Public Policy + Gender and Cultural Studies (MA)
Please visit the program page to learn about curriculum, faculty, careers, and more! 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:
Students will submit one application and it will be reviewed by program directors from GCS and Public Policy.
*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
Applicants are expected to submit a completed application file that includes the following:
- A completed application form. Be sure to review your completed form carefully and provide your electronic signature.
- Statement of purpose - may be submitted as two separate statements (~500 words each) or one combined statement (~1000 words) Statement of purpose prompts:
- Gender and Cultural Studies:What are your reasons for applying to the Gender and Cultural Studies program at Simmons? What factors led you to select this program? What areas of gender and cultural studies are of greatest interest to you? How does our interdisciplinary approach relate to the work that you hope to do in the program? What honors or awards have you received that might be relevant to your anticipated program?
- Public Policy: Please describe your academic and non-academic background, your reasons for applying to the MPP program, and how your future goals will be supported by obtaining this degree.
- Current resume
- A theory-based, policy-based, or analytical writing sample. If you do not have an appropriate sample available, please respond to the following prompt in no fewer than five pages: Research a subject that you would like to explore more fully in the dual degree program. You should think about why the topic you have chosen is important, and how an exploration of this subject matter connects to your future goals.
- Two letters of recommendation (both preferably from academic sources) 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).
- 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 electronic 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 in the application for applicants to upload transcripts because transcripts uploaded by the applicant are considered unofficial.
- A non-refundable application fee of $35
- GRE Scores are not required, but applicants who opt to submit GRE scores may use Simmons' code 3761 to report them.
When mailing materials to our office, please be sure to use the exact mailing address below:
Simmons University
Graduate Studies Admission
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115-5898
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. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to receive timely decisions about admission and scholarship eligibility. To meet priority application deadlines, completed application files should be submitted by no later than the following dates:
- Summer: May 1 (of the year in which you plan to enroll)
- Fall: August 1 (of the year in which you plan to enroll)
- Spring: January 15 (of the year in which you plan to enroll)
Admission may be deferred for up to two semesters, after which applicants must reapply.
Resources
Request information
Learn more about what makes Simmons University special.
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.
Merit scholarships and funding options
We believe that your exceptional academic preparation and hard work should be rewarded.
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.