If you live by the philosophy that actions speak louder than words, Public Policy has a huge scope for you. If you are more of a doer, Public Policy is for you too. If you want to bring change by implementing decisive changes in governance, Public Policy is definitely for you. It is a discipline that trains individuals to become lawmakers, policymakers, researchers, government servants and professionals in the social welfare sector. Students learn essential quantitative and qualitative skills required to identify unaddressed issues and explore ways to solve problems, from policy formulation in a governmental framework to its implementation. This happens by combining theoretical aspects and practical fieldwork. Public Policy prepares people to work in ancillary fields such as journalism, management, human resources and academics.
What comes under Public Policy?
Although the curriculum will differ, essential elements that are covered in a master’s degree in Public Policy are:
- Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis Methods
- International and Global Affairs
- Social and Urban Policy
- Rural Development
- Business and Government Policy
- Policy Design and Implementation
- Economics for Public Policy
- Political Philosophy for Public Policy
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
What comes after the Master’s degree?
The scope of Public Policy is relatively varied. So, students interested in advanced studies find several careers to pursue. From governance to media, the options are vast. Here are some of the avenues for those who are considering postgraduate studies in Public Policy:
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Government Positions
Under this umbrella, come many different kinds of positions. Some careers are even specific to countries, depending on their procedures to induct people into government services.
- Legislative Aide: Aides assist senior legislators in conducting extensive research, drafting legislation and sharing recommendations for improvement.
- Civil Servant: As a government official, one represents the state in different areas of the country and makes critical decisions in foreign relations and administration.
- Public Relations Manager: As a PR manager for federal departments or agencies, the job involves building and sustaining relations with community members and ensuring that the correct information is conveyed.
- Campaign Manager: They are responsible for the smooth implementation of events and campaigns by coordinating amongst different government and external actors like the media, vendors and concerned citizens.
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Non-Profit Organisations
A significant number of students opt for working in the non-profit sector, right from NGOs to think tanks. Those who enjoy fieldwork find such opportunities particularly rewarding.
- Research Assistant: NGOs, multinationals and think tanks recruit students for their extensive research requirements. In most cases, the recruitment process is very competitive.
- Community Outreach Manager: This is an excellent position for students who have great communication skills and enjoy interacting with people. They are responsible for reaching out to different organisations and conveying their company’s plans, policies or initiatives.
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Private Sector Jobs
Private sector positions pay very well. With a rapid increase in Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, MA degree holders in Public Policy are becoming essential for multinationals.
- Consultants: A very competitive but cushy position, consultants counsel corporates on conducting themselves vis-à-vis the government and external stakeholders.
- Government Relations Manager: They are responsible for maintaining close contact and warm relations between the upper echelons of management and essential people within the government.
- Public Relations, specialising in Community Outreach: As a PR specialist, the idea is to maintain good relations with the media and non-profit organisations on behalf of your company.
Where can you study a Master’s in Public Policy?
Here are some of the popular Master’s degrees in Public Policy:
United States of America
- MA in Public Management, John Hopkins University
- Master in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
- MA in Public Policy, University of Chicago
- MA in Public Policy, Oregon State University
- Master of Public Affairs, Indiana University Bloomington
- Master in Public Policy and Administration, Northwestern University
- MA in Urban and Public Affairs, University of San Francisco
- MA in Environmental Resource Policy, George Washington University
- Master of Public Policy, USC Price
- Master of Public Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh
Canada
- Master of Public Policy, University of Calgary
- Master of Public Policy, Munk School, University of Toronto
- Master of Public Policy, Max Bell School, McGill University
- Master of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University
- MA Public Policy and Administration, Ryerson University
- MA Public Policy and Administration, Concordia University Montreal
- MA in Public Policy, University of Saskatchewan
- Master of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University
- Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus
- Master of Public Administration, Dalhousie University
For those who feel passionately about social development and love interacting with people, MPP is a great choice. It opens pathways in the governmental sector, private companies, academics and research. A master’s degree in Public Policy provides the necessary expertise that makes students stand out from their peers in terms of the knowledge and associated skills that they receive.
If you are interested in pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy in US, Canada, UK or other countries, we can help you. Connect with our expert counselors for a 15-minute free session and we will help you chalk out a clear cut admission roadmap to your dream MPP program.