Why you should consider this program

At the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, public service is our calling. Finding real solutions for real problems means thinking differently, collaborating across disciplines, working at the intersection of theory and practice, and having an impact at the local, state, national, and global levels. We seek clever and passionate students who want to develop the analytical aptitude and practical skills to be visionary leaders in public service.

The MPP program recruits potential policy leaders from across the country and world into public service, and prepares them for careers fostering more effective and cross-sector global, national, and local policies and governance processes, through:

• Careful analysis of evidence using sophisticated interdisciplinary lenses;
• Practical experience leveraging our unique location;
• Exposure to best practices and top policy leaders;
• Development of professional, leadership, and innovation skills; and
• Appreciation for democratic and inclusive ideals in a multicultural world.

We aim for all graduates to be capable generalists and, when desired, to have a grounding in specific topic areas. Program specializations include:

• Education Policy
  
• Environmental Policy
  
• Energy Policy
  
• Health Policy
  
• International Development
  
• International Security and Economic Policy
  
• Nonprofit Management & Leadership
  
• Public Management & Leadership
  
• Public Sector Financial Management
  
• Science & Technology Policy
  
• Social Policy
  

The MPP is 48 credits.

The MPM program is a mid-career version of the MPP.  Applicants with five or more years of leadership or policy experience after earning their bachelors’ degrees are eligible.  The MPM is 36 credits.

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

	Tuition/fees for Complete Program	Value of Coverdell Fellowship	Net cost *
In state	$ 43,374	$ 31,792	$ 11,582
Out of state	$ 90,900	$ 78,976	$ 11,924

* 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 the first point below for more details.

Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from

10 hour-per-week graduate assistantship that includes a stipend, tuition remission and health benefits.

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

5

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 14,120

Application fee waived?

Yes

Internship

Coverdell Fellows are connected to the University of Maryland's Do Good Institute, the iGive program, or the Public Leadership program, which conducts a variety of programs that serve up to 100 local organizations.

Coverdell Fellows participate as leaders for the undergraduate Community-Based Learning program in which they engage with an organization in the wider community to design and implement a project of their choice. The projects give students the opportunity to use their leadership training outside of the classroom, thus helping them become more thoughtful and experienced leaders, while also providing a service to the community. A few examples are:

• A Wider Circle 
• UMD Campus Pantry
• Homeless Children's Playtime Project
  

Jobs for program alumni

• Lobbyist, Environmental Defense Fund 
• Project Management Associate, Chemonics 
• Strategic Communications Director, U.S.A.I.D. 
• Deputy Director, Program on Crisis, Conflict and Cooperation 
• Center for Strategic and International Studies 
• Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State
  

Other details

Program length

MPP is four semesters, MPM is three semesters

Application requirements

Transcripts, GRE or GMAT (for MPP, not required for MPM), three letters of recommendation, Personal statement, resume, $75 application fee (may be paid by department on behalf of actively serving Peace Corps volunteers)

Program begins

Approximately by August 30

Non-traditional options

• None

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started

2008

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Contact

Taryn Faulkner, Graduate Admissions Director, School of Public Policy