Master in Public Policy M.P.P.

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.

Elective Courses are offered in many Substantive Areas, including:

• Communication and Strategy for Policy Impact
• Community Development
• Data Analysis for Public Policy  
• Education and Schools
• Environment and Natural Resources
• Families, Youth, and Children
• Health and Health Policy
• Interpersonal Violence
• Organizational Leadership
• Poverty and Inequality
   

Departments throughout UNH offer Elective Courses, including:

• Analytics
• Business Administration
• Education
• Health Policy and Management
• History
• Human Development and Family Studies
• Natural Resources
• Political Science
• Sociology
• UNH School of Law

1.  Three Full-Time Semesters and Summer Internship: 16 Months

2. Two Full-Time Semesters and Two Summers: 14 Months

3. Part Time: 24 Months

4. Part Time: 36 Months

Application Fee & GRE are not required for UNH undergraduate students applying for accelerated master’s admission!

For current University of New Hampshire undergraduates, there is an exciting opportunity to accelerate the MPP program by taking up to 12 credits in approved electives while still undergraduates. These students will then follow the standard MPP curriculum beginning in the fall following completion of their undergraduate degrees. After finishing their spring semester, students who have achieved the maximum number of MPP credits as undergraduates will need to complete only their capstone and internship—which can be accomplished over the following summer.  

Application

When can I start the program and what are the application deadlines?

Applicants can apply to start in the fall, spring, or summer terms, by the following deadlines:

Fall Term Start:           July 1^st (when most students begin the program)
Spring Term Start:      December 15^th 
Summer Term Start:   April 15^th 

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.

How do I apply?

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.

Does the MPP program have prerequisites?

The MPP does not have any specific courses that must been taken as an undergraduate.

Can I get an MPP on a part-time basis? 

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.

Is there a required minimum score on the GRE, which I must achieve to be admitted?

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.

I took the GRE more than once. What score will you look at?

We only evaluate the highest score received. 

Financial Aid

Does this program offer any Scholarships? 

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.

What happens to my Carsey Scholarship award if I need to defer? 

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.

Does the program offer any Fellowships?

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.  

What alternative funding opportunities are available? 

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. 

Other 

What are available housing options at UNH?

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.

What is the Capstone Project? 

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. ​ 

Does tuition cover the travel and meal costs of the Washington, DC, Colloquium during the January Term?

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.