Public Policy (MPP)
Please visit the program page to learn about curriculum, faculty, careers, and more! You may also be interested in seeing our course descriptions. To request more information about this degree, please fill out our form. Questions? Contact admissions via email or at 617-521-2915.
How to Apply
To get started on your application, click the link below:
If you are interested in applying for a different semester, please contact Graduate Studies Admission via email or at 617-521-2915.
*Please access the application through a newer version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Users will not be able to access forms through Internet Explorer 6, 7 or 8 on Windows XP.
Application Requirements
Admission requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a strong undergraduate record. Additionally, evidence of exposure to U.S. politics and statistics is preferred. The applicant for admission must submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and previous graduate coursework, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, an academic or policy-based writing sample, and two recommendations (academic preferred). An interview is optional. Students are admitted to the MPP program in the fall semester.
Application checklist:
- A completed online application or paper application form
- Current résumé
- Statement of purpose that addresses the following:
- In a minimum of 500 words, please describe your academic and nonacademic background, your reasons for applying to the MPP program, and how your future goals will be supported by obtaining this degree.
- Two letters of recommendation, with at least one from an academic source. Please select recommenders that are familiar with your capacity for analytical, critical, and/or theoretical reasoning and writing. Supplemental letters may be submitted to [email protected] if desired. We do not accept recommendations from those who have a personal relationship with you (such as family members, doctors, or clergy).
- Academic or policy-based writing sample
- Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate-level courses taken, including official transcripts from all study-abroad programs.* Official transcripts can be mailed to the address below or emailed to [email protected]. For transcripts to be official, they must come directly from your college/university or sent through a service such as National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment. There is no section within the application form to upload transcripts as transcripts uploaded by the applicant are considered unofficial.
- TOEFL scores, if English is not the applicant's first language and the applicant does not hold a degree from a university where English is the primary language of instruction
- Non-refundable application fee of $35
Applicants may opt to submit an official GRE score report, but the GRE is not required. For GRE score reporting, Simmons' code is 3761.
Application materials submitted by mail can be sent to:
Office of Graduate Studies Admission
Simmons University
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
Additional Requirements:
- Statistics and Microeconomics
Successful applicants to the Master in Public Policy (MPP) program are required to complete college-level courses in statistics and microeconomics with a minimum grade of “B” in each. Applicants who are offered admission to the MPP program without having completed one or both of the required courses will be asked to provide evidence of successful completion of the relevant courses, including the grade(s) received, within the first year of study in the program. Admitted students who seek to fulfill the coursework requirements may enroll in relevant courses at Simmons or at any accredited college or university. Please contact the Office of Graduate Studies Admission at [email protected] or 617-521-2915 with any questions about fulfilling these requirements.
Note: Applicants may apply to our program even if they have not fulfilled the statistics and/or microeconomics requirement(s). These requirements will not impact the admission decision.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to receive timely decisions on admission and scholarship eligibility. To meet our priority application deadline, completed application files should be submitted by no later than the following dates:
- Fall: August 1st (of the year in which you plan to enroll)
- Spring: January 15th (of the year in which you plan to enroll)
Admission may be deferred for up to two semesters, after which applicants must reapply.
Resources
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Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees at Simmons are updated annually each spring. They are assessed each semester based on the number of credits enrolled, the level of degree, and the particular program of study.
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Health insurance
All students taking 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage.
Non-degree enrollment option
If you are unsure about enrolling in a graduate program, or just want to advance your educational experience, non-degree study at Simmons is the best option for you.
Contact us
Questions? Contact us via email or at 617-521-2915. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours.