GW's master of public policy (MPP) program, offered through its Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, prepares students to dig deep into the data and the details even as they explore the theories and the why behind the public policy that shapes government.
The curriculum balances coverage of public policy theory and practice with contemporary policy issues. Students complete a common core and select elective coursework in a field of study tailored to their unique interests and career objectives. Potential fields include budget and public finance; education policy; environmental policy; health policy; national security policy; philosophy and social policy; program and policy evaluation; public-private policy and management; science and technology policy; social policy; urban policy; and international development management. Students can also design their own field of concentration.
Classes for the MPP are held on the University's main Foggy Bottom campus. Many classes are in the evenings, enabling full-time and part-time students to pursue their degree while working. Full-time students typically complete the 40-credit program in two years, including one summer. Part-time students complete the program in three to four years.
Visit the program website for additional information.
| Article | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Admission deadlines: | Fall - April 1 (February 1 for priority fellowship consideration) |
| Spring - October 1 Late applications accepted on a case by case basis for students who do not require an F-1 or J-1 visa. | |
| Standardized test scores: | The GRE general or GMAT is not required however if you feel as though submitting scores for the GRE or GMAT will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them |
| The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction. | |
| Minimum scores for the program are: | |
| - Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0; or | |
| - TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based. | |
| Recommendations required: | Two (2) recommendations |
| Prior academic records: | Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. |
| If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application. | |
| Statement of purpose: | In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application, or resumé/curriculum vita. |
| International applicants only: | Please review International Applicant Information (https://columbian.gwu.edu/international-graduate-applicants) carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements. |
Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052
For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
40 credits, including 19 credits in required core courses, 6 credits in tools courses, a minimum of 9 credits in a policy field, and 6 credits in elective courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| Policy core | ||
| PPPA 6000 | Perspectives on Public Values | |
| PPPA 6002 | Research Methods and Applied Statistics (taken for 3 credits) | |
| PPPA 6007 | Microeconomics for Public Policy I | |
| PPPA 6008 | MPA/MPP Capstone | |
| PPPA 6011 | Politics and Policy Analysis | |
| PPPA 6013 | Regression Methods for Policy Research | |
| PPPA 6014 | Microeconomics for Public Policy II | |
| Tools of analysis | ||
| Two courses selected from the following: | ||
| PPPA 6005 | Public Budgeting, Revenue, and Expenditure Analysis | |
| PPPA 6015 | Benefit-Cost Analysis | |
| PPPA 6016 | Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation | |
| PPPA 6020 | Decision Modeling for Public Policy | |
| PPPA 6021 | Data Visualization | |
| PPPA 8022 | Econometrics for Policy Research | |
| PPPA 8023 | Mixed Methods in Research Design | |
| Field of study/electives | ||
| Students must complete a policy field of at least 9 credits. The remaining 6 credits required for the degree may be taken in that field or they may be used as electives to, e.g., include additional tools courses or courses in other fields in their program of study. | ||