Interdisciplinary Education
Learn to think clearly and analytically about social and economic problems and public policy. Throughout the program, you’ll practice and apply what you learn to ensure you gain substantive knowledge.
Master of Public Policy
Be a Generalist/Expert
Master the skills and theories needed to succeed in professional positions in a wide variety of organizations and use your field of study to dig deep into the areas that most interest you.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Be prepared to work in all levels of government, private business, research institutes, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, community advocacy groups, foundations, and professional and trade associations.
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at the Trachtenberg School prepares students to dig deep into the data and the details even as they explore the theories and the why behind the public policy that shapes our governments and our world.
You can earn your MPP degree in 40 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete their MPP in two years including one summer. Part-time students complete their MPP in three to four years.
The MPP program is available at the George Washington University's main campus in downtown Washington, DC. It is not available as a distance-learning program.
The MPP Curriculum
The MPP consists of 40 credit hours. Students complete a common core and select elective coursework in a field of study tailored to their unique interests and career objectives.
Fields of Study for MPA and MPP Degrees
Each MPA and MPP student selects a field of study consisting of at least three courses (9 credits). Many students select one of the fields listed below. Others design their own individualized field with consultation and approval of a substantively appropriate faculty advisor. For some fields of study, students can also earn a graduate certificate (at no additional cost).
Field Advisor: Professor Joe Cordes, Professor Lang Kate Yang
Courses in this field explore the theoretical and practical foundations of public budgeting. A concentration in this field will provide insight into the formulation and evaluation of public budgets, as well as the complex choices of economic reasoning in response to resource allocation. The courses in this field provide a background in budget policy and process, characteristics of public revenue and expenditure, and governmental accounting and financial reporting. This field is particularly suited for those who are, or envision becoming, budget analysts or financial management officers in public agencies at any level of government. With the permission of the field advisor, students may supplement these courses with courses in economics, accounting or other relevant disciplines.
Field Courses:
ACCY 6701 Government Accounting and Auditing
ECON 6218 Survery of Intermediate Macroeconomics
PPPA 6005 Public Budgeting, Revenue, and Expenditures*
PPPA 6014 Economics in Policy Analysis*
PPPA 6015 Benefit-Cost Analysis*
PPPA 6016 Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation*
PPPA 6048 Financing State and Local Government
PPPA 6051 Governmental Budgeting
PPPA 6053 Financial Management in the Public Sector
PPPA 6054 Issues in Federal Budgeting
PPPA 6055 Contracting Out and Public-Private Partnerships
PPPA 6065 Federalism and Public Policy
PPPA 6076 Federal Regulation of Society
* Only permitted as a field course if not taken to satisfy a core requirement in the MPA or MPP degree.
MPA or MPP students with a field of study in Budget & Public Finance may also pursue the Certificate in Budget & Public Finance. Please see Joe Cordes for more details.
Field Advisors: Professor Stephanie Cellini; Professor Yas Nakib
The education policy field provides students with the necessary skills to analyze problems and policies related to major education policy issues at national, state and local levels in both K-12 and/or higher education. Topics covered in this field include school reform, urban education problems, student achievement, school finance and its equity, teacher quality and effectiveness, equal opportunity, accountability and access and attainment in higher education. The field of education policy is offered in close collaboration with the Education Policy Program in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
Recommended Courses (please consult a field advisor before taking field courses):
EDUC 6314 History of American Education Reform
EDUC 6368 Power, Leadership & Education
EDUC 6371 Education Policy
EDUC 6381 Program Evaluation: Theory and Practice
EDUC 6388 Analysis of Education Policy Issues *
EDUC 6555 Higher Education Policy
EDUC 6565 Higher Education Finance
EDUC 8122 Qualitative Research Methods
EDUC 8320 Politics of Education *
EDUC 8321 Economics of Education *
EDUC 8322 Education Policy Implementation *
EDUC 8323 Policies of Education Equity *
EDUC 8325 Education Policy Design: Accountability *
EDUC 8340 Methods of Policy Analysis in Education *
PPPA 6049 Urban and Regional Policy Analysis
PSC 8212 Urban Policy Problems
* These courses require Education Policy (EDUC 6371) as a prerequisite. Education Policy introduces students to the basics of education policy-making (e.g., major education reforms; differences between federal, state and local education policies) and the conditions that promote and hinder the success of education policies. Students engage in analysis of major education reforms using the tools of policy analysis. For MPP and MPA students, equivalent courses that cover the tools of policy analysis, such as introductory public policy, policy analysis, and/or benefit-cost analysis are typically considered acceptable equivalents. Students who seek to waive out of EDUC 6371 must contact the field advising team during the first year of their program.
With the permission of a field advisor, students may supplement these courses with other relevant courses in relevant disciplines.
Field Advisors: Professor Nancy Augustine Professor Nina Kelsey
This field is designed to provide students with the tools needed to understand the causes of environmental and resource problems, the conflicts they generate, and the strengths and weaknesses of alternative policies for addressing them.
Students concentrating in Environmental Policy are required to complete 9 credits of field courses, of which one 3-credit course is required. The other courses should be selected from the list below. With the permission of the field advisor, students may apply other relevant courses at GW to their concentration in Environmental Policy.
Courses Satisfying the Environmental Policy Field of Concentration
PPPA 6066 Environmental Policy (Required)
ECON 6237 Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
EMSE 6200 Policy Factors in Environmental and Energy Management
EMSE 6220 Environmental Management
EMSE 6225 Air Quality Management
EMSE 6230 Hazardous Waste Management and Cleanup
EMSE 6235 Water Quality Management
EMSE 6240 Environmental Hazard Management
EMSE 6245 Analytical Tools for Environmental Management
EMSE 6260 Energy Management
ENRP 6101 Environmental Sciences I
ENRP 6102 Environmental Sciences II
ENRP 6140 Introduction to Environmental Law
GEOG 6220 Climatic Change
GEOG 6243 Urban Geography
GEOG 6244 Urban Sustainability
GEOG 6245 Water Resources Policy and Management
GEOG 6293 Arctic Systems
GEOG 6304 Geographical Information Systems
IAFF 6138 Climate Change & Sustainable Development
IAFF 6151 Environmental Policy (International)
IAFF 6158 Climate Change and Energy Policy
IAFF 6186 Environmental Security
IAFF 6358 Energy and Environmental Policy in Latin America
IAFF 6378 Oil: Industry, Economy & Society
PHIL 6281 Environmental Philosophy and Policy
PSUS 6138 Planning Resilient & Low-Carbon Cities
PUBH 6004 Environmental & Occupational Health in a Sustainable World (2 credits)
PUBH 6130 Sustainable Energy & Environmental Health (2 credits)
PUBH 6199 Global Climate Change & Air Pollution: Science, Impacts & Solutions (2 credits)
SMPP 6210 Strategic Environmental Management
SMPP 6211 Corporate Environmental Management in Developing Nations
SMPP 6241 Global Corporate Responsibility
Field Advisors: Professor Anil Nathan; Professor Sara Wilensky
The field in health policy covers a broad array of health issues, including assessing health and health needs, health planning, human resources development, financing health services, national health insurance, long-term care, women’s health and global health. The field in health policy is offered in close collaboration with the Department of Health Policy in the Milken Institute School of Public Health. With the permission of the field advisor, students may supplement these courses with other relevant courses in relevant disciplines. To register for Milken School classes, you need to fill out an RTF form as per the instructions listed here.
Introductory Course:
PUBH 6012 Fundamentals of Health Policy (2 credits)
Note: Students with extensive education or work experience in health policy may waive out of PUBH 6012 with permission of a field advisor.
Recommended Courses:
PUBH 6320 Advanced Health Policy Analysis (2 credits)
PUBH 6325 Federal Policymaking and Advocacy (2 credits)
PUBH 6330 Health Services and the Law (3 credits)
PUBH 6335 Public Health and the Law (3 credits)
PUBH 6335 Comparative Health Policy (1 credit)
PUBH 6356 State Health Policy (2 credits)
PUBH 6359 Reproductive Health Policy (1 credit)
PUBH 6361 Health Workforce Policy (2 credits)
PUBH 6362 Civil Rights Issues in Health Care (2 credits)
PUBH 6367 Population Health and Health Reform(2 credits)
PUBH 6368 Law, Medicine and Ethics (3 credits)
PUBH 6370 Medicare and Medicaid Law and Policy (2 credits)
PUBH 6372 Minority Health Policy (2 credits)
PUBH 6374 Pharmaceutical Policy (2 credits)
PUBH 6376 Primary Health Care Policy (2 credits)
PUBH 6378 HIV Policy in the U.S. (2 credits)
PUBH 6384 Health Care Quality and Policy (2 credits)
PUBH 6399 Health Impact Assessment (3 credits)
PUBH 6400 Global Health Frameworks (2 credits)
PUBH 6561 Maternal and Child Health Policy Analysis (2 credits)
PPPA 6056 Regulatory Comment Clinic (3 credits)
ECON 6295 Applied Behavioral Economics (3 credits)
SOC 6268 Race, Gender and Class (3 credits)
Field Advisors: Professor Bill Adams; Professor Joseph Barbera
Courses in this field explore the theory and practice in homeland preparedness and responsiveness to both man-made and natural disasters. A concentration in this field will provide students with knowledge and skills related to homeland security policy formulation and implementation at the national, state and local governmental levels. Courses in this field explore the human dimensions, such as leadership in complex networks, and legal, technical and organizational challenges in both preparedness and responses to disasters. With the permission of the field advisor, students may supplement these courses with other relevant courses in relevant disciplines.
Field Courses (at least one of the following):
EMSE 6305 Crisis and Emergency Management
EMSE 6350 Hazard Mitigation in Disaster Management
And at least 2 of the following courses:
EMSE 6240 Environmental Hazard Management
EMSE 6300 Homeland Security: The National Challenge
EMSE 6305 Crisis and Emergency Management
EMSE 6310 Information Technology in Crisis and Emergency Management
EMSE 6315 Management of Risk and Vulnerability for Hazards and Terrorism
EMSE 6320 International Disaster Management
EMSE 6325 Medical and Public Health Emergency Management
EMSE 6330 Management of Terrorism Preparedness and Response
EMSE 6345 Disaster Recovery and Organizational Continuity
EMSE 6350 Hazard Mitigation in Disaster Management
EMSE 6992 Special Topics
PPPA 6024 Leadership in Complex Organizations
PUBH 6399 Homeland Security and Public Health
MPA students with a field in Homeland Security and Emergency Management may also obtain a Certificate in Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness and Response from the School of Engineering and Applied Science. This Certificate requires taking a total of five EMSE courses plus one relevant MPA course such as PPPA 6004.
Field Advisors: Professor Jennifer Brinkerhoff; Professor Joan Dudik-Gayoso; Professor Robert Weiner
This field of study prepares students for careers in international development management and/or policy analysis. The field courses are listed in three groupings. The first set of classes focus on management issues and provide insight into the practical workings of the international development industry,(e.g., who the major players are, how they interact and how policy is made and implemented; and management approaches and challenges specific to the international development field, including specific development management tools and approaches). The second set focus on empirical and theoretical analysis of international development issues, policy areas important in development (e.g., education, health, environment/natural resources), or on cross-area issues (e.g., impacts of trade and investment on growth, rural/urban migration). In addition, students are encouraged to explore course offerings—such as those in the third set—in the Elliott School of International Affairs and other departments, such as anthropology, international education, emergency management, geography and global health. Students may select any combination of nine credits from any of these lists or other courses if approved by the field advising team. But, it is recommended that they begin with PPPA 6057 (management track) and/or ECON 6250 (policy track). Note: In addition to a master degree, entry into an international development career typically requires overseas professional work experience. If you are lacking this experience, please meet with a field adviser and/or career services early in your academic program to discuss this issue.
Recommended Management Courses:
ECON 6250 Survey of Development Economics
PPPA 6057 International Development Administration
PPPA 6058 International Development NGO Management
PPPA 6059 International Development Management Processes and Tools
Recommended Policy Courses:
ECON 6250 Survey of Development Economics
ECON 6294 Topics in International Development
IAFF 6138 Topics in International Development Studies
IBUS 6402 Managing in Developing Countries
Other Relevant Courses:
ANTH 6301 Anthropology and Development
ECON 6280 Survey of International Economics
ECON 6283 Survey of International Trade Theory and Policy
ECON 6284 Survey of International Macroeconomics and Finance Theory and Policy
ECON 6290 Principles of Demography
ECON 6291 Methods of Demographic Analysis
ECON 6296 International Migration and Labor Markets
EDUC 6610 Policy Issues in International Education
EDUC 6601 International and Comparative Education
GEOG 6230 Environmental Issues in Development
IAFF 6358 Migration, Remittances & Development
IAFF 6378 Oil: Industry, Economy, Society
IAFF 6505 Corruption, Development & Governance
PPPA 6015 Benefit-Cost Analysis
EUBH 6400 Global Health Frameworks
Field Advisor: Professor Nancy Augustine; Professor David Brunori
This field is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in state and local government administration. The field gives primary consideration to understanding the theoretical and practical implications of the political economy of state and local governments; to distinguishing among alternative structure and forms of local government, recognizing advantages and disadvantages; and to gaining an understanding of the problems that local governments face (particularly in urban areas), the policy options and the practical management considerations for resolving these problems. With the permission of the field advisor, students may supplement these courses with other relevant courses in relevant disciplines.
Field Courses:
FINA 6242 Problems in Real Estate Valuation
PPPA 6042 Managing State and Local Governments
PPPA 6044 State Policy and Politics
PPPA 6048 Financing State and Local Governments
PPPA 6049 Urban and Regional Policy Analysis
PPPA 6053 Financial Management in the Public Sector
PPPA 6054 Issues in Federal Budgeting
PPPA 6065 Federalism and Public Policy
Field Advisors: Professor Joseph Cordes; Professor Bill Adams
The national security and foreign policy field encompasses policy-making for national security and foreign affairs, as well as conflict resolution and international security. Students can take courses covering the analysis of defense policies and programs, multilateral organizations and processes, the history of warfare and strategy, as well as courses providing an understanding of national and international security and foreign policy issues in the 21st century. Courses in the field also include the tools of national security policy, such as conflict management and multilateral diplomacy. Students specializing in this field examine these issues principally through courses in political science, history, economics and international affairs.
Recommended Courses:
HIST 6032 Seminar on Strategy and Policy
PSC 6346 Politics of U.S. Foreign Policy
PSC 6348 Politics of U.S. National Security Policy
PSC 6349 Politics of International Security OR
PSC 6442 Politics and Practice of International Institutions
ECON 6239 Economics of Defense OR
IAFF 6160 Defense Policy and Program Analysis
IAFF 6171 Introduction to Conflict Resolution OR
IAFF 6215 Conflict Management and Negotiations
IAFF 6163 Transnational Security
IAFF 6165 Fundamental of Intelligence
IAFF 6169 Homeland Security
IAFF 6173 Security and Development
IAFF 6521 U.S. Foreign Policy
Other courses in national security policy, energy security, military history or skill courses, like negotiating skills and international crisis diplomacy can also fulfill field requirements with advisor approval.
Field Advisor: Professor Mary Tschirhart, Professor Michael J. Worth; Professor Jasmine McGinnis-Johnson
This 12-credit field is designed for students preparing for careers in the management of nonprofit organizations and fundraising programs. It is appropriate for recent undergraduates as well as mid-career professionals seeking to advance to more senior positions of responsibility. Courses encompass the governance, planning, management and evaluation of organizations and programs; strategies for the management of fundraising programs, charitable foundations and venture philanthropy; the role of advocacy organizations; international non-governmental organizations; and, policy issues related to the nonprofit sector and philanthropy in the United States and internationally.
Note that students in this field of concentration may also obtain a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management concurrently with completion of the field, essentially double counting the 12-credits toward both the MPA and the certificate. See https://tspppa.gwu.edu/graduate-certificate-nonprofit-management and contact Professor Worth for more information.
The field has two required courses and two elective courses.
Required Courses (2 courses, 6 credits):
PPPA 6031 Governing and Managing Nonprofit Organizations
ONE of the following:
PPPA 6032 Managing Fundraising and Philanthropy
PPPA 6033 Nonprofit Enterprise
Elective Courses, Trachtenberg School
(Students must choose AT LEAST one of the following courses, 3 credits, and may select 2 of the following courses, 6 credits):
PPPA 6016 Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation*
PPPA 6032 Managing Fund Raising and Philanthropy (If not taken as a required course)
PPPA 6033 Nonprofit Enterprise (If not taken as a required course)
PPPA 6034 Managing Nonprofit Boards
PPPA 6053 Financial Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations
PPPA 6055 Contracting Out and Public-Private Partnerships
PPPA 6058 International Development and NGO Management
PPPA 6062 Community Development Policy and Management
PPPA 6063 Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact Investing
PPPA 6085 Leading Diverse and Inclusive Organizations
Elective Courses, Other GW Schools
(Students may choose 1 course, 3 credits from the following list):
ACCY 6701 Government and Nonprofit Accounting and Auditing
SMPA 6270 Advocacy
PUBH 6054 Community Engagement and Advocacy
MGMT 4900 Social Entrepreneurship that Matters
PMGT 6414 Lobbying
In addition to those listed, with the permission of a field advisor, students may supplement or substitute elective courses with other relevant courses in related disciplines. Field advisors can recommend courses in various school of the university that may address students’ particular interest and career goals.
* If not taken as a core (for MPAs) or tools of analysis (for MPPs) course.
Field Advisors: Professor Lori Brainard; Professor Elizabeth Rigby
The courses in this field help students acquire expertise at the intersection of politics, policy and administration. The field is designed for students to be able to work effectively across sectors, including the public, private, and civic sectors and at all levels of government (federal, state, local) as topics and skills within the field are transferable. Given the breadth of the field and career opportunities within it, we urge students to work with a field adviser to shape content to reflect their area of interest. For example, a student may wish to focus broadly on general political processes (executive and legislative) or administrative processes (regulation, contracting). Students might focus on a combination of political and administrative processes. Additionally, students might focus on advocacy, communication, civic engagement. For those coming directly from an undergraduate program, this field provides insight into several potential areas of public life, employment, and research. For mid-career public officials, this field is an opportunity to explore more systematically and analytically the political, policy, and administrative functions observed in practice, or to make a career shift to a different area of focus that uses their existing experience in the field. Students may supplement these courses with other relevant courses in relevant disciplines.
Recommended Courses:
PPPA 6060 Policy Formulation and Administration
PPPA 6072 Legislative Management and Congress
PPPA 6075 Law and the Public Administrator
PPPA 6076 Federal Government Regulation of Society
PPPA 6042 Managing State and Local Governments
PPPA 6054 Issues in Federal Budgeting
PPPA 6055 Contracting Out and Public-Private Partnerships
PPPA 6056 Regulatory Comment Clinic
SMPA 6204 Strategic Political Communication
SMPA 6208 Politics and Public Relations Fundamentals
DNSC 6261 Introduction to Project Management
PMGT 6403 Political Data and Analytics
PMGT 6410 Grassroots Engagement
PMGT 6414 Lobbying
SMPP 6202 Business-Government Relations
SMPP 6205 Business Representation and Lobbying
PUBH 6325 Federal Health Policymaking and Advocacy (2 credits)
PUBH 6399 Health Care on the Hill (1 credit)
Field Advisors: Professor Stephanie Cellini; Professor Kathryn Newcomer
This 9-credit field focuses on the processes and products of governmental decision making, with primary attention devoted to developing the ability to analyze and evaluate the ramifications of public policies and programs. This field is designed principally for student interested in careers as analysts or evaluators at any level of government – in quasi-public, nonprofit, or public interest organizations, or in research or consulting firms. Students will develop extensive quantitative and qualitative research and analysis skills from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Note that some classes listed are counted as core classes (or “tools of analysis”) in either the MPP or MPA programs. These can be applied as field courses only if they are not already counted as core requirements. With the permission of the field advisors, students may supplement or substitute these courses with other relevant courses in related disciplines.
Recommended Courses:
PPPA 6013 Econometrics for Policy Research I*
PPPA 6014 Economics in Policy Analysis*
PPPA 6015 Benefit-Cost Analysis [pre-req: PPPA 6014]*
PPPA 6016 Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation [pre-req: PPPA 6002]*
PPPA 6020 Decision Modeling for Public Policy [pre-req: PPPA 6002]
PPPA 6021 Data Visualization [pre-req: PPPA 6013]
DNSC 6274 Statistical Modeling and Analysis
DNSC 6275 Advanced Statistical Modeling and Analysis
DNSC 6276 Exploratory and Multivariate Data Analysis
ECON 6295 Applied Behavioral Economics
ECON 6340 Applied Labor Economics and Public Policy
EDUC 8122 Qualitative Research Methods
GEOG 6221 Geospatial Techniques
MGT 6215 Conflict Management and Negotiation
PPPA 8022 Econometrics for Policy Research II
PPPA 8023 Mixed Methods in Research Design
PPPA 6049 Urban and Regional Policy Analysis
PPPA 6072 Legislative Management and Congress
*If not taken as a core course (program evaluation and budgeting requirement).
Field Advisor: Professor Chris Carrigan; Professor Kathy Newcomer
Courses in this field explore the relationship between the public and private sectors, focusing on the interactions between the two sectors in such areas as contracting, consulting, partnerships, regulation, and privatization. Courses also will examine the global dimensions of these relationships and will include case studies and discussion to highlight important legal, policy, and management considerations, including decision-making and evaluation of public-private arrangements. The field is designed for those interested in the management and policy implications of these relationships. Given its breath, the courses listed below are provided only as examples of the types of offerings that might fulfill the requirements of the field. Those interested in pursuing a concentration in public-private policy and management should consult with the field advisors to develop an appropriate course plan.
Potential Courses:
PPPA 6055 Contracting Out and Public-Private Partnerships
PPPA 6056 Regulatory Comment Clinic
PPPA 6061 Banking and Financial Institutions Policy
PPPA 6062 Community Development Policy and Management
PPPA 6063 Policy Issues in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Impact Investing
PPPA 6075 Law and the Public Administrator
PPPA 6076 Federal Government Regulation of Society
PPPA 6077 Government Transformation: New Outcomes
PPPA 6077/IBUS 6202 (PPPA 6085/IBUS 6297) Privatization, Nationalization, and Public-Private Partnerships
PPPA 6085 Innovation in the Public Sector
DNSC 6234 Procurement and Contracting
LAW 6500 Government Contracts
LAW 6503 Performance of Government Contracts
MGT 6215 Conflict Management and Negotiations
SMPP 6202 Business-Government Relations
SMPP 6215 Corporate Governance and Ethics
SMPP 6216 Public Policy, Governance, and the Global Market
SMPP 6293/HIST 6322 American Business History
Field Advisor: Professor Susan Dudley; Professor Chris Carrigan
Regulation is an increasingly important mechanism by which the federal government sets policy. This field explores regulatory theory, policy and practice and incorporates insights from various disciplines, including economics, political science, history, law, business, environmental, health and education policy. Courses in this field explore the process by which regulations are developed and provide the analytical tools necessary for understanding the likely effects of alternative regulatory actions. They also examine the roles and motivations of parties involved in developing and implementing regulation, including Congress, regulatory agencies, the executive office of the president, state and local governments, private parties and non-governmental organizations. This field is particularly suited for students interested in formulating or influencing regulatory policy as policy analysts in federal agencies or in private sector or nonprofit organizations. With the permission of the field advisor, students may supplement these courses with other relevant courses in relevant disciplines.
Required Courses:
PPPA 6015 Benefit-Cost Analysis or equivalent*
PPPA 6056 Regulatory Comment Clinic
Recommended Courses:
PPPA 6018 Public Policy, Governance and Global Markets
PPPA 6054 Issues in Federal Budgeting
PPPA 6061 Banking and Financial Institutions Policy
PPPA 6065 Federalism and Public Policy
PPPA 6066 Environmental Policy
PPPA 6072 Legislative Management/Congress
PPPA 6075 Law and the Public Administrator OR another course on Administrative Law
ECON 6237 Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
ENRP 6140 Environmental Law
FINA 6250 Securities Regulation and Financial Scandals
PUBH 6004 Env/Occ Health for Sustainable World
PUBH 6330 Health Services and Law
PUBH 6123 Toxicology: Applications for Public Health
PUBH 6124 Problem Solving in Environmental and Occupational Health
PUBH 6122 Protecting Public Health and the Environment: Policies, Politics and Programs
PSC 8217 Executive Branch Politics (PhD-level seminar; interested students should meet with Prof. Steve Balla)
SMPP 6202 Business-Government Relations
* Students may count PPPA 6015 either as part of the core (program evaluation or budgeting requirement) or as part of the Regulatory Policy field. Students who count PPPA 6015 as part of the core should select two courses from the recommended list while students who count it as part of the field should select one course from the recommended list.
Field Advisers: Professor Nina Kelsey
This 9-credit field explores the intersection between public policy and the role of science and technology in fostering economic and social progress. The field covers science policy across a range of topics including energy and the environment, space, information technology, and other science-driven fields. Key concepts include political, legal, and economic challenges in the design and implementation of science and technology policies and the effects of public policies in fostering entrepreneurship and incentivizing investments in research and development.
Students must take at least three courses from the list below, but may substitute other relevant courses in consultation with the field advising team.
Suggested courses:
ECON 6237 Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
ECON 6255 Economics of Technological Change
ESME 6200 Policy Factors in Environmental and Energy Management
IAFF 6106 Nuclear Weapons
IAFF 6118 Nuclear Energy
IAFF 6118 Nuclear Security Policy
IAFF 6141 International Science, Technology and Public Policy
IAFF 6142 Technology Creation and Diffusion
IAFF 6146 U.S. Space Policy
IAFF 6153 Science/Technology & National Security
IAFF 6158 Issues in Space Policy
IAFF 6158 International Issues in Energy
IAFF 6158 Space Law
ISTM 6207 Information Resource Management
ISTM 6224 Management of Technology and Innovation
ISTM 6233 Emerging Technologies
PPPA 6015 Benefit-Cost Analysis
PPPA 6140 Introduction to Environmental Law
PPPA 6066 U.S. Environmental Policy
PPPA 6085 Science and U.S. Policy
Field Advisors: Professor Dylan Conger; Professor Eiko Strader
Social policy includes a range of policy issues that address the well-being of individuals and of society, with a particular focus on causes and consequences of poverty and income inequality. Due to the breadth of topics in this field, students should consult with the field advisors to identify an appropriate mix of courses, drawn from offerings in the Trachtenberg School and other units in the University. In addition to the classes listed below, social policy students may be interested in field course in education, health, and/or urban policy, as well as courses in the PhD fields of race/ethnicity and/or gender policy.
Primary Field Courses (recommend taking at least one):
PPPA 6081 Poverty and Social Welfare Policy
WSGG 6265 Women, Welfare and Poverty
Other Recommended Courses:
PPPA 6056 Regulatory Comment Clinic
PPPA 6062 Community Development Policy
PPPA 6065 Federalism and Public Policy
PPPA 6076 Federal Government Regulation of Society
PPPA 6085 Criminal Justice Policy
PPPA 6085 Homelessness
ECON 6295 Applied Behavioral Economics
HIST 6011 History and Public Policy
PHIL 6230 Ethical Issues in Policy Arguments
PHIL 6231 Economic Justice
PHIL 6242 Philosophy, Law and Social Policy
WSGG 6240 Women and Public Policy
SOC 6248 Race and Urban Redevelopment
SOC 6268 Race, Gender and Class
Field Advisors: Professor Nancy Augustine; Professor Leah Brooks
Urban policy is concerned with metropolitan areas broadly. What makes urban areas succeed? What makes them struggle? This track focuses on policies specific to these areas, including policies relating to land use, mass transportation, congestion, crime, fiscal capacity, poverty, inequality, unemployment, homelessness, racial and ethnic tension, sprawl, and other related concerns. With the permission of the field advisor, students may supplement listed courses with courses in relevant disciplines
Recommended Courses:
GEOG 6243 Urban Geography
GEOG 6244 Urban Sustainability
GEOG 6304 Geographic Information Systems I
HIST 6001 Urban History
PPPA 6015 Benefit-Cost Analysis*
PPPA 6043 Land Use Planning and Community Development
PPPA 6048 Financing State and Local Government
PPPA 6049 Urban and Regional Policy Analysis
PPPA 6062 Community Development Policy & Management
PPPA 6065 Federalism and Public Policy
PSUS 6212 Sustainable Communities I: Housing and Design
PSUS 6218 Real Estate Economics
SOC 6245 Race Relations
SOC 6248 Race and Urban Redevelopment
SOC 6250 Urban Sociology
Any relevant Geography course by request.
*If not taken as a core course (program evaluation or budgeting requirement).
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