QS Top Grad School Guide 2009

Page 74

Angla

Public policy

United States, but around the world.” Compared to public administration programs, the scope of the MPP training prepares students for a broader range of careers inside and outside government, Pace explains. “The MPP provides students with a strong background in the qualitative and quantitative skills necessary for effective organizational management and leadership.” Van Hermet agrees. “Early public policy programs traditionally taught students to be analysts, helping to design effective government programs. While devoting significant attention to such analysis, Pepperdine University is committed to nurturing leaders who can use these tools to effect real change, not only in government agencies, but also in the private and non-profit sectors.” GPPI admits MMP students representing a variety of academic and professional backgrounds including: political science, economics, English, engineering, history, sociology, nursing, business, philosophy and biology. For admission, a prospective student must submit a resumé, two essays, three letters of recommendation, transcripts and GRE scores. Carnegie Mellon University offers the Masters of Public Policy and Management at its campus in Adelaide, Australia. Kathryn Dugan, assistant director of admissions at Carnegie Mellon Heinz

Sense of identity: graduates in public policy have strong analytical skills MBA as well because of the increasing overlap between the public and private sectors.” Several of Warwick’s MPA modules deal explicitly with governance in an international perspective and there are opportunities for students

“Masters’ students develop capabilities which enhance effectiveness in the workplace and gain a better understanding of the way government operates” School of Public Policy and Management says the school works alongside public and private sector organizations in the region that are actively seeking to employ talented professionals. “The Heinz School exists to improve the ability of public, not-for profit and private organizations to address the challenges facing society, and to strengthen our cultural resources through leadership,” she says.

Masters of Public Administration (MPA) Warwick University’s Masters of Public Administration (MPA) is a postgrad, postexperience, mid-career Masters qualification, Irene Kavallieratos, program manager, says. “In order to be successful in pursuing a career in public administration, graduates need to be able to work in complex and changing environments and have a high commitment to service delivery, working across sectors and departments.” Warwick’s MPA degree encompasses philosophy, politics, economics, law, sociology and psychology – during which students will learn skills including new ideas, tools, and techniques they can apply straight after completing each module. “We regularly review and renew the content of the MPA with feedback from participants, employers and people in the world of policy and practice, “ Kavallieratos says. “We open some of our modules to participants from the Warwick

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to study outside the UK in the USA, South Africa, Belgium, and Poland.

Masters of Governance and Public Policy The Masters of Governance and Public Policy at the University of Queensland offers students courses which are relevant to contemporary issues in public policy and government. Students can undertake four key streams of study including public health, public management, resource management, and governance and development. Naomi Smith, of the School of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Queensland, says to be successful in pursuing a career in governance and public policy, graduates must have superior research and analytical skills coupled with well developed written and oral communication skills. Applicants to the Masters of Governance and Public Policy program must hold an approved degree or have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy. They must also satisfy the Executive Dean and Head of School that they are qualified for admission. “The Masters of Governance and Public Policy equips students with practical knowledge, research, analysis, and communication skills. When undertaking the Masters, students will develop capacities which enhance effectiveness in the workplace and gain a better understanding of the

way government operates and the major public issues confronting our society,” Smith says.

Careers Masters degrees in the field of public policy provide students with the skills and knowledge to pursue an exciting and rewarding career. Graduates will be equipped with rigorous policy analysis skills and an understanding of the policy-making process that can be applied in a variety of industries, sectors and organizations worldwide. Graduates of Masters degrees in the field of public policy and administration have gone on to a range of careers in non-profit, private and public sectors:  Non profit: public interest and advocacy organizations, trade or professional associations, foundations, research organizations and think tanks, international organizations and education institutions  Private: government or public relations, lobbying, consulting firms, health, financial, legal services, media, applied sciences, technology firms  Public: federal/national, provincial/local and state governments, multilateral organizations Positions variously include ministerial advisor, policy advisor, media officer, research officer, communication officer, project manager, and consultant. If a world of change, leadership, and challenge appeals; if a career advising, managing and developing is what you’re looking for, then consider a Masters in the field of public policy to get you there. Top universities around the world offer a variety of Masters degrees to prepare you for such a career and as policies are researched, created, and actioned, you as a graduate could be making a difference.

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