Daniel Bromberg
Carsey School Program Faculty
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Application Deadlines: Dec. 15 (Spring term) & Aug. 15 (Fall term)
Our Master in Public Policy (MPP) offers you the tools you need to make a difference and create change in the challenging environment of 21st-century policymaking. You’ll learn how to develop transformative, sustainable approaches to societal problems through research and analysis, and how to strategically communicate those ideas to bring them to fruition. In addition to equipping you to serve in a variety of public policy jobs, our MPP program will provide you with the skills to address the pressing issues that matter to you — locally, nationally and globally.
In our Master in Public Policy, you’ll create a personalized degree based on your interests and graduate with the skill sets that today’s policy professionals need to succeed —analytical expertise, strategic communication skills and the tools for advancing a policy agenda. Built into the unique MPP degree curriculum are experiential learning opportunities designed to deepen and broaden your education. These include meeting with key policymakers in Congress, the White House, government agencies, advocacy groups and more throughout your semesters on campus and during our Washington, D.C., colloquium. Build practical experience through a policy internship and capstone project, all while earning your MPP degree in just 14 months.
The Master in Public Policy degree (MPP) offers you the opportunity to learn the skills you need to succeed in today’s public policy jobs—analytical expertise, strategic vision, clear and compelling communications, and the tools of leadership. This master's in public policy program is ideal whether you will be completing your bachelor’s degree in the near future or are currently working in a policy-related field. Choose a track focused on public policy analysis or strategy and communications—and select from a broad range of electives to personalize your degree plan. Built into the unique curriculum are a variety of experiential learning opportunities to deepen and broaden what you learn in the classroom, such as:
Earn your MPP degree in as little as 14 months (or 12 months for UNH Accelerated Master's students). You can also choose to earn your MPP degree over a longer period by attending part time.
Program Delivery & Location: Academic courses are offered in person on the UNH Durham campus with a portion of the experiential learning taking place offsite: in Washington, DC, for the Colloquium and at the Internship site location during the MPP Internship experience.
Accelerated Masters Eligible: Yes
SAMPLE 16-MONTH FULL-TIME DEGREE COMPLETION PLAN
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
PPOL 806 | Fundamentals of Policy Analysis | 3 |
PPOL 904 | Economics for Public Policy | 3 |
PPOL 908 | Quantitative Methods for Policy Research | 3 |
MPP Public Policy Track Course 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
January Term | ||
PPOL 950 | Washington DC Colloquium | 3 |
Credits | 3 | |
Spring | ||
PPOL 902 | Strategy and Practice of Public Policy | 3 |
PPOL 910 | Policy Across Borders | 3 |
PPOL 990A | Policy Capstone Planning | 1 |
MPP Public Policy Track Course 2 | 3 | |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved Elective Course) 2, 3 | 3 | |
Credits | 13 | |
Summer | ||
PPOL 998A or PPOL 998 |
Policy Internship 1 or Policy Internship |
0 |
Credits | 0 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
PPOL 990 | Policy Capstone | 3 |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved Elective course) 2, 3 | 3 | |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved Elective course) 2, 3 | 3 | |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved Elective course) 2, 3 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Total Credits | 40 |
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Spring | Credits | |
PPOL 902 | Strategy and Practice of Public Policy | 3 |
PPOL 910 | Policy Across Borders | 3 |
MPP Public Policy Track Course 2 | 3 | |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) 2, 3 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Summer | ||
PPOL 998A or PPOL 998 |
Policy Internship 1 or Policy Internship |
0 |
Credits | 0 | |
Fall | ||
PPOL 806 | Fundamentals of Policy Analysis | 3 |
PPOL 904 | Economics for Public Policy | 3 |
PPOL 908 | Quantitative Methods for Policy Research | 3 |
PPOL 990A | Policy Capstone Planning | 1 |
MPP Public Policy Track Course 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 13 | |
January Term | ||
PPOL 950 | Washington DC Colloquium | 3 |
Credits | 3 | |
Second Year | ||
Spring | ||
PPOL 990 | Policy Capstone | 3 |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) 3 | 3 | |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) 3 | 3 | |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) 3 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
Total Credits | 40 |
Sample ACCELERATED MASTER'S Degree Completion Plan (Fall Start)
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
PPOL 806 or PPOL 706 |
Fundamentals of Policy Analysis 4 or Fundamentals of Policy Analysis |
3 |
MPP Public Policy Track Course 2,4 | 3 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Spring | ||
MPP Public Policy Track Course 2,4 | 3 | |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved Elective course with 700/800-levels) 4 | 3 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Summer | ||
PPOL 998A or PPOL 998 |
Policy Internship 1 or Policy Internship |
0 |
Credits | 0 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
PPOL 904 | Economics for Public Policy | 3 |
PPOL 908 | Quantitative Methods for Policy Research | 3 |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) 3 | 3 | |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) 3 | 3 | |
Credits | 12 | |
January Term | ||
PPOL 950 | Washington DC Colloquium | 3 |
Credits | 3 | |
Spring | ||
PPOL 902 | Strategy and Practice of Public Policy | 3 |
PPOL 910 | Policy Across Borders | 3 |
PPOL 990A | Policy Capstone Planning | 1 |
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) 3 | 3 | |
Credits | 10 | |
Summer | ||
PPOL 990 | Policy Capstone | 3 |
Credits | 3 | |
Total Credits | 40 |
In special cases and with your MPP Advisor's permission, the Policy Internship may be taken for credit (PPOL 998, 3 credits), supervised by a faculty member who will provide the academic structure to parallel the applied experience. If this is the case, the required number of MPP-approved elective courses is reduced to three (3) courses.
Students choose two (2) courses from either the Strategy and Communication Track or the Policy Analysis Track. Courses in both tracks can also be taken as open elective courses.
MPP-Approved elective courses are available in many substantive areas. Students may also propose additional electives if they make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with your MPP Academic Advisor should inform this choice.
Undergraduates enrolled as Accelerated Master's students will enroll in both the 700-level course (for credit in their undergraduate program) and the 800-level course (for graduate credit in the Master in Public Policy program).
Students enrolled in the Carsey School's Master in Public Policy program (MPP degree) are required to complete a forty (40) credit program, consisting of:
These provide the foundational analytical, strategic, and communication skills for a successful career in the world of public policy making. Students focus their public policy studies by choosing either the Strategy and Communication Track or the Policy Analysis Track and complete two courses in one of the tracks. Courses in both tracks can also be taken as open electives. Further opportunities for depth and specialization in substantive policy areas are provided by open elective courses which vary by semester. As culminating graduate experiences, students apply what they've learned through an MPP internship at a policy-oriented organization as well as conducting a capstone project by delving deeply into a policy area of interest. Both of these experiences are provided with guidance from faculty mentors.
Students are advised to have taken an introductory level economics class prior to starting the MPP program such as a “principles of economics” (macro or micro). Students should consult with their MPP Graduate Academic Advisor to confirm that the course(s) previously taken are sufficient or for suggestions of which courses could be taken prior to starting the MPP program.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MPP CORE Curriculum Courses (5 Courses): | ||
PPOL 806 | Fundamentals of Policy Analysis | 3 |
PPOL 902 | Strategy and Practice of Public Policy | 3 |
PPOL 904 | Economics for Public Policy | 3 |
PPOL 908 | Quantitative Methods for Policy Research | 3 |
PPOL 910 | Policy Across Borders | 3 |
MPP EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Activities (4 Courses): | ||
PPOL 950 | Washington DC Colloquium | 3 |
PPOL 990A | Policy Capstone Planning | 1 |
PPOL 990 | Policy Capstone | 3 |
PPOL 998A | Policy Internship 1 | 0 |
or PPOL 998 | Policy Internship | |
PUBLIC POLICY TRACK (2 Courses): 2 | 6 | |
Two (2) courses are selected based upon the chosen track: Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track | ||
ELECTIVE Courses (4 Courses): 1, 3 | 12 | |
Four (4) open elective courses are selected in substantive areas approved by the MPP program (or 3 open elective courses if the Policy Internship is taken for credit, PPOL 998) 1 | ||
Total Credits | 40 |
In special cases and with your MPP Academic Advisor's permission, the Policy Internship may be taken for credit (PPOL 998, 3 credits), supervised by a faculty member who will provide the academic structure to parallel the applied experience. If this is the case, the required number of MPP-approved elective courses is reduced to three (3) courses.
Students choose two (2) courses from either the Strategy and Communication Track or the Policy Analysis Track. Courses in both tracks can also be taken as open elective courses.
MPP-Approved elective courses are available in many substantive areas. Students may also propose additional electives if they make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with your MPP Graduate Academic Advisor should inform this choice.
Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:
Application Fee: See important notes below
Campus: Durham
New England Regional: Not Needed
Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)
Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.
If you attended UNH after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester and UNH Non-Degree work.
If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must request one official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. International transcripts must be translated into English. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:
Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.
Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.
Letters should include academic and professional references.
Please note that when applying to the Public Policy and Analytics Dual Degree program you will need to provide a combined personal statement - one that addresses the Public Policy program and one that focuses on the Analytics program. This one is for Public Policy. This should be a clear, concise statement of the applicant’s relevant past experiences, including academics, research, and/or work experience. The statement should also include an expression of interests and an explanation of the student’s goals in pursuing a master's degree.
Statements must be included with your submitted application.
Resume is optional but recommended.
Applicants may be asked to interview either in person or by conference call with the program director and/or the graduate program coordinator.
All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.
While international applicants to this master’s program are not required to file a pre-application on the graduate school website prior to applying to the program, please see the International Applicants Instructions page for additional requirements. TOEFL scores are required if English is not your first language.
Applicants can apply to start in the fall, spring, or summer terms, by the following deadlines:
» Fall Term Start: March 15th (for Carsey School Scholarship); July 1st (preferred); August 15th (final)
» Spring Term Start: December 15th
» Summer Term Start: April 15th
International students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to insure visa’s and other necessary paperwork are obtained in a timely manner. Please contact Sanjeev Sharma, Admissions and Academic Advising, with any admissions questions.
All applications are submitted online through the University of New Hampshire Graduate School. Instructions, link to the online application, and list of required documents can be found on the Graduate School’s Application site. If you are unable to apply online, contact Sanjeev.Sharma@unh.edu or 603-862-1871.
The MPP does not have any specific courses that must been taken as an undergraduate.
Carsey welcomes part-time students, although it requires some day-time availability and other time commitments that may not be possible for all. Those interested should contact us to discuss scheduling possibilities. In general, part-time students should expect to take four or more courses per-year—including the fall semester, January Term, spring semester, and summer sessions. Please note that the five core classes are offered during the day—each taught one day per-week. In addition, the January Term Washington Colloquium requires spending a week in Washington, DC. Some electives are offered online and in the evening.
No. A GRE score is one of many pieces of information in an applicant’s file, all of which are reviewed carefully by the admissions committee. The ability of the GRE to predict admissions or graduate program success varies widely among students. GRE scores, like all aspects of a student’s record, are considered in context as a part of the overall application.
We only evaluate the highest score received.
The Carsey School of Public Policy offers a limited number of needs- and merit-based partial tuition scholarships to students who have submitted their online application and been accepted into the program. In order to be considered for a Carsey School Scholarship, please complete and submit your Online Scholarship Application Form by April 20. Applicants will be notified if they qualify for an award within two to three weeks after submitting a completed application. We also encourage students who are awarded a scholarship to leverage their award by seeking additional funding opportunities from other sources.
Additionally, all applicants to the program will be considered for the Tara and J. Morgan Rutman Scholarship which will be awarded to one or more students of outstanding ability who are in need of financial support.
Carsey Scholarships based on financial need are considered and awarded to individuals for the program year of application. If an admitted student who has been awarded a Carsey Scholarship needs to defer his/her start date due to financial reasons, their scholarship application will also be deferred and given priority reconsideration for the new program start date.
The Carsey School offers a limited number of fellowship opportunities for MPP students during the academic year. Student fellows work 15 hours per week while classes are in session and receive a stipend of $4,600 per semester. After applying and being accepted into the MPP program, Fellowship applicants should complete the online Master in Public Policy Fellowship Application for consideration.
We strongly encourage you to look into other outside scholarship opportunities. Domestic students are eligible for both private and federal loans. More detailed information can be found on the UNH Grad School’s Financial Aid webpage or at Tuition Management Systems.
On-campus housing is available and there are many options in the seacoast region including in Durham itself as well as surrounding communities, such as Dover, Portsmouth, and Newmarket, served by a UNH-run bus service for which there is no additional charge above the mandatory student transportation fee. Learn more about off-campus housing options.
Students are tasked with demonstrating their competency through a comprehensive project that includes a substantial piece of written work. Capstone projects will be completed under the direction of faculty mentors and outside experts. The purpose of the capstone is to demonstrate student capabilities and to provide an opportunity to work with expert mentors aimed at enhancing post-graduation employment options.
Accommodations in Washington, some meals, and local transportation are covered for the Colloquium which takes place during the January Term. Travel to and from Washington, DC, are the student’s responsibility. Reasonable air, bus, and train fares are typically available to and from Washington from most locations in the United States at this time of year. Car-pooling is also an option.
The Strategy and Communication track is for students who want policy careers as leaders, spokespeople, or strategists. Students selecting the Strategy and Communication Track are required to take:
And at least one additional course from among:
Students may also propose courses to fulfill the track requirement that meet their own needs and career plans. Discussion with an advisor should inform this choice.
The Policy Analysis track is for students who want policy careers as policy researchers, data analysts, and/or researchers specializing in evaluation.
Several possible areas of focus within the track are:
Courses (2 minimum)
One course in Advanced Research Design
One course (minimum - more can be taken as open electives) in one area below:
Evaluation (one of the following)
Qualitative Inquiry
Assessment
Courses (2 minimum)
Courses (2 minimum)
Students may also design their own focus by proposing courses to fulfill the track requirement that meet their own needs and career plans. Discussion with an advisor should inform this choice.
Electives are available in many substantive areas. Topics and courses are added on a continuing basis. In addition, independent studies with leading experts can be arranged to match specialized student interests. Recent examples include independent studies on trade policy and tax policy.
Students may propose additional electives if those electives make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with an advisor should inform this choice.
For current University of New Hampshire undergraduates, there is an exciting opportunity to accelerate the MPP program. Students can take up to 4 courses during their senior year and double count these credits for both undergraduate and graduate education. Students will then follow the standard MPP curriculum beginning the semester following completion of their undergraduate degrees. This enables students to complete their MPP degree with just one additional year of studies. For details, please visit our Accelerated Master's Programs webpage.
The Carsey School is proud to partner with public service organizations nationwide, enabling students to build upon their valued experiences by furthering their public service education and expanding their impact. These graduate school partners offer funding to employees, members, and alumni of their own credentialing programs. Education awards are also available for specific groups. Learn more