
Leanne Doherty
- Associate Professor
Simmons University’s Master in Public Policy (MPP) Degree provides an interdisciplinary understanding of complex, ever-evolving societal problems and their potential solutions. The MPP degree builds analytical skills and data-driven research ability to better serve local, national, and global communities.
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 completely the impact of their work on all levels of society.
The 11-course Master’s in Public Policy degree can be taken through full- or part-time study with most students completing the degree within two years. 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. Accentuated by elective courses in the College of Social Sciences, Policy, and Practice, 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 theory into action to strategize effective policy solutions grounded firmly in data analysis. Each of these hands-on learning experiences help students refine their academic focus and skill set as they work diligently for real clients to address their public policy challenges.
Simmons students have the unique benefit of being located in Boston, a lively hub of innovation in government, academics, and medicine. This provides endless, meaningful internship placement locations as well as access to future employment opportunities and networking opportunities.
Students receiving an MPP degree will be skilled in multi-dimensional policy analysis, as defined by the following:
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.
Simmons MPP graduates go on to make an impactful difference in the world. They are experienced leaders capable of creating and implementing 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:
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, and sociology.
Students interested in applying to the MPP degree program must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, achieving at least a B (3.0) average. All students must successfully complete a college level course in Statistics as well as Introduction to Microeconomics.
Applicants must submit the following items to be considered for admission:
Learn more about the MPP application process, including upcoming admission deadlines.
Simmons University’s Master in Public Policy degree is the ideal fit for students seeking to put their analytical skills into practice to strategize effective, data-driven policy solutions that address issues occurring in their communities.
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