Public Policy &Administration
Public policy refers to the process of making organizational decisions and political, management, financial,
and administrative policies to meet established goals. Public administration is the study and use of government policy including both government and non-governmental management. These two different fields ofstudy are inextricably linked and have converged over time.
Graduate students usually will choose among a variety of degree concentrations in the field of public policyand administration such as criminal justice, community development, economic development, education,
environmental policy, finance, information technology, non-profit management, public health and healthcare, transportation, or urban management.
Master of Public Administration (MPA): MPA students develop skills in implementing policies, projects, and programs that resolve important societal problems; addressing organizational, human resource, and budgetary challenges; and analyzing public policy. A sample of courses available for MPA
students include human resources, budgeting and financial processes, information systems, policy
and program formulation, implementation and evaluation, ethics, decision making and problem solving, political and legal institutions and processes, economic and social institutions, and organizationand management concepts and behavior.
Master in Public Policy (MPP): MPP programs place more emphasis on research and analysis andare more heavily focused on data analysis, analyzing and evaluating policy problems, and developing
solutions to policy issues. A sample of courses available for MPP students includes microeconomics,
public finance, statistics and advanced data analysis, qualitative research, politics of policy process,policy analysis, public management, urban policy, and program evaluation.
Combination Programs: In addition to the option of a combined MPA/MPP, some MPA and MPP
programs can be combined with another post-baccalaureate degree. These programs often allow
students to earn both degrees in less time than it would take to earn them separately. MPA and MPP
programs can be combined with graduate study in law, social work, health care, area or regional studies, engineering, communications, or business.
Doctorate Programs: There are two different options for students interested in pursuing a doctoratein the field of Public Policy and Administration. The PhD in Public Administration or Public Policy isan academic degree in advanced policy analysis, while the Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) is a
professional degree, focusing on public management techniques and requires extensive managerialexperience.
Occupations in Public Policy and Administration:
With a graduate degree in public policy or administration, consider your professional opportunities as a policy analyst, adviser or manager in government,
non-profit organizations, multilateral and regional organizations, or private
consulting agencies.

EducationUSA.state.gov

Choosing a Public Policy or Administration Program:If you are considering continuing your education in this field, you should become familiar with academic trends and current developments. Utilize current literature and consider the existing research of professors in matching
your academic and career goals with the right institutions for you. EducationUSA Centers provide advising services and a diverse collection of materials to assist students searching for schools and financial aid program. To
find the nearest EducationUSA Advising Center, visit www.educationusa.info/centers.php.
In addition to researching regionally accredited colleges and universities
which offer study in public policy, prospective students, particularly for graduate-level study, can also identify academic programs with professional accreditation. The professional accrediting organization for the field of public
policy and administration is the National Association of Schools of Public
Affairs and Administration (www.naspaa.org).
Scholarly Journals Related to the Study of Public Policy
and Administration:
Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, Cato Journal, Industrial and Labor Relations Review, International Journal of Public Policy, and Journal ofPublic Policy.
Graduate Program Search Print and Online Resources:• Peterson’s, www.petersons.com   • National Association of Schools of Public Affairs andAdministration, www.naspaa.org• Peterson’s Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts &Social Sciences; Book 2Scholarships to Study Public Policy or Administration:• EducationUSA Financial Aid links,
www.educationusa.info/pages/students/finance.php• Funding U.S. Study, www.fundingusstudy.org• Peterson’s Scholarship Directory, www.petersons.com• The Fulbright Program, http://fulbright.state.gov• Brookings Institution, www.brookings.edu• Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars,www.wilsoncenter.org

If you are interested in pursuing higher education in the U.S. and would
like further guidance please contact your local EducationUSA AdvisingCenterEducationUSA.state.gov