Degrees Offered

M.P.P.

The Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) requires 40 credits and the writing of a policy analysis paper. Master's students also participate in a capstone course that results in a group policy analysis project. Preprofessional M.P.P. students are also encouraged to participate in an internship.

Curriculum and program requirements
Study concentrations
Capstone papers

Ph.D.

The distinguishing characteristic of the Ph.D. curriculum is dissertation research. The Doctor of Philosophy, Public Policy (Ph.D.) degree requires the successful completion of the equivalent of 48 hours of course work, a core-comprehensive examination and a field qualifying examination, 12 hours of dissertation research, and the writing and successful defense of a dissertation.

Curriculum and program requirements
Study concentrations
Dissertation abstracts

Combined B.A./Masters in Public Policy (Accelerated Pathway Program)

The Accelerated Pathway Program allows UMBC undergraduates with strong academic records to begin taking graduate level courses toward the M.P.P. degree in the senior year. UMBC undergraduates interested in enrolling in the B.A./M.P.P. combined program should apply for admission by the second semester of their junior year. For more information, contact the Public Policy Department.

M.A. in Economic Policy Analysis/Ph.D. in Public Policy

This joint program provides students with a broad perspective on policy formulation along with focused training in analytic techniques commonly used by economists. For more information, contact David Mitch in the Department of Ecomonics (econ-masters@umbc.edu; 410-455-2157).

Combined Programs

Combined programs allow students to obtain a degree that meets their professional goals, as well as their schedule and budget.

Dual Degree Programs with the University of Maryland School of Law, and the University of Baltimore School of Law. These programs lead to a J.D./M.P.P. or a J.D./Ph.D. Contact:
University of Maryland School of Law (410-706-3492; admissions@law.umaryland.edu)
University of Baltimore School of Law - Tony Torain (410-837-4529; ttorain@ubalt.edu)

Articulated M.P.A-Ph.D. in Public Policy with the University of Baltimore. Qualified students in the University of Baltimore's Master of Public Administration program may apply for early admission into the UMBC Public Policy Ph.D. program. Contact:
Dan Martin, UB Director of Graduate Studies in Public Administration (410-837-6118; dmartin@ubalt.edu)

Coordinated Masters of Community Planning-Ph.D. in Public Policy with the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP). This program leads to a Master of Community Planning (M.C.P.)/Ph.D. in Public Policy, and allows M.C.P. students to save approximately one year of coursework in the Public Policy program. Contact at UMBC -
Sally Helms (410-455-3202; helms@umbc.edu); at UMCP - James Cohen (302-405-6285).

Dual Degree Program with Baltimore Hebrew University. This program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in Jewish community organizations. Students receive a Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service from Baltimore Hebrew University, and a M.P.P. or Ph.D. in Public Policy from UMBC. Contact:
Barbara Zirkin (bzirkin@bhu.edu).

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