Political Economy and Public Policy

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 31.7 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 43 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 15, 2025
301–350 place StudyQA ranking:4284 Duration:1 year

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Stony Brook University’s Master of Arts in Public Policy prepares students to take a wide variety of rewarding careers in the growing field of public policy. 

Graduates of the MAPP program will gain the skills and experience to achieve success working in government or in organizations affected by government – local, state, national and international.  They may find employment as policy analysts and executives in government agencies, or in private, non-profit and advocacy organizations.  They may enter the front lines of politics as elected officials or members of their staffs.  They may influence public policy as journalists or leaders of civic organizations.  Those with an international background or an interest in global affairs may enter careers abroad or in international affairs.  For those looking to continue their professional or graduate studies, the MAPP provides a rigorous academic platform.

For students entering the public policy field for the first time, the program offers training and credentials to launch their careers; for those already working in the field, the program will enhance their skills and credentials.  Graduates of the program will be joining a growing roster of alumni successfully working in public, private and non-profit organizations.  With our flourishing alumni organization, MAPP alumni will be available to assist graduates with employment and career counseling.

Course of Study

The MPP program combines rigorous instruction in key components of public policy development with detailed analysis of specific public policy issues and fieldwork.  After introducing students to the foundations of government action in philosophy, law and economics,  the MAPP curriculum develops skills in political, economic, quantitative and organizational analysis, with a practical focus on solutions to complex public policy problems.  With this foundation, students take one or more courses in a specialized concentration and a related internship or research assignment.  The entire program of 30 credit hours can be completed in one calendar year by full-time students, and within two years by those attending part-time.

Fall:

  • POL 501 Introductions to Statistics for Public Policy (3 credits)
  • POL 535 Public Policy Analysis & Evaluation (3 credits)
  • POL 509 Public Budgeting and Finance (3 credits)
  • POL 537 Administrative Law for Public Analysts (3 credits)

or

  • 500-level elective approved by Graduate Director (only one elective permitted outside of Department of Political Science)

Spring:

  • POL 502 Intermediate Statistics for Public Policy (3 credits)
  • POL 536 Public Management & Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
  • POL 510 Personnel Systems for Public Policy (3 credits)
  • POL 534 Intergovernmental Relations and Policy Delivery (3 credits)

or

500-level elective (as approved)

Summer:

  • POL 599 Internship in Public Policy (6 credits)

or

  • POL 597 Master’s Paper (6 credits)

Full-time students without past significant full-time public policy work experience are required to take the Internship in Public Policy. Part-time students can fulfill their capstone requirement by the Internship (POL 599), the M.A. Paper (POL 597), or two additional elective courses approved by the graduate program director.

Applicants must have an earned baccalaureate degree with a grade point average of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale), have taken the Graduate Record Examination or equivalent, and submit three  letters of recommendation from instructors, academic advisors or employers.  Consideration will also be given to relevant work experience.


Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

  • W. Burghardt Turner Fellowship 
  • Elisabeth Luce Moor Fellowship
  • Pride Scholarship Endowment Fund
  • Life Member Award
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