Master of Public Policy - Social Policy

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year professional degree designed to provide students with the skills, expertise and networks to identify problems and create the solutions. The MPP curriculum consists of two components - a core set of courses (27 credits total) that provide a foundation in governance, quantitative skills and the practice of public policy and elective courses that allow a deeper dive into a particular area of interest. Students may use elective credits to complete one or two specializations, and/or pursue general policy interests. Specializations include environmental policy, energy policy, international development policy, international security and economic policy, leadership and management, nonprofit management and leadership, public financial management, social policy, health policy, education policy, and a self-design option. Students must complete 48 credits to earn the MPP degree. Learn the art of policy and governance, and gain the analytical skills and practical experience to launch a career solving pressing policy challenges.

The Social Policy specialization acquaints students with the relevant history and institutions of social policy, develops their quantitative skills for program evaluation and the analysis of large data sets, and helps them grapple with the moral issues raised by inequality. Our required courses (Quantitative Analysis of Policy Issues, Foundations of Social Policy, and Program Evaluation) anchor flexible master's degree programs for pre-career and mid-career students who may select courses in health, education, poverty, criminal justice, housing and social services management, among others. A resident faculty with nationally-renowned expertise in various fields is complemented by a broader menu of relevant course offerings across other units of the College Park campus.

Statement of Purpose
Transcript(s)
TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)
Letters of Recommendation (2)
Optional: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
CV/Resume
Supplementary Application
iBT TOEFL - 96 Overall (Speaking 22, Listening 24, Reading 26, Writing 24)
IELTS - 7 Overall (Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 6.5)