Master of Public Policy
Program Information
The Rowan Experience
Rowan University’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Public Policy program aims to provide its students with the skills needed to be successful leaders and public servants in the state of New Jersey and beyond. The program features core courses on Public Policy taught by Rowan University faculty and practitioners. Students will also specialize in a policy area consistent with Rowan's strengths or choose an interdisciplinary track. Students will gain valuable field experience and engage in in-depth research. The program features Political Science, Economics, and Policy faculty and members of the New Jersey public policy community with years of experience in the field. The program is designed to accommodate full time students and working professionals with evening classes and a flexible timeline for completion.
What is a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Public Policy?
Rowan University’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Public Policy provides students with the skills needed to be successful leaders and public servants in the state of New Jersey and beyond. The program features core courses on Public Policy and the opportunity for students to specialize in a policy area consistent with their area of expertise including:
- Criminal Justice
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Education
- Emergency Management
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Health & Emergency Management
- Social Change
- Interdisciplinary
Students will gain valuable field experience and engage in in-depth research. Courses are taught by Rowan’s political science, economics, and policy faculty along with members of the New Jersey policy community with years of experience in the field. The program is designed to accommodate full time students and working professionals with evening classes and a flexible timeline for completion.
What is the difference between Public Policy and Public Administration?
Public Policy and Public Administration both appeal to mission-focused individuals with a desire to solve problems and make things better in our communities. The difference is in the approach. Public Policy is focused on research and analysis and uses qualitative and quantitative methodologies to produce evaluations, case studies, and statistical models that test policies. Public Administration is focused on administration and leadership and is involved in managing and implementing policy. Rowan University’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Public Policy includes an interdisciplinary concentration for students who want to build expertise in leadership and management.
Curriculum
The Master of Public Policy is a full-time or part-time program offered face-to-face format at our Glassboro campus. It requires the completion of 39 graduate semester hours (12-13 courses).
- 12-13 Courses / 39 Semester Hours
- Foundation Courses: No
- Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: 21 S.H. | ||
| EDPA 02510 | Introduction to Policy Analysis | 3 |
| EDPA 02512 | Quantitative Methods in Public Policy | 3 |
| EDPA 02514 | Essentials of Economics for Public Policy | 3 |
| EDPA 02516 | State and Local Politics in Policy Analysis | 3 |
| EDPA 02518 | Public Finance and Cost-Benefit Analysis | 3 |
| EDPA 02520 | Social Policy | 3 |
| EDPA 02690 | Capstone in Public Policy | 3 |
| Elective Fields: Courses: Choose 12 S.H. in One Subject Area | ||
| Criminal Justice Policy Field | 12 | |
| Diversity and Inclusion on Policy Field | 12 | |
| Education Policy Field | 12 | |
| Engineering and Public Policy Field | 12 | |
| Environmental Policy Field | 12 | |
| Social Change Field | 12 | |
| Health and Emergency Management Field | 12 | |
| Emergency Management Field | 12 | |
| Interdisciplinary Field | 12 | |
| Thesis Courses: 6 S.H. | ||
| EDPA 02580 | Public Policy Internship** | 6 |
| EDPA 02590 | Thesis in Public Policy I** | 3 |
| EDPA 02592 | Thesis in Public Policy II** | 3 |
*Refer to the Program Guide for electives available under each field.
**Choose either Public Policy Internship or Thesis in Public Policy I & II
Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation, or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
- Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives
- Provide reasons for pursuing this program. Describe how you might use this program to advance your career.
- Two letters of recommendation
Ready to Start Your Journey?
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Public Policy Jobs
Career Outlook
Those who can analyze policy are found at all levels in a variety of positions in the public and private sectors. Typically, skills developed in a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Public Policy program can be used to raise awareness of social and political issues, as well as research, analyze, and solve complex policy matters. Policy analysts are employed in federal, state, and local government, government agencies, think tanks, research institutions, consulting firms, academia, advocacy groups, NGOs, and non-profit organizations. Increasingly, policy analysts are employed in the public affairs departments of major corporations to monitor and research government trends and track developments in economic and regulatory policies.
Admission
Additional Information
The chart below details available entry terms for the Master of Public Policy program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.
| Entry Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 21 |
| Spring | November 1 |
May 1 is the early deadline for scholarship consideration.
Apply NowAt Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
RatesWe know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
More InfoThe chart below details available entry terms for the Master of Public Policy program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.
| Entry Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 21 |
| Spring | November 1 |
May 1 is the early deadline for scholarship consideration.
Apply NowAt Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
RatesWe know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
More Info
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Info Session or Event
Rowan University hosts a series of on campus and virtual events throughout the year to help you get to know us. From general information sessions, to program specific meetings with advisors, to webinars on timely and thought-provoking topics, these gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions, network with academics and future students, and learn from some of the most innovative and informed faculty in higher education today.
WITH ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES