Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the main FAQ page for additional questions related to Admission. If you cannot find the answers to your questions on this Web site, please contact the School of Continuing Studies' Graduate Admission Office at (312) 503-1083.

Program Information:

What are the advantages of Northwestern University's MPPA degree program?
The MPPA degree offers a unique blend of policy and administration coursework not found in other Chicago-area programs. Students have the opportunity to concentrate in cutting-edge areas, such as Public Policy, Public Safety and Security, IT Management, and Health Services Policy. The MPPA's flexible course schedule enables students to pursue full-time employment during the day.

When and where do classes meet?
MPPA classes are held on the Chicago Lakefront, Evanston, and Loop campuses. Each class meets once a week, either in the evening Monday-Thursday or Saturdays during the day.

What is the total number of credits required to complete the program? Is a thesis required?
The program requires successful completion of a 13-unit curriculum. A "unit" is usually equivalent to one course and translates to 3 semester credit hours. A thesis is required and counts as the student's final course ("capstone project").

Will my degree be conferred through the School of Continuing Studies? What will my diploma read?
For students who enter the MPPA program beginning in the Spring 2006 quarter, the degree will be conferred by Northwestern University's School of Continuing Studies and your diploma will state this fact. For students who entered the program prior to Spring 2006, your degree will be conferred by The Graduate School. Please note that this is an administrative technicality only; the academic quality and rigor of the program is the same for all students.

Who will be teaching my courses?
MPPA faculty comes from a variety of places. Full-time Northwestern faculty, university lecturers, research faculty from Northwestern University, and current and former public sector leaders all teach MPPA classes.

Can I complete this degree while working full time?
Most students pursue the MPPA degree on a part-time basis.Due to the rigorous nature of Northwestern study, students who work full-time are strongly encouraged to pursue the MPPA degree on a part-time basis. Occasionally, students whose schedules allow may accelerate to fulltime. The School of Continuing Studies does not guarantee that this will always be possible.

How long will it take for me to complete the MPPA program?
Northwestern University allows students a maximum of five years to complete a program, although master's degree students generally complete degree requirements in two to three years.

Can I transfer in credits from another Graduate program?
No coursework may be transferred in from outside Northwestern University to fulfill MPPA program coursework. However, courses in the Professional Graduate Series in Public Safety and Security or taken as a Nondegree Special Student may be applied to the program. Up to three will count for students admitted before Spring 2006; all count for students admitted thereafter.

Are there any online courses available?
Not at this time.

How large are the class sizes?
Class size typically ranges from 10 to 35 students.

Can I take just one course?
Yes. If you do not want to pursue the entire degree or feel that you need professional or academic upgrades in a certain area, you can take courses on an individual basis as a Nondegree Special Student or Visiting Scholar.

What would earning this degree do for my career?
Generally, the credential of having taken a master's degree or other graduate level work at Northwestern University will look impressive on any résumé. The advantage of this program specifically is its focus on the professional needs of those working in the public and independent sectors. Not only will students develop a strong understanding of the theoretical foundations of public policy, they will develop the administrative skills necessary to become effective managers of policy personnel. The knowledge gained in the programs will certainly be of great benefit to someone looking for career enhancement.

Admissions:

How do I apply for entry into the program?
All MPPA applicants must submit the following items:

• Online Application
• Nonrefundable application fee; see application for cost and instructions for payment.
• One sealed copy of official transcripts from all previous college or university academic work. THIS INCLUDES BOTH CREDIT AND NONCREDIT COURSEWORK. (Note: Students submitting international transcripts must present a course-by-course evaluation of their previous academic work.)
• Two Letters of Recommendation preferably focusing on academic and/or professional achievement and ability
• One copy of a 300-word statement of intent, indicating preparedness for graduate study and future career interests.
• One copy of a résumé including relevant work or research experience.
• Four copies of a writing sample (optional for fall 2007 applicants, mandatory for winter 2008 and after)

How will my application be evaluated?
Your application will be evaluated by the MPPA Admissions Committee. The following considerations will guide the Admissions Committee in reviewing your application:

• The Statement of Purpose demonstrates if a student's academic and professional goals are appropriate for this degree. This statement will also aid the committee in determining if the prospective student possesses the necessary writing skills and intellectual maturity for succeeding in this program.
• The Letters of Recommendation serve to underscore the applicant's commitment to graduate education and ability to succeed in graduate level work.
• The Résumé is used to provide evidence of a student's continuing commitment to and/or understanding of the Public Policy and Administration field. While we prefer candidates to possess 3-5 years of work and/or research experience in a related area, recent college graduates and career changers are also encouraged to apply. These applicants must demonstrate to the committee their commitment to the MPPA program by detailing previous internships, academic or volunteer work.

What does the ideal applicant look like?
The MPPA program is academic and professional, so the ideal student has substantial abilities and experience in both areas. An academic background and research experience in public policy-related areas, such as political science, history, sociology, statistics, is especially desirable. Students with no coursework in such areas should consider taking courses at the undergraduate level before applying. Work experience, even internships, is an advantage. All applicants should be able to demonstrate how they are prepared to succeed in the program and use the degree to advance their professional careers.