University of New Hampshire - Durham - Carsey School of Public Policy

About this program

Master in Community Development (MCD)

Suited for community development practitioners and those transitioning into the field, students can choose to complete this online program in 14 to 16 months. Students directly apply what they learn in the classroom by carrying out a capstone project over four terms within their communities, developing a valuable toolkit that meets the gold standard in project management. Ideal for working professionals, this master's program is fully online, allowing students to complete their degree without leaving their current situation. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and experience required to qualify for management positions within non-profit, non-governmental, and community-based organizations in addition to government agencies and private corporations.

Master in Public Policy (MPP)

This degree offers students the skills to have an impact and make a difference—to make change happen and defend past progress—in the often challenging environment of 21st century policy making. Students learn the strategic practice of public policy, and to hone the skills that today’s policy professionals need to succeed—analytical expertise, clear and compelling communications, and the tools of leadership. Most students complete this program in 16 months.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

This degree equips students with a practical skillset combined with the theoretical foundation needed to be a successful, publicly minded professional. Students will take a suite of courses that bring together concepts from public policy, management, politics and law, providing a well-rounded understanding of what it means to run an organization in the public or nonprofit sector. Public administration is where we see public policy affecting citizens on a personal level, and where public officials fulfill the promise of democracy. Students with five years or more of relevant work experience can enroll in our Executive MPA and complete their degree in just 12 months. Classes are online with most students completing this degree in 12-16 months.

• Year partnership began: 2013
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 5

Application requirements

Official college transcripts, 3 academic or professional references, personal statement, $65 application fee, resume, GRE (for the Master in Public Policy only)

Admissions process

Send an email to [email protected] stating that you are a Coverdell Fellow applicant.

Degrees awarded

Master in Community Development, Master in Public Policy, and Master of Public Administration

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $None

Cost savings details

$8,000 tuition waiver for all programs.

Please note that financial package above is for the Master in Community Development. The cost for the other programs is the following.

Master in Public Policy (cost with Coverdell): $23,140 (In State); $26,600 (Out of State)

Master of Public Administration (cost with Coverdell): $20,260 (In State); $23,140 (Out of State). Executive MPA (cost with Coverdell): $15,550 (In State); $17,950 (Out of State).

Internship

Master in Community Development

Students in the program take a four course sequence in Project Design through Evaluation — and put theory into practice through a major, capstone project in a community. Fellows may choose a community they would like to implement their projects with or the program can assist them to identify one. Examples and details can be found here.

Master in Public Policy

Students in the program will carry out a semester-long internship in a policy-focused organization to gain practical, real-world experience and a valuable perspective on careers in public policy. Students will also complete a capstone project by employing the skills they have gained to delve deeply into a specific policy area to produce a comprehensive written report and oral presentation. Learn about the MPP Washington, D.C., Colloquium experience here.

Master of Public Administration

Students in the program complete a capstone project or internship as the culmination of their graduate work, allowing students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed in the program to real-world situations. Students have completed projects at a variety of local, state, and federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions. Examples and details can be found here.

Other opportunities

Coverdell Fellows may also qualify for other community-based fellowship opportunities which may pay certain stipends.

Jobs for alumni

A sample of recent graduates now work in the following positions and organizations:

• Executive Director, Workforce Housing Coalition of Greater Seacoast, NH
• Director, Welcome Home Coalition, OR
• President & CEO at Easterseals NH, ME, VT & Farnum Center
• Fiscal Analyst, Massachusetts State Senate Ways and Means Committee
• Legislative Aide, State of Alaska, Alaska, USA
• President, Terra Green CDC, California, USA
• Executive Director, Immigrant Women's Health, Maine, USA
• Program Director, Community Impact Associates, Massachusetts, USA
• Director of Cultural Competency and Global Diversity, Hun School of Princeton, New Jersey, USA
• Regional Services Manager, Australian Red Cross
• Community Finance Consultant, Community Empowerment Solutions, Guatemala
• Chair, Poverty Impact Council, United Way, Canada
• Founder, Cambia Development Foundation, Canada
• Director, Paso Pacifico, Nicaragua
• CEO/Senior Consultant, Inclusive Access Synergy Limited, Nigeria
• Regional Director, Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Philippines
• Deputy Directory for Legal and Security Operations, CARD Bank, Inc., Philippines
• Regional Refugee Coordinator, Kansas Department of Children and Families, Kansas, USA
• Learning Manager, Development Academy of the Philippines, Philippines

More details can be found here.

Nontraditional options

Online degree program, Part-time degree program

Coverdell Fellows can attend any of our programs on a part-time basis with their Coverdell full award package being applied over the duration of their program. In addition, the following programs enable students to attend the programs fully online:

• Master in Community Development: available fully online
• Master of Public Administration or Executive Master of Public Administration: courses are online.