mind (It's not easy to get advice regarding this).

Do you guys know anything about the Engineering and Public Policy program at CMU? I know it's officially not linked to Heinz (it's housed in the engineering department), but I guess it still has a lot overlapping professors/classes/research areas. Any insights would be really appreciated.

if there are overlapping classes then i would assume them to be classes like technology policy, r & d policy, or environmental policy. if you haven't seen the courses from heinz here is a link.

Edited March 18, 2010 by cosmike10