Public Policy

Public policy is how the state attempts to rule. The of study public policy, therefore, is the study how democratic governments solve problems and how actors exercise power inside and outside of government. Students at Simmons are prepared for academic research and the practice of policymaking.

The Three Paths to the MPP at Simmons

1. 3+1
2. Simmons Edge
3. Graduate admissions

Students in Simmons University's Master in Public Policy (MPP) program come from diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and have different goals for the future. Some of are 3+1 students, working an accelerated program for BA (in Political Science, Economics, or Sociology) and MPP degrees in four years. Others are part of the Simmons' Edge plan, earning an undergraduate degree (in any field) in four years and an MPP in one year, two years, or on a go-on-your-own pace schedule. Many have come to Simmons after earning an undergraduate degree elsewhere, and may earn their MPP degree in one year, two years, or on a go-on-your-own pace schedule.

There are other ways to study public policy at Simmons University, too. These include the MA in Gender and Cultural Studies and Public Policy, and the Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Public Policy Certificate.

There are Several Advantages to a Simmons MPP Degree

• Boston, Boston, Boston. Simmons students have the unique benefit of being located in Boston, a lively hub of innovation in government, medicine, technology, and social activism. This setting provides meaningful internship placement locations as well as access to future employment opportunities and networking.
• Mentorship. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive individual attention from their professors. Simmons faculty, in turn, have active research agendas. They embody the liberal model of the engaged teacher-scholar.
• Diversity of faculty expertise. Faculty specialize in areas such as environmental public policy, international public policy, public policy and capitalism, social justice, and qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Diversity of student interests. Recent MPP theses include studies on women's prisons, the role of professional state legislatures in educational policy, anti-transgender legislation, delegated authority in American federalism, and the privatization of social services.
• Flexibility. Students come first at Simmons, which offers the option to complete the program through full- or part-time study. Unlike many MPP programs, Simmons students can complete the 11-course degree in as little as one year.
• Career development. MPP students present research in public settings such as conferences and pursue fellowships and internships for on-the-ground policy experience. Our alumni go on to careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and in business.

Students working on their combined undergraduate and graduate degrees (3+1 or Edge) should consult an Academic Planning Worksheet.

Simmons MPP students are passionate about making a difference. Through this master's degree, they gain a command of public policy analysis and an applied understanding of the various surrounding institutional contexts. This fosters their ability to bring about positive change from policy development through to its implementation, understanding the impact of their work on society.

Unlike many other degrees at the master's level, MPP programs prepare candidates for future academic work as well as the practice of public policy. The Simmons curriculum builds a broad base of knowledge in policy areas, including economic policy and social policy. And, through its interdisciplinary electives, Simmons students follow their passions, developing expertise in areas of importance to them. Our graduate electives range from race and culture, feminist international relations, epidemiology, project management, and the food supply. These areas of expertise are further honed through formal independent study and the capstone research paper. This sequence, which moves from general public policy knowledge to the specialized expertise, is common among MPP programs, as is the program's method of evaluation: research papers, policy briefs, and capstone theses.

Its dynamic curriculum draws on courses in economics, quantitative methods, political science, and sociology, providing students with an interdisciplinary foundation that leads to deeper, more substantive policy analysis. The MPP degree provides an integrated, well-rounded perspective of public policy in the United States. Explore the full course breakdown below in the Program Requirements section.

The MPP degree also includes both an internship experience and capstone project that challenge students to put in-classroom learning into action. Some students write academic-oriented theses in the tradition of the policy process, whereas others write policy analyses aimed at developing solutions. These skills-based exercises help propel students into their policy-oriented careers.

Simmons students have the unique benefit of being located in Boston, a lively hub of innovation in government, academics, and medicine. The city provides meaningful internship placement locations as well as access to future employment opportunities and networking opportunities.

Program Learning Objectives

Students receiving an MPP degree will be skilled in multi-dimensional policy analysis, as defined by the following:

• An understanding of the factors that influence the direction of government action
• An understanding of the "tools" available to address policy problems
• An understanding of the effects of government action
• An understanding of the various constituencies that influence how policy is made and the theoretical underpinnings of real-life policy choices

Beyond the coursework, MPP students also develop essential skills needed to be successful in the public policy field, including written and verbal communication, public speaking, conflict resolution, interpersonal management, problem solving, and decision-making ability.

MPP Career Outlook

Simmons MPP graduates go on to make a difference in the world. They are experienced leaders capable of creating policy solutions to society's most pressing problems.

Our graduates have pursued rewarding careers in government, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy centers, assuming important positions such as:

• Policy Analyst
• Government Relations Manager/Advocate
• Advancement Officer
• City Manager or Councilor
• Nonprofit Research Analyst
• Legislative Aide

Some students also opt to continue their education and further specialize in their area of professional interest by pursuing a law degree or Ph.D. program in public policy, political science, economics, or sociology.

The Simmons Promise

Remember, our student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1. Your professors are always ready to offer advice, chat about coursework, or contemplate the future. As true believers of the liberal arts education, we are here to help you craft intellectually stimulating and personally meaningful careers in public policy. 

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