Public Policy Graduate Programs in NYC

<h2 id="section---CUNYGraduateSchoolAndUniversityCenter">CUNY Graduate School and University Center</h2><p>This programs offered by CUNY's Graduate Center include both PhD and master's degrees in public policy. Students can decide whether to focus on issues of urban policy, social welfare issues, housing policy, or community policy. This degree allows graduates to enter the nonprofit, federal, or private sectors as teachers, political advocates, policy analysts, and more. </p><h2 id="section---ColumbiaUniversity">Columbia University</h2><p>Columbia University offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree with a specialization in public policy. Graduates of the program generally find work in a wide variety of careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors; many students work in management or as policy analysts. </p><h2 id="section---JohnJayCollegeOfCriminalJustice">John Jay College of Criminal Justice</h2><p>The John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree with a public policy and administration concentration. This program prepares students for careers as policy analysts and managers. </p><h2 id="section---TheNewSchool">The New School</h2><p>The New School offers a Master of Science in Public and Urban Policy. The program, which takes approximately 2 years to complete allows students to explore the theory behind public policy while at the same time exploring the practical applications of that theory; graduates may work in a variety of sectors and industries. </p><h2 id="section---MetropolitanCollegeOfNewYork">Metropolitan College of New York</h2><p>The Metropolitan College of New York offers a Master of Public Affairs and Administration program. The program prepares students for careers as policy analysts, managers, and more by giving them opportunities to apply the theoretical knowledge they learn in their courses in real-world settings. </p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>School Name</th><th>Programs Offered</th><th>Tuition (2018-2019)</th></tr> <tr><td>New York University </td><td>Master of Science in Public Policy (MSPP) and Master of Public Administration (MPA*)</td><td>$42,888*</td></tr> <tr><td>CUNY Graduate Center</td><td>PhD in Political Science with public policy concentration and M.A. in Political Science with public policy concentration</td><td>$9,640 (New York residents); $22,440 (out-of-state residents)*</td></tr> <tr><td>Columbia University</td><td>Master of Public Administration (MPA)</td><td>$46,216*</td></tr> <tr><td>John Jay College of Criminal Justice</td><td>Master of Public Administration (MPA)</td><td>$10,770 (New York residents); $19,920 (out-of-state residents)*</td></tr> <tr><td>The New School</td><td>Master of Science in Public and Urban Policy</td><td>$45,669*</td></tr> <tr><td>Metropolitan College of New York</td><td>Master of Public Affairs and Administration</td><td>$28,050*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *NCES</i> </p><h2 id="section---GraduateDegreeProgramsInPublicPolicy">Graduate Degree Programs in Public Policy</h2><p>Most public policy graduate programs in New York City require that applicants already have a bachelor's degree and meet certain GPA criteria. Students can generally earn a master's degree in public policy in 1-2 years; common course topics include an introduction to public policy, how policy is formed and analyzed, economics, and research methodologies. Learn about some of the common courses in these programs below: </p><h3 id="section---IntroductionToPublicPolicy">Introduction to Public Policy</h3><p>Most public policy programs require that students complete an introductory course to become familiar with policy analysis tools and methodologies, the process of policymaking, and how the various political arenas in this country influence public policy. Upon completing the course, students should be able to describe various public policy analysis methods, how our institutions make decisions regarding public policy, and what strategies different sectors use to achieve their desired public policy outcomes. </p><h3 id="section---MethodsOfAnalysis">Methods of Analysis</h3><p>This course explores how to collect and analyze various types of data using different analytical tools and methods. It also introduces students to effective ways to conduct public policy research and how to present and explain quantitative information. </p><h3 id="section---PublicPolicyFormation">Public Policy Formation</h3><p>Courses in how public policy is formed examine how and why public policy is created at the federal, state, and local levels. They also explore how politics and the political climate shape (and are shaped by) public policy. These courses also often aim to give students exposure to how they must think and communicate when they are working as policy analysts. </p><h3 id="section---Economics">Economics</h3><p>Economics courses (both microeconomics and macroeconomics) give students an understanding of the theories and language used by economists. They also introduce students to the tools economists use to understand and think about economic issues. Most public policy graduate degree programs require students take both macroeconomics and microeconomics; after completing both courses, students should have a broad understanding of how economic issues drive and influence public policy. </p><h3 id="section---PolicyAnalysis">Policy Analysis</h3><p>Policy analysis courses generally focus on providing students with the ability to analyze the various policy decisions made by governmental agencies, political leaders, political groups, and more. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify the motives and preferred outcomes behind specific policy decisions. They should also be able to explain various policy strategies and tactics, using language specific to the field. </p><p>Public policy graduate programs in New York City offer students the chance to prepare for work as policy analysts, managers, and more in both the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. These programs offer a wide curriculum to give students the information they need to understand both the theories and practicalities of public policy formation, analysis, and research.</p>